I have a problem with the current crop of utilizes. They show way to much of their "farm work tractor" heritage (massive and heavy). While manufacturers try to create a "sport/ute", even their best efforts fall pretty short. That is why I don't own anything larger than a Rancher. That is my limit of tolerance for "big and heavy".

Anyway, I will need another 4X4 in the future. I like the Wolverine concept of a mix between sport and ute. This is a bike that I am trying to like, but I have to say that the machine looks awkward to me (a polite way of saying it's just plain ugly). So, I have a couple of questions. What is the front differential like? Seems like I heard that it is an "open" diff, not torque sensing or even limited slip??? And, how does it do in very technical terrain? I mean like rock crawling, nasty rocky ascents and descents??? It looks like it has a fairly high center of gravity, like it is kind of tall with a lot of the weight is up high??? Or anything else you care to add.

 

I think you would be happy with the Wolverine, I have owned mine since I bought it new in 95, I've been trail riding in the Black Hills,steep downhills in 1st, crawls real nice. I have been to a couple of dunes and went flying over the tops of big sand hills. I have been in mud and water up to the motor, where I was kneeling on the seat to keep dry, no problems. The front diff is limited slip, but you will get the old " 3 wheel drive " in certain situations, it is about time they added a locking diff to the Wolverine, but I have always been able to get out or back out of a lot of bad situations. The weight is set pretty low, I have sidehilled on some pretty scary hills, you have to lean over, but never lifted a wheel. The fenders are a bit large, and yet still let you get hit with mud, mudflaps are a must if you mud a lot,or don't like getting wet. But I have to say, I have never been disappointed with mine over the years, I have trail ridden with Banshees, 250Rs, Warriors, 350xs, etc., and have impressed them with the trail speed and corner sliding of a 4wd quad. Now with my Warn 424, I can whip it around like a sport quad, push a button, back to work !! Mods for the motor are plentiful, all Warrior mods bolt right on. It is the lightest 300 cc and up 4wd out there, and handles very well in a lot of situations.Find a buddy with one, go for a ride, I think you'll like it.

 

I have read where people have put the DGL locker on stock Wolverines, and found that it overwhelmed the power capabilites of the bike. In other words, wouldn't turn the tires in mud. But, as noted elsewhere, there are tons of power upgrades available.

Everyone says that the current Wolverine is on death row. None of my local dealers even stocks them anymore.

I hope that the next generation does not get "dumbed down" with a belt drive auto. A lightweight, manual clutch, 450 4wd with IRS and diff lock would be the ticket.

 

Lotus, I agree with everything except the IRS. I feel that the quick cornering wolf 95 was talking about can be largely due to the solid axle feel of the wolverine. I like the rest of it though I still might have to have the auto clutch. How can that guy say that the wolverine is ugly!!!! I have a black one and I think the lines are pretty cool. like the batmobile.

 

If you dont care about hauling or pulling big loads, then the wolverine is the best 4x4 quad out there imo.