Introduced in 2020, the Yamaha RMAX has already been riding through Canadian forests for six years. Since then, it has built an enviable reputation for efficiency, durability, and reliability. The RMAX lineup has undergone a few changes since its debut, with the Sport version arriving in 2022.
When it was introduced, Yamaha presented the Sport version as the sportiest RMAX, with styling and mechanical treatment inspired by racing teams. Indeed, Yamaha offers adjustable sport suspension and wheels/beadlocks on this model, focused on dynamics, handling, and more inspired driving.
The Wolverine RMAX 1000 Sport is aimed at customers who are looking for a fun ride and value performance and style as much as utility. It also reinforces the image of the Wolverine range by showing that Yamaha offers not only rugged utility models, but also performance-oriented machines in keeping with its DNA.
So we tested the 2025 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport to see what it’s all about.
Body and finish
The Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport is only available in a two-passenger version, which makes sense for a sporty model. If you want a four-passenger version, you’ll have to look at the other versions of the RMAX 1000.
Already on the market for six years, the vehicle’s appearance hasn’t aged a bit thanks to the consensus-building, strong design of the bodywork.
The hood, with its air intakes hinting at its performance capabilities, overlooks the two-tier LED headlights. The headlights are topped with LED marker lights that add character to the vehicle’s design. It’s a distinctive stylistic feature that creates a beautiful, bold effect.
In its Sport version, the Wolverine RMAX sports Yamaha blue, which is as beautiful and distinctive as ever. A close look at the bodywork and mechanical components reveals that Yamaha has not skimped on the quality of the components or their implementation.
A spacious but simplistic interior
Getting behind the wheel is easy, as the rather high and upright seating position leaves plenty of legroom, especially since the driver’s seat has 3.9 inches of fore/aft adjustment. Similarly, the steering column has a lever that allows for a wide range of height adjustment. The bucket seats are comfortable even after several hours of driving.
Once seated, the driver finds themselves behind a rather austere but fully functional dashboard. To the left of the steering wheel are two large round switches: the first controls the vehicle’s traction system (2WD, 4WD, front differential lock and rear differential unlock, known as Turf Mode), and the second controls the headlights (Off, Low beam, Hi beam). To the right is another round switch that selects Sport, Trail, and Crawl modes. The instrument panel is located above the steering wheel, directly in front of the driver. Although small, it provides the driver with all the information they need: seat belt and helmet reminder lights, speed (main information), fuel level, odometer with two trip meters, traction mode and transmission ratio engaged, and in a submenu with a selector button: voltage level, engine speed, and engine temperature.
The center stack is designed to display a prominent central navigation screen at the top of the dashboard, which is available on Limited versions of the RMAX, and contains a multitude of toggle switches (12 slots in total). On the Sport version, there is a switch in the center console to adjust the power steering sensitivity level and another for the winch. All other locations, as well as the space intended for the screen, are covered by a plastic cover or cap.
This is a valid solution, but it may detract from the model’s appeal to potential customers in the showroom.
The two seats are separated by a wide console that houses the parking brake lever and gear selector lever. It also contains two effective bottle holders that securely hold water bottles.
Under the armrest, which is just the right height and fully usable, there is a storage space that can only hold a few small items. Finally, a waterproof glove compartment in front of the passenger completes the front storage.
Continuing our tour of the vehicle, we are pleased to note that it is factory-equipped with full rigid doors that will effectively protect passengers’ legs from wheel spray. It also comes factory-equipped with a hard plastic roof. Finally, we take a closer look at the bed, which is equipped with a rear panel and LED red lights.
This medium-sized bed has a load capacity of 600 pounds, can be tipped, and, interestingly, is equipped with threaded anchor holes for attaching accessories to the floor. The vehicle also has a 2-inch receptacle for a hitch ball. It offers a respectable towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
Optional equipment added to the vehicle included center and side mirrors and a fold-down polycarbonate windshield. In addition, it was also equipped with a front bumper that surrounds the headlights and tops a 4,500-pound winch.
Engine, transmission, and suspension.
The Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport is powered by a 999 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine. This engine features a compact inline configuration with electronic fuel injection, four valves per cylinder, and 108 horsepower, making it the leader in its class.
