Polaris General XP vs Yamaha Wolverine RMAX

[@joebiker5992]

Reliability is a big one for me. Now I know polaris sells far more units than yamaha. But simply put, yamaha just builds a better machine. They always have. But a spot where polaris wins tho is, accessories. But I think polaris needs to focus less on what one can add to their machine, and worry more about building a more reliable ride. People are just putting lipstick on a pig with polaris. 2 dealers near me won't even take a polaris in on trade with over 6500 miles on it. And they're polaris dealers... that speaks volumes.

[@odfarmboy]

I looked at both, bought the Rmax.

[@larryjones2563]

I’m starting the decision process. Can I ask where you live and what you paid?

[@dwightrhodes2051]

I just bought mine yesterday. I live in Pennsylvania. Rmax4=$21,000

[@TheDeanGullberry]

Did you drive both? Only asking because I'm trying to figure out what 4 seater to get and I don't want it to be longer than my truck like the rzr looks like

[@junkforlessutube]

Great video. This comment is not directed at you, but there is a major talking point left out of most Polaris vs (Yamaha or Honda) reviews. The Polaris comes out of a factory in Mexico... the Hondas roll out of South Carolina and the Yamahas come from Georgia.

[@DerangedOffRoad]

That’s a very good point. 👍

[@gwood701]

Yamaha designed in Japan by the best engineers. Polaris designed by people who dont give a shit if it breaks because they want you coming back buying belts and clutches. Choose wisely

[@RaleighWood901]

A quick Google search will show you the Generals are made in California and Polaris is also building another location in Alabama. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@RaleighWood901]

@@gwood701 🇺🇸

[@DUNEATV]

Great video! I’d go with the Yamaha hands down. Reliability being the main reason!

[@DerangedOffRoad]

Thanks brother! I don’t know about the rest of the guys but I’m shocked that you would go with the Yamaha!😜-Joe

[@DUNEATV]

@@DerangedOffRoad Yes, I’m very unpredictable these days!

[@terryspencerwv]

Family of 4. We chose the RMAX4 XTR specifically for Yamaha reliability & the shorter wheelbase will far benefit in our West Virginia mountain trails. Longer wheel base 4 seaters dont fair well in tight turns here in the environment we ride on.

[@kcflyer1973]

just ordered an RMAX 4 XTR last Saturday . I don't want to work on my machine, Just enjoy it with routine maintenance like oil and filter changes. Every review I watch on Polaris machines talks about all the stuff that breaks and needs to be upgraded with aftermarket parts. No thanks.

[@bothetinman772]

I got the RMAX 4 XTR. It’s the Green Goat. Something you forgot to cover was the diff-lock. That combined with low gear is insane.

[@jimallen9772]

RMAX all the way!

[@jodeath2000]

I have driven both and both are pretty awesome machines! I’m a big guy and I really didn’t like the shoulder bolsters on the Rmax. Very uncomfortable. In my case, I need the extra space for rear passengers on the GeneraI. I do like the different trail modes on the Rmax. I don’t think you’d go wrong with either.

[@TheDeanGullberry]

Polaris guy from western Oregon here.(east of eugene) Not a fanboy or anything its just the way I went for the money at the time. Bought an 04 predator 500 new. 0 problems. Traded that for an 07 sportsman 800. 0 problems. Traded that for a 14 ranger 570. 0 problems. Traded that for a 17 rzr 900 50 inch. 0 problems. Now we want a 4 seater because kids and I'm leaning towards the rmax4 for the shorter wheel base. Problem is that the rzr turbo 4 seater is superior on the dunes (big time) but close in price.

[@Tommy-iv4cd]

Rmax is a beast and way more reliable

[@curtissmith8789]

I totally agree with Joe when he mentioned interior quality. As close as these machines are in a lots of areas, I find it hard to believe how far apart they are in this area. I've sat in the R-max, you'd have a hard time finding a better interior. I know a Yamaha interior design engineer is looking at at some of the offerings of other manufacturers and thinking, WTF. This has to be good for the consumer because the gap is wide. High tide raises all boats!

[@dougwathor729]

I am leaning towards the Rmax2 1000 Limited due to D-Mods and IQS along with the fit and finish. I Also like the Cab kit for the Rmax with heat/full glass windshield and sliding glass back window. The vent feature of the Rmax full doors folding glass remind me of wing windows on the pickups from the 70’s and 80’s that moved air into the cab pretty good for most conditions or they can lock open keeping the securely affixed with premium looking hardware. I have owned both Polaris and Yamaha equipment in the past I had more mechanical issues and recalls fit and finish failures in my Polaris machine in a very short time where my Yamaha had wear items and maintenance but bullet proof drive train and systems giving me confidence that the Rmax 1000 would have better longevity if built to the same standard. Your review was very thoroughly compared fairly giving each brand credit in their prospective better features and if it was an opinion you gave support statement to explain your position for that topic. Looking forward to seeing some of aftermarket that will come available for these new platforms and see these machines evolve!

