2022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport Preview

Lucas Cooney
by Lucas Cooney
Newest Wolverine highlights 2022 Yamaha off-road lineup


Yamaha has taken the covers off of its 2022 ATV and UTV lineup and the highlight is the brand new 2022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport.

“The Wolverine RMAX 1000 is redefining recreational off-roading by providing unmatched comfort, capability, and confidence-inspiring performance,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports marketing manager. “This year, we’re expanding the Wolverine line with a new RMAX2 1000 Sport variation with added user-benefits, including another level of suspension adjustability for personalized handling and performance.”

Before we dig into the details of the new Wolverine RMAX2 Sport, we’ll provide a little background on the Wolverine RMAX 1000. Each two- and four-seat model is powered by a 999cc Twin cylinder engine with an aggressive 8500 rpm redline.

“Power and engine braking in the RMAX 1000 can be tailored for a variety of off-road situations with Yamaha’s D-Mode in LE, XT-R, and Sport models (pre-wired and available as a Yamaha Genuine Accessory in RMAX 1000 R-Spec versions) via the Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system,” Yamaha says in a release.

Yamaha’s D-Mode delivers power in three different settings to suit the driver and the terrain: Crawl mode is designed for smooth throttle control and full engine braking in slow, technical situations. Trail mode provides a more linear throttle response while still offering full engine braking. Finally, Sport mode delivers a quicker throttle response and optimized engine braking for a more aggressive, fast-paced experience.


Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport
2022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport Shock

So how is the new Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport different from the rest of the two-seat Wolverine RMAX lineup? It stars with the suspension. The RMAX2 1000 Sport is outfitted with FOX 2.0 shocks that Yamaha says are “designed to deliver quality damping feel at higher speeds, without sacrificing low-speed comfort.”

The new shocks offer up 24 clicks of high- and low-speed compression adjustment, dual springs, and a crossover coupling adjustable pre-load. The result is sportier handling with improved high-speed bottoming resistance.

As well, the Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport provides 13.8 inches of ground clearance, 14.2 inches of front suspension travel, and 16.9 inches of rear suspension travel.

2022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport Action

This machine has a square tire set up, which means the same size tires front and rear – 30-inch GBC Terra Master 10-ply rated radial tires. These tires boast an asymmetrical design to suit different types of terrain. Side A, the stock set up, comes with a larger void ratio with horizontal lugs – ideal for soft to intermediate terrain. Side B has a smaller void ratio with circumferential grooves for next level grip in the corners and a larger contact patch designed for intermediate to hard surfaces.

Additional 2022 Wolverine RMAX Features

2022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 XT-R Speaker

The 2022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 XT-R is outfitted with an SSV sound system.

  • RMAX2 1000 Sport and XT-R models outfitted with 14-inch cast aluminum color-matched beadlock wheels
  • RMAX 1000 XT-R comes with a factory-installed SSV audio system.
  • RMAX4 1000 LE has the same audio system with an additional second-row speakers.
  • R-Spec and Sport models are pre-wired for the Yamaha Genuine Accessory audio kit
  • RMAX5 1000 R-Spec comes with a suntop
  • Ultra-reliable Ultramatic CVT transmission backed by an industry-exclusive Yamaha 10-Year Belt Warranty.
  • Yamaha’s rugged On-Command system with 2WD, 4WD limited slip, and 4WD full-differential lock.
  • Yamaha-exclusive Speed Management System (pre-wired on all RMAX 1000, standard in RMAX2 1000 LE and all RMAX4 1000 models), seamlessly limits the vehicle’s top speed to 25 mph by simply turning a removable key, making it ideal for work sites and other specialized operating conditions.
  • Yamaha Adventure Pro dash-mounted and fully-integrated on XT-R and LE models, yet lockable and removable for maximum exploration and adventure sharing (pre-wired on R-Spec and Sport models).
  • Heavy-duty WARN VRX 4,500-pound winch factory-installed on XT-R and LE versions (prewiring and mounting points on R-Spec and Sport models).
  • 3-way adjustable FOX QS3 (R-Spec and XT-R models) or iQS (LE models) shocks mounted to wide-arc A-arms for high-quality damping and maximum clearance.
  • Yamaha’s exclusive torque- and speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS), providing light-effort steering, balanced feedback, and precise steering-character to further reduce vibration and driver fatigue.
  • Comfort-focused automotive interior with industry-exclusive soft-touch points.
  • Bright LED headlights, marker lights, taillights with class-exclusive reverse lights, and interior lighting, including backlit switches.
  • 2,000-pound towing capacity via a standard 2-inch hitch receiver.
  • 600-pound-rated bed capacity with easy-to-operate automotive-style tailgate.
  • Hydraulic piston-assist dump bed for optimal utility use on two-seat models.
  • Simple-to-stow full-size rear seats on RMAX4 1000 vehicles allows versatility for expanded cargo or passenger capacity.
  • 30-inch square tire setup on two-seat models and 29-inch staggered tire setup on 4-seat models, all set on 14-inch wheels, minimizing pinch-flats and maximizing off-road capability and durability.
2022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 R-Spec

2022 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 R-Spec

As for prices, the 2022 Wolverine RMAX2 1000 R-Spec will retail at $20,699 MSRP in a new Armor Grey / Yellow, with the RMAX4 1000 R-Spec starting at $22,699 MSRP. The Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport is available in a new Team Yamaha Blue at $22,599 MSRP. XT-R Editions are available in a new Tactical Black / Carbon Metallic with Maxxis Carnivore tires, a heavy duty WARN winch, FOX QS3 shocks, and a stylish paint and graphics package starting at $23,899 MSRP. LE models are available in a new Matte Silver with all XT-R upgrades, plus FOX iQS shocks and the factory-installed stereo system starting at $24,399 MSRP.


Returning 2022 Yamaha ATVs and UTVs


Beyond the new Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 1000 lineup, Yamaha is returning a number of other ATVs and UTVs to its off-road lineup for the 2022 model year.

  • 2022 Wolverine X2 and Wolverine X4
  • 2022 Viking and Viking VI
  • 2022 Grizzly
  • 2022 Kodiak 700 and Kodiak 450
  • 2022 Grizzly 90, Raptor 90, and YFZ50
Lucas Cooney
Lucas Cooney

I have been working exclusively in digital media since 1997. I started out with TSN.ca, spending nearly nine years creating and editing content on Canada's leading sports website. I left to join VerticalScope, Inc., one of the world's largest online publishers, to start a number of powersports publications. While at VerticalScope, I've helped create and oversee content for a wide variety of different publications, including ATV.com, Off-Road.com, ArcheryTalk.com, Tractor.com, RVGuide.com, and many more.

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