Looks like the new Wolverine could be a fun trail machine. It has identical specs as the Kodiak 450, but in a sportier chassis and no IRS. It also has a single range transmission, but that is OK by me. It's also about 90 lb lighter than any of the utility 4x4s, so the smaller motor may not be at any disadvantage. Any Kodiak 450 riders out there with feedback about the motor?

 

I like it's looks and it appears to have sporty roots, but damn the auto tranny. Yamaha should not have done that.

 

im glad becuz some people just want to be able to get to some hunting spot and dont feel like having to shift, i hate when poeple bash yamaha for making a utility/sport quad fully automatic, big deal dont buy it go buy a kodiak.. sheesh!

 

Yamaha already has enough auto to choose from. The wolvy should've kept the same tranny with the engine upgrade. If people want an auto they can get a Griz or auto kodiak. I like being able to control my power myself and tell the bike what gear to be in, not the other way around.

 

The 421cc engine in the Kodiak 450 is a big time dog. We have a Kodiak 450 for my wife, and it is one of the most gutless ATVs I have ever owned. The engine seems to make plenty of torque, but is very very slow to rev out, and doesn't seem to make any top end power at all. I have ridden Honda Rancher 350s that feel faster than our Kodiak, and I'll bet the old Wolverine was faster than the new Wolverine. Just being brutally honest, sorry if it isn't what you wanted to hear.

DV

 

I agree with "forestphantom", If all you want is an auto to get to your hunting stand than buy one othe other 3-4 auto-tranny machines Yamaha offers like the Bruin. I baought my Wolverine to hunt and sport ride. That was one of the great things about the old style. Just one guys opinion though.

 

I would bet that with a few intake mods, a pipe, and a clutch kit, it would pull wheelies. I think that it would be a great machine. Its rated to tow more than the original and weights 100 lbs. less than the Kodiak. If it was more gutless than the original, then why would it tow more?

 

Actually ... it weighs 75 lbs less than the Kodiak 450 4x4, and it weighs 40 lbs more than the old Wolverine.

 

Just because a 4x4 S-10 for example can tow more than my Talon tsi all wheel drive, that I used to have, does not mean it would beat it in a race or drag. It just means it can tow more. I know that is a little bit like comparing apples to oranges but I think you see what I am getting at. I believe I stated in another post that the only way the new would beat the old was if it has had some performace tuning done to it such as cam and or flow improvements.

 

My brother raced a neighbors 04 Kodiak 450 with my brother on my 04 Wolverine. The Kodiak got the jump, but when the Wolvy hit 3rd he passed the kodiak and kept pulling.