I think what I want doesnt exist, but ill try anyway.

I live in maine, we have snow, and lots of muddy trails. Btu there is some ocasional open areas, fields, sand and rocks.

I want a 4X4, its only common sense around here, I like to explore so a 4x4 is needed. The thing is, I really (READ: REALLY) like to play. So a 2wd psort quad seems to fit the bill, except for exploring....

The first thing that comes to mind is a Wolverine, its a 4x4, warrior mods will work with it and I could get a warn kit for selectable 4 wheel drive. The thing is, I dont really hear much good about warriors, wolverines or the motor that pushes them.

I dont want a 650 prarie or anything, im not a big fan of big huge machines. I like big power, but a BF doesnt seem like a sport quad to me.

 

The 350 engine is the only good thing about the Warrior. It is low tech, but bulletproof. It mods up pretty well.

I really like the (old) Wolverine concept, but it was never given the refinements it really needed, so I never bought one.

 

The Wolverine was going to be my choice. Then I sat on a Vinson. I really suggest you look at them. It's got selectable 2wd/4wd stock, which is mandatory if you really want to play. Ever watch someone trying to do donuts in a 4wd in anything but sloppy mud or snow/ice and you'll see what I mean. The Wolverine was too small for me, but I'm a big guy 6'4" 190 pounds. The Vinson's relatively light weight, has a manual tranny, disc brakes all around, stock 500 motor. It is lacking a locking front diff, as does the Wolverine, but you can get a locker for it. Now keep in mind this applies 2005 and earlier Wolverines. Me, personally, I think Yamaha really dropped the ball and ruined the Wolverine for 2006. If you're a smaller type of guy then my vote is for the Wolverine. There's really not much else I'd consider a sporty sport ute. Just my $0.02.
One more thing I'd like to add. If a rider's skill is up to par, he can take a 2wd damn near anywhere a 4wd can go. Going up and down hills is not near as easy though. As far as mud, u just have to keep the throttle open and shake the bike back and forth.

 

look at a scrambler 500 my buddy has one and they handel like a sport

 

Ya, a scrambler might be a decent idea. But if you dont like the choices from the wolverine then you could go for a bigbear 400 or kodiak 400 or 450 from yamaha. The big bear is an auto clutch 5 speed while both kodiaks are automatic but they both have the choice of 2 or 4wd. They have decent speed and are both workhorses, espicially the kodiaks