The Yamaha Wolverine 450 had a short production run from 2006-2009. Its an often overlooked model with lots of potential, Based off the Successful Kodiak 400/450 Platform with sporty styling, 4 wheel drive its a great base for an entry level 4x4 woods racer. Its quick, precise and rides relatively nice for a weekend warrior. However to be up to standards for some GNCC / Harescrambles racing there was some areas to improve.
The stock controls are probably the worst aspect of the Wolverine 450 in stock form. Lack of braking power, a handlebar bend thats awkward at best , no hand protection, an uncomfortable throttle.......everything needed attention.
We went with a Moose Racing Quick Adjust clutch lever for the rear mechanical/hydraulic hybrid brake. The quick adjust comes in handy as the brake feel changes as things warm and cool, the leverage ratio of the lever is also optimized for an easy pull. We went with +3" Powermadd Risers , Flexx Bars 14 degree bend Handlebars this is the limit with stock cables for the height of the bars ( which is still an improvement , more motocross style bend aids for aggressive riding) For the throttle we went with a Honda TRX 400EX throttle with a TRX 90 lever and a billet cover.
The area that required the most improvement was braking power, we went with Streamline Honda TRX 400ex braided front brake lines ( stock width) DP Brake Pads and a Accosto Radial Master Cylinder. This setup makes it feel like a different machine, it can efficiently stop in about 1/2 the distance with less force applied to the lever.
We topped off the controls with some Cycra Pro Bend Handguards. A pingel tether kill switch and a Thrill Seekers bar bag for some extra storage.
The next area of improvement was foot pegs, luckily Rox Speed FX had a solution much larger with a kick up this would keep the riders feet from sliding off when mud builds up in the floor boards.
A Quad Works Gripper seat cover gives traction to the rider when riding in adverse conditions.
Elka Stage 4 shocks front and rear are necessary for racing the stock shocks allow too much body roll, minimal dampening and a spring rate that makes no sense for racing applications. Elka solves all those issues and allows more tunability.
Exhausts are tough to find but Big Gun offers a slip on muffler for the kodiak 450 that will bolt on to the factory mounts and header of the Wolverine.
Tires and wheels- we went with Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 23x8-12 on High Lifter wheels which have a very nice warranty , beautiful looks and an offset that offers a slightly wider stance for more stability (46") The rears did require a 1.5" spacer to properly align with the front. Narrow tires front and rear allow the Wolverine to transition through the ruts without the surfing feeling the stock rear wider tires give, where you will walk up out of ruts unexpectedly.
For Skid plates we went with Richochet Skids for the front A arms, Chassis and Rear Swingarm/Differential.
To top off the build we went with Aggressive Graphix custom kit.
To shop for parts for this build click HERE