[@JeffBishopCarrollton]

Yamaha, for the better Quality !

[@stevesmith5551]

I'm a second Yamaha Wolverine owner with my one being delivered shortly the XR T. In all of my reviews and looking at used rigs just to see comments I will stick with Yamaha simply because of their reputation and 10 year belt warrantee. I saw several similar SxS's that bragged about having a new belt but the total miles were in the low hundreds. I don't want to have to pack a spare belt.

[@tonyspencer4379]

Crazy you can review items without them on hand.

[@jodeath2000]

I just love your reviews. You give real world examples and practice advice. I look forward to all your videos! Thank you!

[@renardol.pittssr.4735]

Yamaha Rmax2 1000 for us. Nice video !!

[@TheIrongutz]

Yamaha for life ☝️

[@gwood701]

You know 👌

[@coachvonyo]

It's great the 2 brands have different takes on the 4 seats so there is something for us all. I've been waiting for a short wheelbase convertible style 4 seater like the Pioneer with the performance of a General XP for years. Yamaha is the first to really hit that segment. It's tougher to get in and out of in the back, no doubt. But once in it's very comfortable and the slightly elevated view benefits the passengers. With the seats back it has a little less cargo space, but when slid forward it has a decent bit more than the general. The lack of dump may or may not be an issue for some. But to me the sacrifices you make to save almost 2 extra feet of machine is great. And it fits in our camper, which by itself was a game changer.

[@DerangedOffRoad]

100% agree! Some times people forget that manufactures make all these decisions on design etc based on market research and data. Each machine has a specific target market and I think the RMAX is a great rig that would suit a large group. -Joe

[@adammacgregor2641]

​ @Deranged Off-Road, I have to say I completely agree with @ Joshua Pelovsky. He literally said everything I would have put in my comment if he hadn't beaten me to it. I wouldn't go as far as accusing anyone of deliberate bias but I really don't think the plusses of the RMAX were as featured as they could have been. Where the RMAX is better, it's A LOT better. Seriously, though - saying you prefer the lines on the General 4 over the RMAX 4 is a little like saying you prefer how school buses look over a new F-150. Maybe it's a west coast vs east coast thing but the General 4 is just too long for it to be even remotely competitive in forest trails. The RMAX offers better comfort, a much sportier feel with soft contact points that add a lot to the experience. Then there's the reliability. Again, it's almost unfair to compare the two on equal grounds. RMAX owners don't own spare belts; they're just not needed. I compared both four seater models and bought the RMAX. If I felt the General was better, I'd be driving one but in the end, it was a very easy decision for me. It's really hard to compare these models on an equal footing without going back to the bus vs truck analogy. I guess some people just like busses. ;)

[@DerangedOffRoad]

Thanks for watching. Great points. It would be interesting to see the sales numbers for the RMAX and General on the east and west coast. I’m guessing the RMAX out sells the General out east and the General outsells the RMAX out west. Wheel base and length do not seem to be as big of a concern in the west. -Joe

[@adammacgregor2641]

It's hard to get an RMAX anywhere in North America. Being Canadian, it's even worse up here. Yamaha can't make enough of them to supply the demand. Based on the forums, I know people who wanted an RMAX but were considering the General just because they couldn't wait. I waited over three months for mine and considering the alternative, would have waited longer if I had to. I am sure we can agree that the RMAX is taking a significant bite out of General sales which is likely why it isn't hard to find one at your local Polaris dealer.

[@gwood701]

@@adammacgregor2641 id rather wait than buy a turd that will let you down and leave your family struggling to pay thousands in repairs 👍

[@goodtalker]

Hey Joe. I agree with you. On the two seat version, taking the RMAX over the General is a no brainer. When it comes to the 4 seaters, however, it's like apples and bananas. They're both 4 seaters, but one is short and boxy like an apple and the other is like a banana. I have a deposit on a Ghost White General...should be in in a few...but then a blue RMAX 4 seater just showed up in the showroom floor. DAMN! Great job, BTW. Roy, So Cal, Glamis guy.

