Hi, I currently am thinking of purchasing a 2002 wolverine, I have a 2000 big bear and have it for sale, which do you think is the most reliable and overall best performer, I know each has its pros and cons.

 

As far as reliability goes, both are the same considering that they share about 95% of the same engine parts minus the crank and carburetor.

Most people base their decision between the two on whether or not they want the sport suspension and handling of the Wolverine or the more utility oriented Big Bear. That's really the only differences between the two as far as the chassis' are concerned.

Over the years, the only thing I've seen that gets replaced alot are the front wheel bearings and intake boot on the Wolverine and the intake boot on the Big Bear. Both are very reliable machines.

KNOWSALOT

 

thanks for the reply knowsalot, I hope you know the answer to this question. From what I have read about the two, they have the same bore, but the big bear has a 7mm longer stroke that gives it 386cc compared to the wolverine 348cc. Since the two share similar motors, wouldn't changing the cam and piston on the wolverine to one on a big bear give it 386cc.

 

The complete upper end of the Wolverine engine [besides maybe the grind on the cam] is identical to the 400 Big Bear. Including the cylinder bore. The Big Bear400 does have a longer stroke crank than the Wolverine which gives it a displacement above the Wolverine.

To equal the BigBear's displacement, you would not have to change anything in the top, but you would have to use a crankshaft with the same stroke as the BigBear to make the Wolverine equal. I'm not sure if the BigBear400 crank is a direct "drop-in" for the Wolverine engine because there are slight differences in some of the gears and shafts in the bottom end.

My suggestion would be to contact Mickey Dunlap for advise on whether the crank could be used or not. He has built a many stroker Woverines and Warriors over the years. Give him a try. He frequents the Kawasaki forum on here often.

KNOWSALOT

 

can't speak for the big bear, but I have had my Wolverine since Aug of 99, and have had 0 problems with it. I need to replace the front brake pads, but that is it.

great bike, just not big enough or geared low enough for 2 people in La. gumbo mud