For many, the announcement that Yamaha would withdraw from the snowmobile business after 2025 sent shockwaves. The news spread like a tidal wave for several days.
You can read this reference article to learn the ins and outs of my colleague Denis Lavoie.
Nevertheless, after analysis, we can conclude that Yamaha will invest even more in the areas where it is already present. This assumption will certainly not sadden Quad enthusiasts, I swear!
An impromptu invitation
Last week, the InfoQuad team received an invitation to a virtual presentation of Yamaha’s new 2024 products. Excitement was running high, as we immediately jumped at the chance to make our regular predictions about the content to be presented.
Please note, however, that this presentation was aimed primarily at our American neighbors. Nevertheless, here are the main points that were presented to us and that are relevant to this side of the border.
Everything but Disappointment!
Our rainy Friday afternoon in July was quickly filled by a meeting with the North American communications specialists of the Japanese manufacturer. (By way of background, these virtual meetings are commonplace in our motorized recreational vehicle journalist community, especially since the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a tradition that lives on and one that gives us the privilege of getting to know the players on the field. It makes for great exchanges, and we’re bombarded with a ton of information that we can share with you later).
New models on the horizon
In fact, we would have been disappointed if they had presented us with their models merely revamped with new colors. Yamaha surprised us, and what they’re offering for 2024 is greater diversity, for a wider range of consumers.
Expansion the Wolverine Family
The Wolverine name is well known at Yamaha. Its presentation in recent years has featured the 850 cc twin-cylinder engine. If we look closely at Yamaha’s line-up of multi-purpose side-by-side models, we notice a significant gap between the Wolverine X2 and the RMAX 2. Both in terms of selling price and powertrain, there’s a gap that could be filled by the introduction of a new model. Consumers are looking for a balance between versatility and excitement.
This is the answer.
Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000 2024:
This new side-by-side essentially uses the same engine as the RMAX 2. This is a powerful 999 cc parallel-twin engine. That’s right, it’s not a “V” configuration, and it develops an impressive 108 HP. Yamaha’s legendary durability inspires this vehicle.
These are the points on which this vehicle will meet expectations.
Reliable, exciting engine:
It will now benefit from the most powerful engine in its category. It offers more powerful climbing capabilities. Already offered in the RMAX model, this new model will be available with the D-MODE (Crawl, Trail, Sport). And finally, it comes with a 10-year warranty on the drive belt.
An adjustable competition suspension kit:
The new suspension package offers maximum terrain capability with superior handling. Both front and rear, the suspension travel will be superior to what the competition offers to date. Its 12.5″ ground clearance will enable it to clear obstacles with ease.
The ability to tackle the toughest terrain:
The newcomer is equipped with stylish 14-inch wheels. Maxxis Big Horn 28 × 10 tires are fitted. It’s worth mentioning that the dimensions of both rims and tires are identical to those of the 4-wheeler.
Maximum comfort:
The interior is inspired by the RMAX as a whole. Contact points are soft to the touch, and driver controls are high-end. Pads absorb contact from the knees to the center console. An all-new pocket will accommodate our smartphones. Four new zones will incorporate switches for various accessories. In addition, new storage spaces have been designed for greater versatility.
Driving with confidence:
This compact chassis with a short wheelbase, combined with a high ride height, gives you confidence when driving this vehicle. Its 61-inch width is ideal for stability on all surfaces.
Elbow-friendly doors and a low dashboard height are just some of the benefits. Like the RMAX, it offers the visibility we’re looking for.
2 variations are available!
At the time of going to press, we were still unsure whether the models presented to us for our neighbors were also available on this side of the border. Nonetheless, certain versions may vary somewhat.
The R-SPEC version should establish itself as the base model, while the SE will offer more. The latter will come with a solid roof, automotive-style paint, WARN VRX45 winch, rear fender flares, central mirror and illuminated the interior as standard equipment.
Extending the season…
Yamaha also offers complete solid doors to complement the addition of a windshield and rear window. These doors are sure to be a must-have for the winter season. They feature interior/exterior handles, a storage pocket, tinted tempered glass and a location for speakers. What’s more, its 3-position side window provides adjustable airflow to the cabin.
A complete range of accessories.
For the moment, 25 accessories are already available from the RMAX 1000 and 16 accessories from the X2/X4 can be incorporated into the Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000 2024.
Other new features: young people and beginners are not left out
Who hasn’t dreamed of quad biking at an early age? Some of us, we’ve witnessed the evolution of this vehicle. Yamaha offers a range of vehicles to help the new generation of quad riders learn the ropes.
The Yamaha Raptor for beginners has a new engine
For 2024, Yamaha is now offering a 110 cc engine, in addition to the 90 cc, in its children’s sports model.
Sporty styling and ease of use make the new Raptor 110 the perfect machine to feed the passion of the young ATV enthusiast. The confidence of the beginner will grow as this model adapts to his or her rise in the motorized world. The new engine now features electronic fuel injection for years of easy starting.
Riding the Yamaha Raptor 110, equipped with a speed limiter, electric starter and fully automatic CVT with forward and reverse, the young rider will be all smiles under his helmet!
A new version of the Yamaha Grizzly
Yamaha’s popular Grizzly Quad gets a Camo version for 2024. This one will delight the hunting enthusiast with a Realtree Edge Camouflage aesthetic. It comes with all the features of the Grizzly SE plus: a fully water-dipped Realtree Edge presentation.
More for Less
When Yamaha announced its new 2024 models, we were surprised to learn of discounts of around US$1,000 on the MSRP of various models. The Wolverine RMAX4 1000, RMAX2 1000 and YXZ 1000R versions are the ones targeted. Despite our insistence, we were unable to obtain confirmation that this price cut would also benefit the Canadian market.
In conclusion, we were presented with some fine new products. They are a guarantee of the future for this manufacturer, and we can be optimistic about its future in the quads and auto-quad sector.
