hey wolverine fans, I decided to wait until the 2003 wolverine comes out before purchasing one, just in case they make any changes and this is what one of the salespersons at the dealer told me. The 2003 wolverine retail price will be increased by $300 compared to the 2002 price, his opinion was that they just might bump the wolverine up to a 400cc machine. Hopefully they will and maybe they will also add a locker for 2wd/4wd. There is definitely something in the works if the price increase is any indication. If anyone else has any news or can find out any news, please share. I almost forgot, He also said we should at least be able to get a look at one by mid March or April.

 

I think this is pure speculation on the part of your dealer. Any early release 2003 model would have been on display at the dealer show or at least shown in pictures like the Rincon and q-sport400. Remember, the wolverine has got about 8 more model yrs to go just to tie the current Banshee for the title of "most boring hold over with no updates"

 

Banshee BORING??? Hardly, dude! I'll agree it may benefit from some updates, but boring it ain't! If you want boring, then mention something like a Kawasaki Mohave.

 

You got that right, I've only ridden a banshee one time and when you get past half throttle you better bar the door and hold on, boring it is definitely not.

 

Well I've been waiting for new news on the 2003+ and noone, 5 dealers locally know nothing. I went ahead and purchased a new 2001 tonight. The dealer had 2 left and has been clearancing them for 4999 + Tax. 5400.50 out the door. Couldn't pass it up, since in local papers, people are wanting 5200 for their used 2001's.

Anyhow, the salesman said that don't worry to much if you want selectable 2 wheel drive. Apparently they are working on a disengageable front drive shaft as an option for Wolverines. Does this mean that the new ones might get it. I don't know, but he said with that option, the existing 350 may not feel as doggy since it will easily turn the rears pretty easy.

I hope he's right, because if they do have a totally updated 2003, the wife won't stand for another upgrade this soon. Now, if I can just unload my 99, I'll be alright.

Phil

 

Our Yamaha sales rep. has only stated that were rumors about a new updated Wolverine. His SUSPICIONS were ,that if it were updated, that it would have the '02 BigBear 400 engine with selectable 4WD.

Rumors sometimes can be mis-leading and confusing.

Do any of you guys remember the "spy photos" featured in Dirt Wheels about two years ago?? They said that this was an updated Wolverine with possibly 400cc. Well, go through your magazine collection and look at the picture. It was the '02 Grizzly 660 that they took the picture of. [They just didnt know it]

KNOWSALOT

 

yep. i remember that. knowsalot is a smart man tho. a while back he told us about yamaha looking for other markets for their R-1 engine. and speculated that it would be for a snowmobile. well i went on the yamaha site and there it is brand new model the rx-1

 

It is barely 2002 so I would imagine dealers really won't know too much about any 2003 unless it is a mid 03 model released in 02 like the Rincon or Z400.

I would like 2/4wd option on my Wolverine but if not it is not really a big deal. I have little problems with sliding the rear around. I'm big enough at 200lbs to throw it around some. All in all I really like the machine and like how low you feel to the ground. SOme machines make you feel like you sit so high and tippy. THe low stance of the Wolverine is great for me.

If they put a bigger motor in I might look into a newer one but if not the 350 runs great for the size. Everyone wants more power no matter what the machine is. Someone will always want more.