$17,999 MSRP

• Same Engine as RMAX LIneup

• great value

• Still tows a Literal Ton

Entry level with a fast exit.

While you can technically still buy a Wolverine X2 850 in 2025, its bigger brother, the Wolverine X2 1000, has become Yamaha’s de-facto entry level rec ute. Why pay for less when you can have more?

In the case of the Wolverine X2 1000, more means more of everything: more power thanks to a transplanted 999cc engine pulled straight from the RMAX lineup, more suspension, more ground clearance, and more overall capability. It’s got it all, and it’s still got serious value to offer as well.

Pair those vastly improved trail manners with a respectable 600 pound bed capacity and 2,000 pounds worth of towing, and you’ve got a downright good do-it-all rig that puts the lackluster 850 model to shame.

How much power does it make?

Yamaha doesn’t actually publish horsepower figures for the Wolverine X2 1000, but we know a two things for certain: it’s got the exact same engine as the RMAX lineup, and it weighs a full 200 pounds less.

Theoretically, that should put it somewhere around the 110 horsepower mark, while also giving it a significantly improved power to weight ratio to its more premium sibling.

The same goes for torque, which we won’t even venture a guess on here, but whatever that figure is, there’s enough of it to tow 2,000 pounds, according to Yamaha.

What makes it special?

The Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000 is special for a few reasons. The most obvious is that it inherited the same outstanding 999cc engine from the RMAX lineup, but power isn’t the whole story here.

Another standout factor of the Wolverine is sheer reliability and ease of maintenance. Yamaha’s parallel twin engines are known to be longer lasting and more problem-free than just about anything else on the planet, but the Wolverine’s Ultramatic transmission is just as proven, and comes with the same 10-year belt guarantee as the RMAX lineup too.

Last but not least, the X2 1000 delivers on the value front. We’re talking somewhere north of 100 horsepower, a full diff-lock 4WD, respectable suspension travel and ground clearance, and reasonably good looks, all to the tune of $18,000.

Why do I want it?

You want an entry level rec-ute rig and you want Yamaha reliability, but the Wolverine X2 850 is just too underpowered to justify. The X2 1000 comes at a mere $1,500 premium over its smaller sibling, but by our approximation, makes about double the horsepower.

It’ll scoot, and it’ll even keep up with your buddies in Generals and Commanders on a straightaway. Unlike the 850, that makes the X2 1000 a rig you won’t grow out of immediately on the trail, as well as one that’ll still pull its weight around the house when it’s time to work.

It’s also worth noting that because the Wolverine X2 1000 sports a narrower and shorter chassis than the RMAX, it’s a great option for the tighter two-track trails that are common on the east coast. We’ve tested the Wolverine in those very conditions, and can confirm it fits even the tightest tracks with room to spare.

Why don’t I want it?

The main drawback of the Wolverine X2 1000 is the chassis. Don’t get us wrong, it’s surprisingly stable at speed and offers much better suspension than the original 850, but it’s still got its shortcomings compared to the competition.

Our biggest complaint historically has been that because Yamaha fits the X2 1000 with both front and rear sway bars, the Wolverine isn’t the most confidence inspiring machine on sharp turns or big obstacles. The articulation simply isn’t there, and while skilled drivers can work their way around this shortcoming, new riders may have a hard time getting confident behind the wheel.

It’s also worth noting that unlike its competitors from Polaris or Can-Am, the Wolverine doesn’t have a ton of options for upgrades. Granted, it’s not really the kind of rig you commit to building up anyways, but both the General and Commander have a ton of factory and aftermarket accessories on offer.

What trim do I want?

Yamaha makes this one simple, as the Wolverine X2 1000 only comes in two trim levels for 2025: there’s the base-model R-Spec ($17,999), and then there’s the premium XT-R trim ($19,999).

The two are mechanically identical (engine, performance, chassis, etc.), but if you step up to the XT-R, you get a list of factory upgrades. For 2025, that list includes a Warn VRX4500 winch, a full poly roof, larger rear fenders, blue LED lighting for the interior, and a rear view mirror.

The XT-R, with its black paint and aggressive fenders, is certainly the cooler looking of the two, but if you don’t get any value out of paint and graphics, we’d stick with the R-Spec and spend that extra $2,000 on upgrades of your choosing.

If I like this… what else should I look at?

For bang for the buck, both the Polaris General 1000 and Can-Am Commander 1000R deliver comparable horsepower with better all-around trail manners. But if Japanese reliability is at the top of your priority list, Honda’s Pioneer 1000 lineup is worth checking out.

2025 Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000 Specs

Length: 115 in.

Width: 63.6 in.

Height: 74.7 in.

Wheelbase: 83.7 in.

Claimed Curb Weight: 1,714 lbs

Engine: DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl.

Displacement: 999cc

Transmission: Ultramatic V-belt w/ all-wheel engine-braking; high/low range, reverse

Claimed Power: N/A

Claimed Torque: N/A

Fuel System: EFI, drive-by-wire

Steering: EPS

Drivetrain: On-Command 3-way locking differential; 2WD, 4WD, full diff-lock 4WD

Front Suspension: Independent double wishbone with anti-sway bar; SACHS® ZF piggyback shocks with compression and preload adjustability; 13.3-in travel

Rear Suspension: Independent double wishbone with anti-sway bar; SACHS® ZF piggyback shocks with compression and preload adjustability; 15.5-in travel

Front Brakes: Dual hydraulic disc

Rear Brakes: Dual hydraulic disc

Wheels F/R: 14in; aluminum

Tires F/R: 28 x 10.00R-14 Maxxis® Bighorn

Bed Capacity: 600 lbs

Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs.

Seating Capacity: 2

Ground Clearance: 12.5 in.

Fuel Capacity: 9.2 gal