Yamaha Won't Abandon Low-End UTVs Thanks to the Wolverine 850, Company Rep Explains

To understand why the Wolverine 850 became one of the best bang-for-buck deals in all of powersports, we had to sit down with someone from the Yamaha team to explain how it all goes down. Say hello to Scott Newby, Senior Communications Specialist at Yamaha USA. Over the last decade, Scott has presided over Yamaha's UTV lineup, which has become the most robust and value-focused in North America. For a side-by-side marketed squarely at those who don't need bells and whistles, that value is applied to items other than shiny nav screens and a big stereo.

"During the Wolverine 850's development, we prioritized the needs of our target customers, focusing on creating a smooth and quiet ride experience. These models continue to be in high demand due to their exceptional cabin comfort, compact and nimble trail capability, and versatile performance for both work and play. Furthermore, they offer incredible value, backed by Yamaha's renowned reliability and durability," Scott said of the drive to keep true-to-form, bare-bones UTVs on the market.

That's despite an industry-wide trend in recent years towards high-end side-by-sides being kitted out like Ram Longhorns and F-150 King Ranches. With that said, at least Yamaha won't leave the folks antithetical to that kind of experience behind. If all you're after is four chunky tires, some nice ground clearance, and a dependable drivetrain, the Wolverine 850 R-Spec is nothing short of perfection.

"The Wolverine X2 appeals to a diverse range of buyers, but common themes among them are the exceptional value, versatility, and the quiet, smooth engine performance it offers," Scott said of the unique pool of clients that could potentially make use of a side-by-side squarely in the middle between work and fun. "Customers also appreciate the overall fit and finish, along with Yamaha’s Proven Off-Road durability and reliability. The added peace of mind provided by the Yamaha 10-Year Belt [CVT] Warranty is another significant factor that resonates with buyers."

Knowing this, it's not a bunch of screens and microchips but rather the quality of the build materials that make up the bulk of the $15,799 MSRP for the entry-level Wolverine. After several years on the market and approval from us folks after our test drive, the folks at Yamaha's facility in Georgia are building products that the big bosses in Japan can be proud of. From the peppiness of its 847cc twin-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder to its overbuilt rubber-belt CVT, there's enough grunt in the powertrain to satisfy both the thrill-seeking and the utilitarian a side-by-side of this caliber would inevitably find itself undertaking.

"The Yamaha Wolverine X2 is powered by a 847-cc DOHC, eight-valve, parallel twin-cylinder engine, ideal for tight, technical terrain. Forged pistons and connecting rods ensure durable high-RPM performance, and Yamaha’s 270-degree crankshaft format allows linear torque development and excellent power throughout the RPM range. Yamaha’s Wolverine X2 is built with industry-leading durability and dependability to handle the greatest variety of off-road situations." Scott said of the rugged prowess of the Wolverine 850's engine hardware. He had even more to say about the CVT.

"Yamaha’s exclusive Ultramatic transmission – the most advanced and durable CVT drive system available – is designed to accommodate more than 60 pounds-foot of torque. A larger centrifugal clutch maintains constant belt tension, eliminating slipping and slamming of the belt when at idle or engaged, reducing heat and improving durability in high-torque situations. This constant belt tension is what allows us to provide customers an unprecedented industry-exclusive 10-Year Belt Warranty, as well as a natural-feeling all-wheel engine braking to eliminate 'freewheeling' even in rough, technical terrain."

It's only because of Yamaha's above-mentioned mega factory outside of Atlanta, Georgia, that Yamaha can manufacture powersports vehicles to the same ultra-high standard as what's built for markets elsewhere in Japan. Like Toyota in the automotive space, success in the Far East translates fantastically overseas. "At Yamaha, we pride ourselves on the durability, reliability, and Proven Off-Road performance of our products. This commitment allows us to offer customers unparalleled benefits, such as the Yamaha 10-Year Belt Warranty on all ATVs and Side-by-Sides equipped with our Ultramatic transmission." Scott remarked about the "special sauce," so to speak, about why Yamaha side-by-sides are some of the best in the game right now.

Photo: Dave Schelske

"Our vehicles are designed, extensively tested, and developed here in Georgia to ensure they not only meet but exceed our standards and customer expectations. Additionally, our side-by-sides and full-size ATVs are assembled in Newnan, GA, for global distribution. Our dedicated team ensures the fit and finish of each vehicle are second to none, a detail many customers notice immediately. We also collaborate closely with Yamaha of Japan to integrate advanced technologies and innovations from Yamaha’s diverse lineup."

What this translated to on the rainy woodlands and rugged terrain of Pacific Northwestern Alaska was perhaps the purest side-by-side experience you can still have in 2024. With no stereo, radio, navigation screen, air conditioning, or any of the luxuries that side-by-side manufacturers perpetually tempt their customers with, you're able to appreciate the finer details of what makes a good side-by-side better than the middle of the pack. Over rough, wet terrain and relentless, seemingly unending downpours, the Wolverine X2 850 R-Spec never once missed a beat.

Thanks to the Destination Yamaha program that puts riders behind the wheel of these machines for an afternoon for a reasonable fee, you can experience all the thrills of riding a Yamaha side-by-side without having to bring the machine home with you. When you have that kind of deal at your fingertips, you'd be hard-pressed not to say yes.