I am 38 and this is my first quad, and I just think it is the coolest thing ever. I put a lot of thought into what type of quad to purchase. I didn't want a huge utility but I didn't want something so fast that it would end up killing me, either. I like the sport quads but also have a passion for all things four-wheel drive, so the Wolverine was the logical choice for me. I plan to do lots of trail riding, some snow riding, a little mud (only when it's in the way-I don't look for mud) and the occasional sand dune.
Being all new for '06, it seems that information on this bike has been slow at hitting the net. Everything I've read seems to indicate that people that don't like the idea of the Wolverine or expected something different from Yamaha seem to hate it, but everyone that has purchased one seems to love it! Well, I fit into the latter category!
Being new to all this, I didn't really know what to expect from this machine. I wasn't sure how well the auto was going to work out, although I like the idea of not having to shift all the time.
We started breaking the Wolverine in yesterday, and it did not let me down. The engine has more than enough power to haul my 200 pounds around. It does burnouts and donuts just fine! The thing climbs hills like it's the thing to do! Some of the naysayers don't like the extra weight in the front from the 4wd system, but that little extra in the front just keeps the front end planted on the ground, which is where it needs to be if you’re going up a steep incline. I took it easy on the throttle, being in the break-in driving mode, but the couple of times I got on it, it took off like it had places to go! As I got comfortable with it, I was easily able to power slide around corners at 30mph. Oh, if it hadn't come with a speedometer and odometer I wouldn't have bought it. All that digital stuff works perfect!
Did I mention how good it climbs? As far as crawling over rocks and stuff, the suspension seems a little stiff so far. There isn't much articulation, but the auto transmission ensures that there is plenty of power to push through whatever you encounter.
There are only a couple issues that I have found that I don't like. The placement of the 4wd button makes you release the throttle to engage 4wd. I can understand why Yamaha did this-they don't want you spinning the wheels when you kick in the front end. The other thing I noticed is that the front fenders rattle where they are connected to the gas tank area.
Other than these minor things, I think this is a great bike and I can't wait for next weekend when I can take it out again!!!
