Yamaha Raptor Tears Through Trails With Ease

Oct 26, 2023

Blaster and Banshee may be the most popular ATVs, but don't count out Raptor.

It’s powerful start and long-lasting body with easy handling, this five-speed quad is king of the trails. Raptor’s dual counter-balancers that temper the single cylinder vibrations make for a comfortable, endless ride out on the trail or dunes.

The Raptor 700R is Yamaha’s full-size second-generation Raptor after its Raptor 660 and is powered by a 686cc motor. Unlike Blaster and Banshee, Raptor has an overhead camera, an electric start, and single-speed reverse.

With more weight (422 lbs) and power (700 cc) than Blaster or Banshee, and the ability to reverse, Raptor is preferred on trails and dunes.

Raptor’s Pros and Cons

Not as nimble and compact as Yamaha Blaster 200, or as popular as the easily modified Banshee 350, Raptor 700R draws mostly trail riders but can be enjoyable on a track if not competing for speed. But that doesn’t mean Raptor isn’t great for novices and expert riders alike.

Some advantages of Raptor include:

  • An almost indestructible transmission and suspension with a strong electric starter
  • More overall horsepower but with beginner-capable handling
  • Less precise clutch and throttle work
  • Big torque that maintains rear-wheel traction especially through sand
  • Longer life expectancy thanks to a bigger motor that works less to reach its full potential
  • An advanced, strong chassis
Some disadvantages include:
  • Higher price point, especially for 700
  • Less speed for racing or tracks
  • A higher center of gravity that doesn’t corner as well as quads with lower centers of gravity
  • More expensive parts than Banshee, which hasn’t changed since 1987, and less transferrable parts than Banshee or Blaster

With some changes from the first generation Raptor660 to most recent Raptor700, modifications should be made by model. Get free shipping with no minimum for both models at Vito’s Performance.

Raptor 700R Specs

  • Engine: Liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke, 4 valves
  • Displacement: 686cc
  • Fuel system: Yamaha Fuel Injection
  • Fuel capacity: 2.9 gal.
  • Starting system: Electric
  • Transmission: Five-speed w/ reverse
  • Final drive: X-ring chain
  • Front suspension: Independent double wishbone w/ piggyback high-low-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment/9.1”
  • Rear suspension: Cast-aluminum swingarm w/piggyback high-/low-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment/10.1”
  • Front tires: Maxxis 22×7-10
  • Rear tires: Maxxis 20×10-9
  • Front brakes: Dual hydraulic discs
  • Rear brakes: Hydraulic disc
  • Wheelbase: 50.4”
  • Seat height: 32.7”
  • Ground clearance: 9.5”
  • Weight: 422 lbs.
  • Colors: White, yellow and black
  • Price point: Starting at $9,399

Yamaha Raptor 660 Specs

  • Engine: Liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke, 4 valves
  • Displacement: 660cc
  • Fuel system: Yamaha Fuel Injection
  • Fuel capacity: 3.2 gal.
  • Starting system: Electric
  • Transmission: Five-speed w/reverse
  • Front tires: Maxxis 21×7-10
  • Rear tires: Maxxis 20×10-9
  • Front brakes: Dual hydraulic discs Rear brakes: Hydraulic disc
  • Wheelbase: 49”
  • Seat height: 33.9”
  • Ground clearance: 9.5”
  • Weight: 398 lbs.
  • Colors: White, yellow and black
  • Horsepower: 36 HP
  • Top speed: 74 MPH
  • Price point: Starting at $6,499

Yamaha Raptor: The Bottom Line

Raptor is rider friendly and often dubbed the “king of the trails” for its handling capabilities, reverse gear, torque, and comfortable, speed-stable momentum.

With a combination of long-lasting power and great suspension, Raptor is known for its power in the top end and stable rear-wheel traction in sand, so don’t count this dependable trail boss out when comparing it to the more popular Banshees or Blasters.

POWER UP

Since 1998, Vito’s Performance has been supplying the world with top-quality and hard-to-find ATV parts for builders and enthusiasts alike. We specialize in the Yamaha Banshee and the Yamaha Blaster, and also carry parts for all Yamaha Raptors, the Yamaha Warrior, Honda 300ex and 400ex, and the Honda TRX450r. For assistance with all performance products, contact Vito’s Performance online or call (248) 969-9168.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_Raptor_700R

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_Raptor_700R

https://dirtwheelsmag.com/atv-test-2022-yamaha-raptor-700r/

https://www.atvrider.com/story/buyers-guide/2022-yamaha-raptor-700r/#:~:text=Verdict,all%20time%20for%20a%20reason.

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