I was in downtown Louisville today (always a treat
) and checked out the new Wolverine X2 a little more in depth than the 5 minute check i did a few weeks back. The bed seemed bigger today, for whatever reason. Really not much smaller than a midsize Ranger, so i guess i'm OK with that.
The cab was nice in the SE model i looked at, esp the seats. The view in front of the machine is awesome. What is
definitely a step backwards though, is the room. I remember being impressed with the old models' almost expansive seating position and legroom. Not at all on the new one. If you shop at the big and tall store (
@100Acre !!!), you'll be wanting the old model.
Admittedly, I'm NOT a small guy, but i still had to do gymnastics to keep from getting friendly with the side bolster. I currently squeeze myself in a 500, so this is not a dealbreaker, but i really wish they had just given the old model the dumping bed and new engine.
Salesman had me start it, talking about how quiet it was, so i did. It really wasn't anything remarkable just sitting there revving the engine. Not loud...but not as silent as i expected, i guess. Certainly an improvement on a Rhino or Viking. They had gotten 3 in so far, and all were sold before they hit the showroom floor, so they seem to be moving.
The other thing i looked at was the new (last year, i believe) Ranger 1000. Man...i wish they built better stuff because that thing is nice. Very nice. And big. The belt system looks to be frickin' HUGE on the thing ( i think it uses the same belt as the turbo RZR's ).
And for all those who insist on riding around with full windshields and cabs on 90-100 degree days, they also had a Northstar sitting there ready to go. Roll up windows! Like i said...they make nice stuff....if only it'd stay that way.
