Yamaha 450 06-08
Yamaha Wolverine 450
Story and Photos by Don McNeilly
With all the big bore ATV’s getting all the press we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at a mid-size sport four wheel drive, machine. Our choice was a Yamaha 450 Wolverine 4 wheel drive quad. Yamaha has always been known for making excellent quality products that are very durable. One of the things we always enjoy is getting the younger riders involved with the sport of riding. This machine is a perfect way to bridge the gap of a sport machine that has the capabilities of a 4 wheel drive ATV.
The Wolverine 450 combines a 4 wheel drive machine with a fully automatic transmission. It is a relatively light weight quad with a sport tuned adjustable suspension. With its Raptor- inspired styling, we couldn’t wait to take this quad out for a test ride.
Before we hit the trails, lets take a look at the layout of the Wolverine 450 to familiarize ourselves with this great looking machine.
Engine and Transmission
The Wolverine is powered by a 421CC liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke single cylinder engine. To provide fuel, Yamaha uses a semi-oval slide 33mm BRS Mikuni carburetor along with a high output DC-CDI ignition to provide optimal throttle response. They also have an automatic cam chain tensioner to help reduce maintenance requirements.
To keep the engine cool, Yamaha uses a large capacity aluminum radiator to provide maximum cooling plus it is tucked high into the frame to provide excellent protection.
The Wolverine has a fully automatic transmission using the Yamaha on command gear selector system. It is as simple as pushing a button on the right handle bar to go from 2WD to 4WD. We found this to be very easy to do however, we would prefer to have integrated the full locking front differential lever on the 4WD system. The constantly variable transmission is designed to always have the rider in the proper gear, plus they built in a constant belt-tensioning system to provide excellent downhill engine braking.
Chassis and Suspension
For the frame, Yamaha uses a light weight high tensile steel. They combine an independent double wishbone front suspension with 5 way pre-load shocks as well as a single rear shock that is also 5 way adjustable. This set up gives you 6.3 inches of travel in the front and 7.1 inches in the rear.
For stopping power, there are dual hydraulic disc front brakes as well as a rear hydraulic disc in the rear.
Under the Wolverine Yamaha uses a full plastic skid plate to protect the underbelly. The plastic helps slide over logs and rocks.
As we walk around the ATV we notice there is a shift lever on the left where the gear shift lets you select forward, neutral, and reverse. There is a digital dash meter that lets you see what gear you are in as well as speed and a trip indicator.
There are break levers on the left which control the rear break and the right that control the rear. There is also a rear break pedal on the right floorboard. To shift the ATV from one gear to the other, you will need to have a break applied for safety measures.
As we sit on the quad everything seems to fit very well even for our larger test rider. The floorboards are flat so it is easy to move around as needed.
Let’s take this good looking machine out for a test ride. For this test we headed for the mountains in Northern Arizona between Sedona and Flagstaff. The elevation we were riding at was between 7200 ft and 7800 ft. Despite the higher elevation and being on a carbureted ATV we did not have any problems with starting or loss of power. Starting was as easy as turning on the key and pushing the start button. There is a choke lever on the left handlebar just in case. As we headed down the wooded twisty trail we encountered a few fallen logs along the way. All we had to do was push the 4 wheel drive button to engage the 4 wheel drive and climb over the logs. We actually look forward to fallen trees along the trail just for the added fun. The Wolverine went up and over the logs with very little problems. Some of the logs were quite large so the quad would get high centered if you didn’t hit it just right. One of the keys is to get the front tires over the log but be very careful not to hit the throttle too much because if you do, when the rear wheels hit the log, it will throw you forward and you could wind up over the handlebars. It is recommended to go around fallen logs if possible.
Some of the forest trails were smooth and twisty which made it a blast to ride on with the fully automatic Wolverine 450. With the solid rear axel, it was a blast to slide around the corners. The shaft drive made the power output very smooth and predictable. There was more than enough power to pitch the quad sideways in the corners. The Maxxis tires would dig hard for traction. With their wide flat surface it was very stable when you were in a power slide. One of the trails was a switchback trail that goes to the top of a mountain where there is a fire lookout tower. From the top you can see forever.
On our travels we came across a trail that crossed a small creek. At this time there was no water but there was a good sized ditch. It was a perfect place to try out the balance of the Wolverine in the air. As you entered the ditch there wasn’t much drop, but coming out the other side it would launch you skyward. After a few runs to check out how the quad handled the jump, we were airing it out. The balance felt perfect. The machine was very level in the air, and it did not nose dive whatsoever. Even though we were getting quite a bit of air, we never bottomed out the Wolverine or even felt out of balance. Once again, it came through with flying colors.
