Yamaha gets serious with new Wolverine
Looking for the ultimate in off-road ability? Yamaha reckon their Wolverine might be the most capable 4X4 on the tracks
Published on: 6 September 2022
Let’s face it, if your idea of a fun filled 4X4 adventure is wheeling the hardest tracks you can find, you’re probably in the wrong rig. From ‘Cruisers to Patrols. Jeeps to dual cabs. We love them all, and we love modifying them. But when it comes to wheeling hardcore tracks, even the most modified 200 Series isn’t going to hold a candle to a stock side by side. The segment is typically dominated by the Yanks with their Polaris’s. And the Canucks with their Can-Ams. Yamaha reckon their new MY22 Wolverine might be the secret sauce to changing that once and for all.
What’s under the bonnet…errr…boot?
Purring away under the back end of the Wolverine is a 999cc double overhead cam, eight valve twin cylinder donk. Factor in that fully loaded ready to go the total weight is just 850kg and that one litre engine packs plenty of punch. Yamaha are tight lipped about the actual power figures but it’s understood it punches out a little over 100hp putting it at a better power to weight than a brand new LC300. Not bad eh? That all runs through a constantly variable transmission. The belt drive scores a 10 year warranty.
How capable is it?
If you’re in rat-bag mode you can put all 108hp to the ground through the rear wheels. Flip the dash mounted switch over to 4WD when things get tough. Or for ultimate off-road ability a diff-lock mode sends equal drive to all four wheels. Match that with 30in Maxxis mud tyres. Miles of ground clearance. And slinky independent suspension reigned in by Fox shocks and it makes a hell of a convincing argument. Heck, there’s even a 4500lb Warn winch fitted from factory.
Yeah but it can’t tow a camper.
Ah bugger, you’ve got us there. We will concede that if you’re aiming to tow a 3500kg caravan to the tip of Cape York this might not be the ride for you. But if you’re asking a little less of it it’s up to the task. It’s rated to tow around 900kg. And the tub up the back can handle around 270kg of payload in there too.
What’s it like inside?
We’re not going to sugar coat it here. If it’s raining, you’re getting wet. But you are still reasonably well looked after inside the Wolverine. There’s a sun top to give you some shelter on summer days. Ample storage. Solid closing doors so you’re not just hanging out there. And some pretty solid looking bucket seats with grab bars for the passenger. There’s even a pretty trick stereo thrown in for good measure.
Who should buy one?
Let’s be honest for a minute here. These things are absolute animals off-road, but their uses are limited. Unless you live in a state with recreational registration you’ll only be able to use them on private property. They’re also not ideal to camp out of for more than a night or two. And they’re absolutely not going to tow your camper trailer to the tip and back.
These are perfect for people who like driving the gnarliest tracks they can find, and are more than happy camping in a swag next to a bon fire with some mates. Considering you can pick one up brand new for a little over $30k they make a lot of sense. Between wheels, tyres, suspension, bar work, and recovery kit for your 4X4 one of these may be both cheaper, and more capable.
