January 20, 2015
By PH Online Editors
For those in the market for a side-by-side that doesn't just go off-road but will also access those seemingly out of reach places, Yamaha has introduced the versatile new 2015 Wolverine R-Spec.
Engineered and designed for off-road enthusiasts and hunters alike, the Wolverine R-Spec looks to create a new standard in off-road capability never before seen from a side-by-side.
"The all-new Wolverine will extend Yamaha's Side-by-Side line into the recreation segment creating a new level of durability, quality, handling and superior off-road capabilities not yet seen in the off-road industry," said Mike Martinez, Yamaha's Recreational Vehicle group vice president.
Featuring Yamaha's all-new compact chassis, revamped suspension and an all new 708cc double overhead cam engine with four-wheel drive system, optimized torque and power delivery, the Wolverine R-Spec is loaded with 0ff-road capabilities that even the most demanding hunter can appreciate.
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The all-new chassis system maximizes driver visibility with its 81 1/4-inch wheelbase providing 11 1/2-inches of clearance and wide-arc A-arm design for navigating extreme terrain. With features like the rear wheel protectors, the chassis is upswept two inches higher than the center of the frame on the sides to allow the Wolverine to more easily pass over obstacles.
The chassis systems' off-road capabilities are powered by Yamaha's On-Command four-wheel drive system with 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with diff-lock. An intuitive rider-controlled dash-mounted dial eliminates the possibility for engine hesitation or slipping from waiting on a computer system to dictate how the machine handles.
Additionally, the chassis system is protected from potential hazards with full-coverage front-to-back and side-to-side skid plates. Yamaha also incorporated standard front A-arm mounted CV boot protectors and rear A-arm built-in skid plate protectors to reduce
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With standard KYB piggyback shocks featuring 9 3/4-inches of travel in front and 10 1/2-inches of travel in the back, the Wolverine R-Spec's long travel suspension adjustability provides riders the ability to tune the comfort and handling based on personal preference and terrain.
The Wolverine R-Spec was built for extreme off-roading with its new fuel injected 708cc double overhead cam four-valve engine designed to produce less emissions without sacrificing power and delivery on technical terrain. Features include an elevated high-volume air intake, an oversized dual foam filter located under the removable center console, and easily serviceable coolant, engine oil and gear oil drain holes built into the full-length skid plates.
Also, a centrifugal clutch with integrated cooling fan on Yamaha's Ultramatic automatic transmission maintains constant belt tension to eliminate free-wheeling.
Available nationwide starting in April, the Wolverine R-Spec comes in a standard model with a hard sun top with a Steel Blue and Hunter Green finishes, while the new camo model will be the first side-by-side ever to feature Realtree Xtra Camo. Non-EPS models start at $12,9199 and the EPS models start at $13,199.
