Yamaha is a world-leading ATV manufacturing company. In the 2000 year, there was a big competition for sports ATVs. After Yamaha released “BANSHEE” to the market, there was a new place for new ATVs with high performance, and something could change the boring system. They made their first Yamaha raptor in 2001 and released it to the global market. They named it the “Yamaha raptor 660”.
Yamaha Raptor 660 comes with a five-valve cylinder, five-speed manual transmission, including Yamaha YZ specifications, and race-honed suspensions.Also, it can ride in almost every riding condition, like on snow, mud, sand, and in high temperatures. Yamaha raptor 660 is named “SPORT ATV OF THE YEAR”. Today, the Yamaha raptor is one of the quad market’s most popular and best-selling ATV models.
Yamaha Raptor 660 – The game changer
The Yamaha raptor 660 is the first in the raptor lineup. And it is the first sport-utility ATV manufactured by Yamaha. Off-road ATV Riders always mention that it was performed like a beast and is very easy to control. This comfortable and stable machine changes the ATV world. Raptor 660 Started to manufacture in 2001 and stopped in 2005. Its have an engine manufactured by “MZ BAGHIRA”.
Yamaha did some modifications to this engine, like a forward rotating motor and strengthened clutch, to give the best performance. It’s a 660cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine that uses liquid cooling technology. So, this beast got 36 horsepower, and first in time, it’s got three intakes and two exhaust pipe systems. With all this, the raptor 660 got a weight of 398 pounds. I know your next question. What is the top speed it can go? You can reach up to 70 – 75 mph and go 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds on a Yamaha raptor 660 in stock condition.
| Specifications | 2005 YAMAHA RAPTOR 660 |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP*) | $6199 |
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, SOHC, five-valve, 660CC, four-stroke single |
| Bore x Stroke | 100mm x 84mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Carburation | Dual Mikuni 33mm BSR |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Starting System | Electric |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual clutch with reverse |
| Drive train | 2WD, chain |
| Front Suspension | Independent double wishbone, 9.1″ travel with preload adjustment |
| Rear Suspension | Aluminum swing arm, 8.7” travel with the rebound, compression, and preload adjustment |
| Front Brakes | Hydraulic disc |
| Rear Brakes | Hydraulic disc |
| Front Tire | 21×7-10 radial/20×10-9 radial |
| Rear Tire | 21×7-10 radial/20×10-9 radial |
| L x W x H | 72.0 in x 43.0 in x 45.1 in |
| Seat Height | 33.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 49 in |
| Maximum Ground Clearance | 4.5 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.1 gal or 11 liters |
| Wet Weight | 398lb or 180kg |
Yamaha Raptor 700 – The beginning
After raptor 660, the ATV market members started building more performance machines to beat it. Yamaha’s competitors, like Kawasaki, can-am, and honda, released New ATV models to the market to get their lost places. So, at that time, Yamaha needs a new hero to beat the market. Now comes the next generation of the raptor lineup.
It Gets inspired by the previous raptor 660 base and Yamaha manufactured Yamaha raptor 700 in 2006. It is the next big step for them, and they go their place back on the ATV market. Yamaha Raptor 700 has a 686cc engine, a larger-bore aluminum cylinder, and an electronic fuel injection system. That help to give more performance and more torque to this beast.
The raptor 700 engine has 46.9 horsepower, and It can get to 9000rpm and maintain a smooth rider experience without power loss. This raptor has an aluminum and steel hybrid frame, aluminum subframe, and cast swingarm for more stability. It has comfy seats, an electric starter, an advanced suspension system, and a counterbalance to make riders friendly. When Looking to maintain, Raptor 700’s air and oil filters can reach easily without any extra tools or drivers.
When it gets out from the factory, the Yamaha raptor 700 can reach an average of 70-75mph (112.6-120.7 km/h). According to the Guinness World Records, the modified Yamaha raptor 700 reached 196.19mph (315.73km/h) on June 15, 2008. That ATV was made by “Terry Wilmeth,” who lives in the United States, and he modified His raptor 700 with a hybrid rocket thruster.