[@patd4u2]

I just purchased a Rmax 4 seater on Monday. The reason why I chose it was because of the back stadium seating. I had a 4 seat razor XP 1000 and the grandkids could only see the back of the front seats and the inside of the doors. With the stadium seating they can see everything. I'm not really concerned with the performance. I want to go trail riding not do drag races or go flying through the whoops. I thought my KRX was a big car, this Yamaha is bigger! It just barely squeezed into my garage. Thought the roof was going to scrape on the top of the garage door but it just barely made it in. Maybe later if Shock Therapy makes a spring kit for this I might purchase one.

[@DerangedOffRoad]

Awesome they’re a great machine. Is it grey and green, I thought I saw it on Facebook the other day from a post you did. -Garrett

[@jakedetter]

R max all day

[@TheFireman645]

i haven't driven both machines but my biggest gripe with the Rmax is the pedal position seemed to push my left foot over. I sat in it for about 10 minutes and it was just an uncomfortable foot position. The fit and finish is amazing in the Rmax and everything else was comfortable and setup nicely. I think i would go General XP 4 though for the dump bed capabilities and rear seat room.

[@DerangedOffRoad]

After driving one pretty much all day that didn’t seem to bother me at all. 👍-Garrett

[@richmachholz3542]

I couldn't find an RMAX to drive but I did find a Wolverine X4 XTR 850 and I loved it except for the throttle, it was horrible. I'm waiting on the new Teryx. It's just a few days away and then I'll buy something. But what I'd be very curious to see is a comparison between the RMAX 4 XT-R and the X4 XT-R and where the 6K differences are.

[@dwightrhodes2051]

Go Yamaha not kawasaki. Kawasaki teryx brakes cost $100 a wheel

[@keithwilson5296]

I appreciate the video comparison. Thumbs up. I am looking at 4 seaters and it would be great to have some sort of dimensions for rear leg room. I watched one review that stated 2 issues with the rear seat position. 1 was leg room. The other was rear seat visibility. I am wondering if there is a model were the rear seats are elevated and /or located closer to center to see over the shoulder of the front riders. Thanks again!

[@msgbean]

The RMAX allows the rear passengers to see over the front passengers due to the elevated seating.

[@teggy1665]

When you consider the reliability and constant belt tension 10 yr belt warranty and best eps in the industry Yamaha is the only choice you'll be pressed to see any Yamaha's for sale on the used market some but few but its loaded with polaris realiabilty issues and lawsuits catching fire and everything also can't go for a ride without an extra axle lol

[@ericcooper142]

Both are great, but with 4 passengers you have to go General 4

[@daripper17roberts59]

We got The Rmax4 le amazing machine !!!

[@MattN03]

I feel like Kawi is falling farther behind each year :( I like my 2012 T4 still as it's been a solid machine, but there hasn't been any significant jumps other than a 800cc engine since it debuted in 2012...

[@DerangedOffRoad]

Yeah they need to compete with the RMax

[@gwood701]

Kawasaki has never been in the same league as Yamaha. This dates back from 90s sports bikes to right now.

[@LamokaDave]

An AZ sxs newbie question. Living in the Sedona area i would intend to drive the sxs on the rd to get to trails. Is a turf mode option ie the general a better option to avoid stressing rear driveline components?

[@michaelmann2171]

I don’t know so much about stressing components as much as tire wear. I owned a Rez and turning on pavement left black marks on the road. Hope it helps

[@Ghazlett24]

Rmax all day!

[@jamienelms1942]

Happy owner General XP 1000 4

[@TheDeanGullberry]

Did you test drive an rmax? We're trying to figure out which 4 seater to get.

[@jamienelms1942]

No I did not, only the General

[@cajunboy2012]

How much should I pay OTD RMAX 2??

[@gentlemanwethepeople1472]

RMAX all day !

[@muzicfinder1]

Whooooooaaa! Shot out ARIZONA!!!! I love my beautiful state!!!

[@DUNEATV]

👍

[@curtissmith8789]

I've been there a handful of times. I must agree with you 100% beautiful it is. Being in PA. It's a lot different than what I'm accustomed to seeing. I'm sure that's part of what makes AZ. So beautiful. All and all it's a beautiful country, much to see.