That’s eight horsepower more than the Polaris General or Can-Am Commander 1000 and 16 horsepower more than the new Kawasaki Ridge with its four-cylinder engine.
The Wolverine is equipped with the Ultramatic CVT transmission, which is one of the best, if not the best, continuously variable transmission on the market. It has proven to be extremely reliable for over 30 years, and Yamaha offers a 10-year warranty. It is a constant-mesh belt transmission that does not jerk during use. The transmission has a high and low range that can be selected using the gear lever.
The technical solutions implemented for the suspension are no exception. The settings are designed to enhance driving pleasure and the feel of what is happening under the wheels on the trail. At the front and rear, there is a double wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar and FOX 2.0 piggyback gas shock absorbers adjustable for preload and compression speed (high or low). The suspension has a travel of 14.2 inches at the front and 16.9 inches at the rear. The vehicle’s ground clearance is 13.8 inches, which is excellent. Finally, the imposing tires are 30-inch GBC Terra Masters on 14-inch aluminium rims. The wheels are also equipped with blue beadlocks.
Trail performance
As mentioned earlier, getting into the Wolverine RMAX2 1000 is no problem, and the frame stop to hold the shoulder does not interfere in any way, even once seated. Once the seat belts are fastened, turn the key to start the engine and you will find that it runs very smoothly. Although it is quite noisy, there are no vibrations transmitted to the vehicle. Yamaha’s efforts to control noise, hardness, and vibrations at the rubber engine mounts have paid off. When engaging the transmission, we also appreciate the lack of response delay, which contributes to the overall precision of the vehicle’s operation. During sustained acceleration, we first appreciate the engine’s thrust, which demonstrates very good power and pulls strongly up to its electronically limited top speed of around 105 km/h. Whether driving on flat ground or long slopes, power is always delivered optimally because the transmission works in harmony with the engine. The recipe is just right. Without being a machine designed specifically for high performance, the 999 cm3 engine propels the vehicle in a responsive manner that puts a smile on your face.
The suspension does a very good job of controlling body roll. This means that even when pushed hard, the vehicle maintains its aplomb. It absorbs large bumps and cracks in the trail well at cruising speed. However, due to the technical choice to prioritize sporty handling, the suspension remains jerky. The very rigid tire sidewalls and FOX 2.0 shock absorbers transmit the nature of the ground to the steering wheel.
Despite the feeling of rigidity and the sometimes sustained pace, the vehicle always remains in perfect control and the suspension never hits the bump stops.
In sustained turns, the roll is predictable, which is reassuring for the driver who is navigating a series of turns. The driver can adjust the shock absorbers to set the rebound speed and reduce the effect of the suspension sagging. The steering is equipped with power steering, which is precise and allows the vehicle to be positioned exactly where desired on the trail. The driver can also adjust it to three levels of sensitivity.
We appreciate how the mechanical components work together in harmony, making this a very enjoyable vehicle to drive. One of Yamaha’s strengths is its ability to harmoniously orchestrate the mechanical components of its vehicles. The Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport offers occupants an inspiring riding experience and demonstrates great ease of movement.
We really like:
- The overall balance of the vehicle, which makes it a capable machine in all situations
- The overall comfort for occupants in the cabin
- The overall build quality
We like less
- The vehicle’s limited equipment for the asking price
- The exhaust noise could be better controlled
In conclusion:
Testing the Yamaha RMAX2 Sport over a distance of 250 kilometers was an enjoyable experience that allowed us to appreciate the fun of riding an ATV. Despite its radically sporty suspension settings, the vehicle offers a good blend of performance and comfort that will satisfy many. Thanks to its high level of comfort, confident handling, and spacious interior, you won’t arrive exhausted at the end of a day of riding.
The Yamaha Wolverine RMAX line is very skilled and, with the range of versions available, can meet anyone’s preferences. If you’re looking for the thrill of feeling your machine come alive, the RMAX 1000 Sport will satisfy you. If you’re looking for comfort and refinement, check out the XT-R version or the well-equipped Limited.
We would like to thank Yamaha Motors Canada for allowing us to test drive the vehicle.
Pierre Allard
Columnist