Next, we went off to an area where there are some hill climbs. This area is very loose terrain. It is somewhat rocky although it has small rocks and is quite rutted. It is a great place to test the 4 wheel drive traction and power of the Wolverine 450. I have to say my test rider Art Nichols summed it up best after he had attacked the hills more than 15 times. His quote was “It doesn’t matter how fast or slow I hit the hills if I need more power all I have to do is hit the throttle. This quad always seems to be in the perfect gear.” I have to agree. The back shifting on this machine is superb. We also tested the engine braking on the steep hills and found it to be excellent. The Maxxis tires always did a great job of hooking up no matter what terrain we were in. They are a great fit for this quad.
Our last test for the day would be a section of trail with large boulders to crawl through. Although this machine is not really a UTE quad, it does have a limited slip 4 wheel drive system. As I looked at this section of the trail, I did not think this ATV would do very well because of the large rocks. I was absolutely surprised at the ability of this quad to climb up and over almost everything we attempted. The lighter weight really made a big difference when it came to clawing our way over some of the bigger obstacles. There were a couple of times where the limited slip just wouldn’t get traction, but as long as you didn’t stop, but carried some momentum, it would keep right on climbing. If this quad had a locker, like the Grizzly, it would be tough to stop. Even though we like the idea of a full locker we really only found a couple of extreme places that we would have needed the locker. This is one tough Wolverine!!
Conclusion:
Both my test rider and I really enjoyed this sporty 4 wheel drive machine. It has plenty of power and handles extremely well. The power band seemed just right. If you were climbing hills, the transmission always kept you in the proper power range. With the lighter weight you could easily throw the machine around and power slide. This is a great crossover quad. It is very sporty, has great styling, plus it comes with 4 wheel drive. We threw all kinds of different terrain at the Wolverine and it never even flinched. As a matter of fact the more we drove it the better we liked it. We rode it for several days without one problem; in fact we were fighting over who was going to ride it each time we stopped.
Test one out for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. At a modest price of $5,499, this is an outstanding machine.
Read MoreStory and Photos by Don McNeilly
With all the big bore ATV’s getting all the press we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at a mid-size sport four wheel drive, machine. Our choice was a Yamaha 450 Wolverine 4 wheel drive quad. Yamaha has always been known for making excellent quality products that are very durable. One of the things we always enjoy is getting the younger riders involved with the sport of riding. This machine is a perfect way to bridge the gap of a sport machine that has the capabilities of a 4 wheel drive ATV.
The Wolverine 450 combines a 4 wheel drive machine with a fully automatic transmission. It is a relatively light weight quad with a sport tuned adjustable suspension. With its Raptor- inspired styling, we couldn’t wait to take this quad out for a test ride.
Before we hit the trails, lets take a look at the layout of the Wolverine 450 to familiarize ourselves with this great looking machine.
Engine and Transmission
The Wolverine is powered by a 421CC liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke single cylinder engine. To provide fuel, Yamaha uses a semi-oval slide 33mm BRS Mikuni carburetor along with a high output DC-CDI ignition to provide optimal throttle response. They also have an automatic cam chain tensioner to help reduce maintenance requirements.
To keep the engine cool, Yamaha uses a large capacity aluminum radiator to provide maximum cooling plus it is tucked high into the frame to provide excellent protection.
The Wolverine has a fully automatic transmission using the Yamaha on command gear selector system. It is as simple as pushing a button on the right handle bar to go from 2WD to 4WD. We found this to be very easy to do however, we would prefer to have integrated the full locking front differential lever on the 4WD system. The constantly variable transmission is designed to always have the rider in the proper gear, plus they built in a constant belt-tensioning system to provide excellent downhill engine braking.
Chassis and Suspension
For the frame, Yamaha uses a light weight high tensile steel. They combine an independent double wishbone front suspension with 5 way pre-load shocks as well as a single rear shock that is also 5 way adjustable. This set up gives you 6.3 inches of travel in the front and 7.1 inches in the rear.
For stopping power, there are dual hydraulic disc front brakes as well as a rear hydraulic disc in the rear.
Under the Wolverine Yamaha uses a full plastic skid plate to protect the underbelly. The plastic helps slide over logs and rocks.