[@robhughes8735]

Yamaha all the way. Picking up my rmax4 on Friday. That schoolbus of a general simply won't fit where I want to go

[@obummamumma8699]

Battle of the 70's rubber band technologies 😲

[@johnserrano9689]

I like Polaris is American, but Arctic cat is far superior machine or at least was before being bought out. I can honestly say every single friend/family who bought a Polaris have sold their machines and had problems on the trail, not as bad as can am but still where we are then where we are out on the trails it's no joke. City boys can safely get away with an all plastic Polaris and can am, but where we are we need strong metal and reliability is needed almost above all else. Arctic cat, Yamaha, Honda dominate up here because they're so reliable and the older full-sized arctic cats are in extreme demand because they're as reliable as Honda and Yamaha but unstoppable with more clearance, suspension than ever the newer yammies and hondys. I used to love that arctic cat was this tiny company compared to competition that legit re-wrote the book for us, made in America and built like a fckn tank hell my 08' 1000 is still running strong and taken massive brutal poundings through all seasons yet runs like new it's hilarious, pulled many can ams and Polaris home. Biggest surprise was towing home a Suzuki king quad home because the frame legitimate came 1 support from breaking in half

[@bothetinman772]

The Yamaha is assembled in the USA, and there are actually a lot of parts that are made in house. I think it was Modern Marvels on the History channel that did an episode on e RMAX and the Yamaha factory in Georgia.

[@kennethjones1795]

Yamaha Rmax vs can am commander xt-p ??

[@thesquirrel905]

Another great video thanks!!

[@2001sage]

R-max

[@soybean70]

Rmax top speed?

[@twig7105]

Rmax

[@Soupcan35]

More comfortable ride in the General. That stupid and ugly shoulder pad on the RMax has got to go!

[@stevesmith5551]

That shoulder pad kept my wife from falling out when we had our 16 Wolverine in a deep mud trough at a 70 degree angle. We had a blast but I admit I was shitting bricks for a minute.

[@Soupcan35]

@@stevesmith5551 I think everyone knows why it's there. It's just looks ugly comparatively speaking. I talked with some owners on the trail and they hate it.

[@itsquick2]

Why would anyone buy the rattle trap General ?

[@Soupcan35]

Better ride and WAY more comfortable ride. Also, Ride Command is 100 better than that abortion that Yamaha has. The Group Ride feature on Ride Command is really awesome.

[@gwood701]

@@Soupcan35 is it hell ! Your POOlaris has the worst clutching ever made. Lurches at slow speeds . And will fall to pieces like every other Polaris turd

[@Soupcan35]

@@gwood701 The only thing worse is the POS transmission in the RMAX. And, if anything ever happened to my clutch, I could get a brand new one with a Gilomen tune for $550.

[@Soupcan35]

@@stopbeinglazy8343 That's a matter of opinion. Polaris RZR often imitated but never duplicated.

[@Soupcan35]

@@stopbeinglazy8343 You'd have to be a complete idiot if you don't think the RMax isn't a copy of the General. SMH

[@sissormint]

I watched videos on what it takes to change the RMAX belt and change the oil. Five (5) drain plugs. Not an easy chore. Maintenance would be more of a hassle than the General.

[@gwood701]

Are you this stupid? Yamaha has a 10 year belt warranty and THEY DONT BLOW BELTS !! I can live with a little struggle to change my oil. Enjoy buying belts, clutches and axles for the whole life of the machine (which is short ) 🤣

[@sissormint]

@@gwood701 Nice choice of words. I can imagine you are well liked. Take care now...…..

[@gwood701]

@@sissormint aww take care snowflake . I don't give a shit who likes me or not.

[@DerangedOffRoad]

Saw one just the other day with a blown belt and deeply grooved sheaves. Guess they all can't last 10 years

[@sissormint]

@@gwood701 You win gary

[@danharris5873]

No comparison it's like comparing a Fiat to a Toyota! Guess what's ones the Fiat!

[@roadgliderider1]

RMax

[@williamrgordonjr2291]

RMAX 2 and 4

[@41crow]

I do not care for the looks of the Rmax at all.

[@jamesc7925]

Japanese brands are obviously better than Polaris

[@gwood701]

Every single one of them CF moto are built better !

[@DKINTHEWILD]

4 seat supercharged KRX

[@jefferydrew9571]

You forgot one Honda drives better don't have no dam belt for about ot less sites going all that then the rest of Yamaha Why you're all set by the Siler road side but your new bell long zip around by saying howdy

[@DerangedOffRoad]

Translation........anybody......Beuller......

[@kidamere2408]

I got nothing.

[@gwood701]

Yamaha have a 10 year belt warranty! My dads rhino is 12 years old on the original belt. Yes the Honda is excellent but its very difficult to drive at slow speeds . Its very jerky ! Yamaha and honda are in a league of their own 👌 quality quality products

[@TheDeanGullberry]

@@gwood701 I want to hear that from your dad. Not you.

[@TheDeanGullberry]

Take a few days off.