Hey guys I have a question.. I was thinking of purchasing a wolverine.... I want a fast quad I can cut up on and still use as a utility..I thought that it would be perfect... But it sounds like that it has a few problems... Is this just a piece or should I buy one?.. Forgive me but I have never owned a yamaha...not cause I didn't like them just cause I was used to others... Is it trustworthy? the big question...
Thanks Jim

 

I have been happy with mine there are some changes that I would like to see but the problem I have had have been somewhat superficial. Not to say some of them have been kind of costly but they are pretty easy quads to work on. You might want to wait a little bit and find out what the new 2002 model they are coming out with is. It might be more of what you are looking for. The Wolv has been basically unchanged since 1995 so it might be getting a little out of date but it is still a fun bike. Some of the things I have had problems with are Bent axle, bearings in the rear end; one front wheel bearing all needed to be replaced. Also the starter went out but I had the Yamaha Extended Service plan so it was replaced free. That is the only reason I was happy that I got it. I don't know that if I buy another 4-wheeler if I will get extended service because it seems like you have to fight with the manufacturer if you have any other problems that they can say is just normal maintenance or wear and tear. I talked to a guy that worked on my Wolv and he has worked on several other Wolvs to and he told me that is the first time he has ever heard of a starter going out. He was actually kind of surprised that it happened. Make sure you find a good dealer I can not stress this enough. Talk to other people that have bought 4-wheelers from them and as them how the service is and well they like to deal with customers. A lot of dealers just want to make their profit of the sales and sometimes there service lacks. Research as much as you can and talk to as many people as possible. Sometimes your best deal is not always best in the long run when it comes to service. I hope this helps. Listed below are some of the mods I have done for mine. It is probably and extra grand or a little less tied up in the mods.

 

jcsat,
Sounds like most of your problems are normal exept for the bent axle... I understand if you did something unordinary to do that,cause an axle should not bend unless provoked....

All I want is something I can ride like an sport machine..(donuts,spinouts,wheelies,hardcore speed)
and still get bush smashing trail making 4 wheel drive..

I may be asking too much, but I also need something dependable.. I don't wanna spend all my money on repairs...

The Wolverine is the only quad that I see with sport suspension and 4x4...

I've heard the problems with the wolverine from sqeaky brakes and suspension to your broke axle and cv joint problems...and I am very confused...

I want this to be a good quad so I can go buy it with no hesitation....
You also mentioned to wait for the 2002... any idea when it coming out?

Or what about the rumored 660 wolverine with the IRS and selectable 4x4?
That seems the real deal to me... I'd buy that right now... No matter the price.

Thanks Jim

 

well,I will say that I do love the S#@t out out the wolverine..and I dont baby it..my only concern is my heat level...other than that it really is a bush smashin', trail blazing SOB! but if I were you I'd just wait another month or two and see if the rumors are true about the 660 or whatever it is..not that I want to start crap here but..did you look at the Prarie 650?? If you really dont want to wait...