Trying Yamaha

[JayPo]

Yes I went to the dark side. I just purchased a 2021 Yamaha Wolverine X2. I absolutely loved my Pioneer 500 but after a 3 day trip to HMT, my wife and I realized that we really need something that is a bit more comfortable and has a better ride. I was torn between putting a bunch more money into the P500 (shocks, skid plate, power steering) or buying another machine that in the end better meets our needs. After a lot of research, the Wolverine X2 looked like it was a good fit. I was really sad when I sold the P500 and wasn't sure I was doing the right thing. But after a long search, I picked up the X2 yesterday and took it on a 50 mile ride today. I must say that I am really impressed with the X2. Compared to the P500, it is a lot faster, is more comfortable, and takes the bumps way better. I am definately still wary of the CVT, but the Yamaha CVT is supposed to be much more better than other brands. Out of habit, I found myself trying to upshift with the paddle shifters only to realize there are no paddle shifters. I'm also wary about reliablility as I've only owned Hondas in the past. But Yamaha does have a good reputation and people I know that have them swear by their reliability

I'm still planning to be at MOM2 in October if you'll allow a Yamaha to ride with you.

 

[Blownzuki]

Really! Lol

 

[NTCPrezJB]

Yes I went to the dark side. I just purchased a 2021 Yamaha Wolverine X2. I absolutely loved my Pioneer 500 but after a 3 day trip to HMT, my wife and I realized that we really need something that is a bit more comfortable and has a better ride. I was torn between putting a bunch more money into the P500 (shocks, skid plate, power steering) or buying another machine that in the end better meets our needs. After a lot of research, the Wolverine X2 looked like it was a good fit. I was really sad when I sold the P500 and wasn't sure I was doing the right thing. But after a long search, I picked up the X2 yesterday and took it on a 50 mile ride today. I must say that I am really impressed with the X2. Compared to the P500, it is a lot faster, is more comfortable, and takes the bumps way better. I am definately still wary of the CVT, but the Yamaha CVT is supposed to be much more better than other brands. Out of habit, I found myself trying to upshift with the paddle shifters only to realize there are no paddle shifters. I'm also wary about reliablility as I've only owned Hondas in the past. But Yamaha does have a good reputation and people I know that have them swear by their reliability

I'm still planning to be at MOM2 in October if you'll allow a Yamaha to ride with you.

View attachment 292250

You can rock it at MOM2. Nice work.

 

[Todd627]

Good lookin’ rig 👍🏼

 

[70Bones]

Congrats, they're a really good machine! I'm considering upgrading also, I'm just tired of riding wide open to keep up with the others who have bigger machines. And the Honda P700 is no faster than the P500, so I guess I'll have to jump ship too...

 

[DG Rider]

Yes I went to the dark side. I just purchased a 2021 Yamaha Wolverine X2. I absolutely loved my Pioneer 500 but after a 3 day trip to HMT, my wife and I realized that we really need something that is a bit more comfortable and has a better ride. I was torn between putting a bunch more money into the P500 (shocks, skid plate, power steering) or buying another machine that in the end better meets our needs. After a lot of research, the Wolverine X2 looked like it was a good fit. I was really sad when I sold the P500 and wasn't sure I was doing the right thing. But after a long search, I picked up the X2 yesterday and took it on a 50 mile ride today. I must say that I am really impressed with the X2. Compared to the P500, it is a lot faster, is more comfortable, and takes the bumps way better. I am definately still wary of the CVT, but the Yamaha CVT is supposed to be much more better than other brands. Out of habit, I found myself trying to upshift with the paddle shifters only to realize there are no paddle shifters. I'm also wary about reliablility as I've only owned Hondas in the past. But Yamaha does have a good reputation and people I know that have them swear by their reliability

I'm still planning to be at MOM2 in October if you'll allow a Yamaha to ride with you.

View attachment 292250

Congrats! I'd probably get one if there was one to be found. Yes, really.

 

[TripleB]

Yes I went to the dark side. I just purchased a 2021 Yamaha Wolverine X2. I absolutely loved my Pioneer 500 but after a 3 day trip to HMT, my wife and I realized that we really need something that is a bit more comfortable and has a better ride. I was torn between putting a bunch more money into the P500 (shocks, skid plate, power steering) or buying another machine that in the end better meets our needs. After a lot of research, the Wolverine X2 looked like it was a good fit. I was really sad when I sold the P500 and wasn't sure I was doing the right thing. But after a long search, I picked up the X2 yesterday and took it on a 50 mile ride today. I must say that I am really impressed with the X2. Compared to the P500, it is a lot faster, is more comfortable, and takes the bumps way better. I am definately still wary of the CVT, but the Yamaha CVT is supposed to be much more better than other brands. Out of habit, I found myself trying to upshift with the paddle shifters only to realize there are no paddle shifters. I'm also wary about reliablility as I've only owned Hondas in the past. But Yamaha does have a good reputation and people I know that have them swear by their reliability

I'm still planning to be at MOM2 in October if you'll allow a Yamaha to ride with you.