As we walk around the ATV we notice there is a shift lever on the left where the gear shift lets you select forward, neutral, and reverse. There is a digital dash meter that lets you see what gear you are in as well as speed and a trip indicator.
There are break levers on the left which control the rear break and the right that control the rear. There is also a rear break pedal on the right floorboard. To shift the ATV from one gear to the other, you will need to have a break applied for safety measures.
As we sit on the quad everything seems to fit very well even for our larger test rider. The floorboards are flat so it is easy to move around as needed.
Let’s take this good looking machine out for a test ride. For this test we headed for the mountains in Northern Arizona between Sedona and Flagstaff. The elevation we were riding at was between 7200 ft and 7800 ft. Despite the higher elevation and being on a carbureted ATV we did not have any problems with starting or loss of power. Starting was as easy as turning on the key and pushing the start button. There is a choke lever on the left handlebar just in case. As we headed down the wooded twisty trail we encountered a few fallen logs along the way. All we had to do was push the 4 wheel drive button to engage the 4 wheel drive and climb over the logs. We actually look forward to fallen trees along the trail just for the added fun. The Wolverine went up and over the logs with very little problems. Some of the logs were quite large so the quad would get high centered if you didn’t hit it just right. One of the keys is to get the front tires over the log but be very careful not to hit the throttle too much because if you do, when the rear wheels hit the log, it will throw you forward and you could wind up over the handlebars. It is recommended to go around fallen logs if possible.
Some of the forest trails were smooth and twisty which made it a blast to ride on with the fully automatic Wolverine 450. With the solid rear axel, it was a blast to slide around the corners. The shaft drive made the power output very smooth and predictable. There was more than enough power to pitch the quad sideways in the corners. The Maxxis tires would dig hard for traction. With their wide flat surface it was very stable when you were in a power slide. One of the trails was a switchback trail that goes to the top of a mountain where there is a fire lookout tower. From the top you can see forever.
On our travels we came across a trail that crossed a small creek. At this time there was no water but there was a good sized ditch. It was a perfect place to try out the balance of the Wolverine in the air. As you entered the ditch there wasn’t much drop, but coming out the other side it would launch you skyward. After a few runs to check out how the quad handled the jump, we were airing it out. The balance felt perfect. The machine was very level in the air, and it did not nose dive whatsoever. Even though we were getting quite a bit of air, we never bottomed out the Wolverine or even felt out of balance. Once again, it came through with flying colors.
Next, we went off to an area where there are some hill climbs. This area is very loose terrain. It is somewhat rocky although it has small rocks and is quite rutted. It is a great place to test the 4 wheel drive traction and power of the Wolverine 450. I have to say my test rider Art Nichols summed it up best after he had attacked the hills more than 15 times. His quote was “It doesn’t matter how fast or slow I hit the hills if I need more power all I have to do is hit the throttle. This quad always seems to be in the perfect gear.” I have to agree. The back shifting on this machine is superb. We also tested the engine braking on the steep hills and found it to be excellent. The Maxxis tires always did a great job of hooking up no matter what terrain we were in. They are a great fit for this quad.
Our last test for the day would be a section of trail with large boulders to crawl through. Although this machine is not really a UTE quad, it does have a limited slip 4 wheel drive system. As I looked at this section of the trail, I did not think this ATV would do very well because of the large rocks. I was absolutely surprised at the ability of this quad to climb up and over almost everything we attempted. The lighter weight really made a big difference when it came to clawing our way over some of the bigger obstacles. There were a couple of times where the limited slip just wouldn’t get traction, but as long as you didn’t stop, but carried some momentum, it would keep right on climbing. If this quad had a locker, like the Grizzly, it would be tough to stop. Even though we like the idea of a full locker we really only found a couple of extreme places that we would have needed the locker. This is one tough Wolverine!!
Conclusion:
Both my test rider and I really enjoyed this sporty 4 wheel drive machine. It has plenty of power and handles extremely well. The power band seemed just right. If you were climbing hills, the transmission always kept you in the proper power range. With the lighter weight you could easily throw the machine around and power slide. This is a great crossover quad. It is very sporty, has great styling, plus it comes with 4 wheel drive. We threw all kinds of different terrain at the Wolverine and it never even flinched. As a matter of fact the more we drove it the better we liked it. We rode it for several days without one problem; in fact we were fighting over who was going to ride it each time we stopped.
Test one out for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. At a modest price of $5,499, this is an outstanding machine.
