I have an AC 500 auto and am selling it for something a little sportier. Before I bought the AC, I was really close to buying a Wolvy, but had a brain cramp and didn't. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] The reason I didn't was because I wanted a good mudder. Reading Dirt Wheels, they said it was very water tight, but how is it in the deep mud? Give me some idea of how it stands up when following 400-500 cc utility 4x4's with higher ground clearance through mud.

I have my stock 25" Titan 489's still from my AC. Would the Wolverine have trouble turning them in deep mud? Talk me into one guys and girls! I have an '02 Grizz on order, but I am thinking twice about the drive belt - can't stand it on my AC and might not want to go from one bike with auto belt to another one. I like the water too much and it doesn't make sense for me. NEED INPUT [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

if you don't like the automatic, then the wolv is probably the way to go. if you put a power kit like from hi lifter, it will turn the bigger rubber just fine. i wouldn't go bigger without it though. with stock tires the bottom is pretty good. I've had mine in the mud and just like anything else, when you high center, your through. I've also had it up to the seat in the water and no water in anything. i felt kinda lucky... be a lot cheaper than the new grizz also.

 

Yea, Dirt Wheels (?) did their test and said that over the years they have been impressed with the Wolv in high water. Not worried about that, more worried that I'll be needin' to be picked out of every mud hole I find myself following bigger utility 4x4's through.

 

The Wolverine looks good in the mud. You might have to ride it more sporty though and have to "attack" the mud by getting a running start. Or you might just be able to "power" through it. Where do you have the grizzly on order? I live in your area. What dealer is it at?

 

I shorted out our Wolvys battery by going through too much water.

 

YankeeAutoCat,

I have a 2000 wolverine and i have 25" 589's (I assume that the 589's are heavier than the 489's). Yes it had some trouble turning those tires in the thick mud but i rejetted added a pipe & filter now it runs faster and stronger than before. I did take me some time to get the jetting right though. Good luck.

cibolotx

 

man, I am glad I found an ATV forum!

I have a 99 Wolverine that I have taken on some rides I prob shouldn't have. I have noticed that it bogs really easy in HEAVY mud and hi centers easily. I hope to put new tires on it this summer, maybe 25x8 and 25x10 Bear claws or 589's (haven't decided yet). On some rides, the 2 wheel drive bikes with 26" rear tires would go thru most stuff I could. I think the bike needs a lower 1st gear IMHO

All in all, I am very pleased with my bike... it does above average in mud, until it gets really thick and nasty =]

It is a GREAT sporty trail bike (the main reason I got it). My last bike was an 88 250x and 2 timberwolves.

Guess I need tires, pipe and filter to get going.

I have some pics on my site of one ride we went on, but none of my bike in action

 

Spider trac's are cool tires. Big, light, and clean out real easy. My neighbor got some along with a super trap pipe and his 2000 wolvy rips.

 

Thanks for the opinions. I've heard that the Wolverine is geared a little on the high side for what my tastes are. Yamaha did a great job of listening to their customers when they built the Grizz, but I wish more of those customers saud they wanted a manual transmission. I love everything about the new Grizz, except that it had an auto drive belt. Why can't more ATV manufacturers do what Arctic Cat does and sell the same model in auto and manual?

TrailblazerKid250 - I live in Clifton Park, NY. Just north of Albany. I usually ride around Mayfield, NY though. I'm a member of the Adirondack Dirt Devils. If you are close enough send me an email and maybe we can ride sometime.

 

First off, the wolverine with it's stock tires is basicly usless in the mud. Having said that... a simple thing like putting on 25 or even 26 inch tires on, with a half decent tread, will put it above average. I have 25" Bearclaws on mine, and I'm easily the first one on the other side of most mud we tackle. Of course I had to put a pipe, jet kit, and K&N filter on it to compensate for the power loss, but now you just can't beat it. If you like the really deep water, the only concern I'd have is that the headlights are poorly designed and will take on water, but I think that with a little carefull application of some di-electric(sp?) grease in all the right places, and maybe a little silicone where the wires pass through the rubber boot in back of the headlight, that problem may be fixed. If not, you can always go aftermarket.