View attachment 292250

Nice rig. No excuses now. If it doesn't go, it's driver error now lol. Definitely nothing wrong with a Yamaha.

 

[CumminsPusher]

Nice rig. No excuses now. If it doesn't go, it's driver error now lol. Definitely nothing wrong with a Yamaha.

X2.

 

[Fro]

Nice rig. I sold my Pioneer and bought a Yamaha RMAX4. It’s a much better machine for my needs.

 

[Jerryg]

Welcome to the X2 family !!

BTW, this forum is way more fun than the Yamaha forum.

 

[Farmer]

I wouldn't be afraid of a Yamaha. The belt and Honda's durable reputation is what stopped me from buying the comfy Yamaha. These days Honda's bullet proof reputation is on the line and my next machine might very well be another brand. In a perfect world Honda would add some common sense changes along with some comfort or Yamaha would give us a real transmission. Today it all seems like a crap shoot.... You can get a lemon anywhere from any brand.

 

[Killer223]

don't worrry abut the belt. i put 10k miles on my yamaha belt never an issue. great machines.

 

[Farmer]

don't worrry abut the belt. i put 10k miles on my yamaha belt never an issue. great machines.

Belt durability will be according to the use the machine gets and the operator. Not everyone should expect that kind of mileage from a belt. For me it's also about the way they work. How they engage and work the engine is so weird to me. For someone like yourself.....it just doesn't matter. Some of us just don't like the system and can't get over it. Glad you did! I myself might have to someday if I get back in the market.

Have you ever been in water and experienced wet belt slippage?

 

[Killer223]

mine was hunting, wood cutting snow plowing, trail running. overall positive experience.
sunk it in water a few times crossing the verde river. wet belt sucks, yes, after draining the housing i floored it, and it worked to get moving again
servicing the sheeve and weights is a must. i did do that every other oil change.

 

[Farmer]

mine was hunting, wood cutting snow plowing, trail running. overall positive experience.
sunk it in water a few times crossing the verde river. wet belt sucks, yes, after draining the housing i floored it, and it worked to get moving again
servicing the sheeve and weights is a must. i did do that every other oil change.

🤦‍♂️

 

[gullyjumper]

I use to have a yamaha rhino700 and was very satisfied with it until the one way bearing went out about 4000 miles (it slowes the machine down on its own when you let off the gas ) A pain in the you know what to replace, I went to Midstate motorsports in Cookeville to have it replaced, Long story short after 2 visits to get that repaired and then it leaked oil. I had enough with yamaha. I went and got a pioneer 1000 . Maybe just a shop that didnt know what they were doing. Hope you have better luck.

 

[sheamus]

Congrats, they're a really good machine! I'm considering upgrading also, I'm just tired of riding wide open to keep up with the others who have bigger machines. And the Honda P700 is no faster than the P500, so I guess I'll have to jump ship too...

Can I ask why not go to a P1K?

 

[Jerryg]

Can I ask why not go to a P1K?

Fool me once......

 

[JayPo]

Can I ask why not go to a P1K?

It pretty much came down to price and availability. Back in August, a P1K was very difficult to find. And for my needs, it would have cost $2K or more to bring the base P1K up to state of the base X2 (roof, decent skidplate, and lower MSRP). I've had it now for 6 months and about 600 miles and I am thrilled with it. It has been everything I was looking for and more. Even the stock 27" dirt commanders have been pretty decent so I'm planning to run them until they wear out and then I'll upgrade to bigger wheels and tires.

I do miss the shifting though but I have zero complaints with the Yamaha CVT. Even the engine braking is better than my P500, which I didn't think was possible.

 

[Jerryg]

It pretty much came down to price and availability. Back in August, a P1K was very difficult to find. And for my needs, it would have cost $2K or more to bring the base P1K up to state of the base X2 (roof, decent skidplate, and lower MSRP). I've had it now for 6 months and about 600 miles and I am thrilled with it. It has been everything I was looking for and more. Even the stock 27" dirt commanders have been pretty decent so I'm planning to run them until they wear out and then I'll upgrade to bigger wheels and tires.

I do miss the shifting though but I have zero complaints with the Yamaha CVT. Even the engine braking is better than my P500, which I didn't think was possible.

And you don't have to worry about the heat giving you swamp ass.