A NEW CLASS OF TRUE SPORT/UTILITY MACHINES that are in the 400-450 pound range, have a very favorable weight-to-power ratio, has selectable 2wd/4wd, and descent sport bike suspension. Currently the Wolverine is the only thing that comes even close to this definition. (I know some folks will say there is a Polaris that is also in this class, but that thing is 100 pounds to heavy to make the cut. The Wolverine is to 50 pounds to heavy to make the cut, for that matter.)

This is really the kind of machine that fits most riders requirements. Most are just trail ridiers and don't need a large, heavy, "farm work tractor" that the currrent crop of huge, heavy, ungainly utilities have become. (It is laughable that anybody even calls a 600-800 pound machine a "sport utility".) But, they would still appreciate having 4wd available in case they get into trouble out on the trail, and of course superb suspension.

Rumor was last year, that Honda was working on a very light 250cc, 4wd machine. Now before you laugh and say "but it's only a 250".........remember that those little CRF250 dirt bike engines are turning out something that aproaches 50 horsepower!

So here are my dream machines: A 35 horespower 250cc (CRF250X) engine, selectable 2wd/4wd, trail friendly gearing, 400 pounds (max.), with sport bike suspension. A 45 horespower 450cc (TRX450R) engine, selectable 2wd/4wd, trail friendly gearing (unlike the current 450R!), 425 pounds (max.), and superb sport bike suspension.

So, I see THREE CLASSES OF BIKES: True SPORT BIKES, which are ultralight (350 pound max.) 2wd pure sport machines with superb suspension. True SPORT/UTILITY bikes like those I described above, and true pure UTILITY machines that are meant to do work.

And while we are at it, how about a medium frame (300EX size), ultralight (325 pounds) pure sport bike with a CRF250X engine in it!

 

I definitely agree. Yamaha needs a 450-500cc Wolverine with selectable 2wd/4wd and about 50 lbs lighter. They would be big sellers.

 

im perdicting honda will have new colors and new graphics,thats about it..[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Wishing for the stars...how about:

grease fittings for a-arms, swingarm bearings/bolt, axle carrier, front wheel bearings, and steering stem.

factory connection for recharging battery with a mud cover

True factory mounts for nerf bars that all the vendors could use.

Footpegs that could be repositioned (small, medium, and large)

ITP Baja wheels

Fat bars

450r with electric start

lengthen the airbox enough to fit some tools in a watertight box.

Ability to order a +1, +2, or +3 quad.

/Jon

 

Wow, rr, you are on target! I would love to see a machine like you are talking about from Honda. I would like to see my Rancher 4x4 have selectible 2/4wd and weigh 75 pounds less.

I do use mine on the farm but rarely need that heavy weight. I would rather tread more lightly and be easier to handle. We do trails but are not speed demons. We enjoy the scenery and the uniqueness of the trails. We don't do mods (costs money, I need for the farm). So the boring but reliable Honda's fit our needs perfectly except for your wishes.