Big bear 400 vs. the OLD Wolverine 350 4x4
Ok, this is going to seem like an odd question....
but - I used to own a '99 Wolverine 350. Man I miss that quad! I'm considering selling off my 2 up Can Am since my fiancee never really rides shotgun on it anyway, and if I do I want to go back to Yamaha. But they just don't seem to have a quad out there that suits me nearly as much as the old style Wolverine did.

I mean, I really WANT to like the new 450, but I can't get over the automatic transmission and other differences. I'm not trying to badmouth it, but with the 23 inch tires and lack of a diff lock it kinda reminds me of a spork - something that in theory should do the job of 2 things but ends up doing neither.

I really like auto clutch quads, and I do spend a lot of time in the mud. My Outlander has gotten me used to (and spoiled by) independent rear suspensions, so I'm wondering would the new Big Bear be a good fit for me? I hear it's geared really low, which I'm concerned about because although I only spend about 5-10% of my ride time at full throttle, I don't want something that tops out at like 35mph.

I used to ride my old Wolvie pretty aggressively - jumped it, powerslided it, whipped around turns, barreled through tight clearings - Is the Big Bear anywhere near as sporty as the old Wolverines or am I better off just finding a used 2005 & prior model?

 

The old 350 Wolverine was a one of a kind,it was and still is the lightest 4wd ATV ever made and could hit 55 mph. Yamaha just needed to add selectable 2wd/4wd and a low range(Unless that caused to much weight gain,then skip it) and it would of been perfect.

I sold my BB because it screamed out in top grear but only did 45mph and I ride to many open logging roads, it needs a 6 speed tranny to help that one out.

A 420 Honda Rancher would be more for you if you want a more sporty ride and no belt drive. or 400 foot shift Suzuki KQ.