| Specifications | 2023 YAMAHA RAPTOR 700 | 2022 YAMAHA RAPTOR 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP*) | $9399 | $8799 |
| Engine type | 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 4 valves | 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 4 valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 102.0mm x 84.0mm | 102.0mm x 84.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm | Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm |
| Ignition | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
| Starting System | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 5-speed w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch | 5-speed w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch |
| Final Drive | X-ring chain; 2WD | X-ring chain; 2WD |
| Front Suspension | Independent double-wishbone and 5-way preload adjustment, 9.1-in travel | Independent double-wishbone and 5-way preload adjustment, 9.1-in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Cast aluminum swingarm with preload adjustable shock, 10.1-in travel | Cast aluminum swingarm with preload adjustable shock, 10.1-in travel |
| Front Brakes | Dual hydraulic disc | Dual hydraulic disc |
| Rear Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Front Tire | AT22 x 7-10 Maxxis | AT22 x 7-10 Maxxis |
| Rear Tire | AT20 x 10-9 Maxxis | AT20 x 10-9 Maxxis |
| L x W x H | 72.6 in x 45.5 in x 43.9 in | 72.6 in x 45.5 in x 43.9 in |
| Seat Height | 32.7 in | 32.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 50.4 in | 50.4 in |
| Maximum Ground Clearance | 9.4 in | 9.4 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.9 gal or 10.9 Liters | 2.9 gal or 10.9 Liters |
| Wet Weight | 422 lb or 191.4 kg | 422 lb or 191.4 kg |
| Lighting | Dual 30W Krypton headlights and LED brake light | Dual 30W Krypton headlights and LED brake light |
| Color | Cyan/Yamaha Black | Armor Gray |
| Warranty | 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty) | 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty) |
Yamaha Raptor 700R – Fastest ATV in the world?
According to the Yamaha site, the raptor 700R is the best-selling ATV in their sports ATV lineup and has the most attractive designs and tech upgrades. Raptor 700R comes with a fuel-injected engine for the first time in the ATV world. It is the second generation Yamaha raptor family. After Raptor 660, Yamaha changes the game again with the raptor 700R.
It can perform in every condition without failure when powered with fuel injection technology. Also, it comes with the most lightweight chassis that Yamaha has ever made. Yamaha Raptor 700R has 47 horsepower with 686cc 4 valve fuel injected engine. With this power, the raptor 700r can give you an enjoyable ride when you want to ride in every environment.
Stock Raptor 700R comes with A-arm suspensions and 12-inch aluminum bead lock rims. Also, it will perform 32 miles per gallon. Almost 51 km per 3.7 liters. The Yamaha Raptor 700R can go 75-85 mph ( 120.7-136.7 km/h )and 0 to 60mph in 3 seconds.
| Specifications | 2023 YAMAHA RAPTOR 700R | 2022 YAMAHA RAPTOR 700R |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP*) | $9999 | $9399 |
| Engine type | 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 4 valves | 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 4 valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 102.0mm x 84.0mm | 102.0mm x 84.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm | Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm |
| Ignition | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
| Starting System | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 5-speed w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch | 5-speed w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch |
| Final Drive | X-ring chain; 2WD | X-ring chain; 2WD |
| Front Suspension | Independent double-wishbone w/piggyback high/low-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment, 9.1-in travel | Independent double-wishbone w/piggyback high/low-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment, 9.1-in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Cast aluminum swingarm w/piggyback high/low-speed compression, rebound, and threaded preload adjustment, 10.1-in travel | Cast aluminum swingarm w/piggyback high/low-speed compression, rebound, and threaded preload adjustment, 10.1-in travel |
| Front Brakes | Dual hydraulic disc | Dual hydraulic disc |
| Rear Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Front Tire | AT22 x 7-10 Maxxis | AT22 x 7-10 Maxxis |
| Rear Tire | AT20 x 10-9 Maxxis | AT20 x 10-9 Maxxis |
| L x W x H | 72.6 in x 45.5 in x 43.9 in | 72.6 in x 45.5 in x 43.9 in |
| Seat Height | 32.7 in | 32.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 50.4 in | 50.4 in |
| Maximum Ground Clearance | 9.5 in | 9.5 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.9 gal or 10.9 Liters | 2.9 gal or 10.9 Liters |
| Wet Weight | 422 lb or 191.4 kg | 422 lb or 191.4 kg |
| Lighting | Dual 30W Krypton headlights and LED brake light | Dual 30W Krypton headlights and LED brake light |
| Color | Team Yamaha Blue | Team Yamaha Blue |
| Warranty | 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty) | 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty) |
Yamaha Raptor 700R SE – The Triplets!
The Difference between the raptor 700, 700R, and 700R SE is minor upgrades on trim levels, suspensions, body kit, and minor clutch adjustments. Other specifications are almost the same.
| Specifications | 2023 YAMAHA RAPTOR 700R SE | 2022 YAMAHA RAPTOR 700R SE |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP*) | $10599 | $9999 |
| Engine type | 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 4 valves | 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 4 valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 102.0mm x 84.0mm | 102.0mm x 84.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm | Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm |
| Ignition | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
| Starting System | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 5-speed w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch | 5-speed w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch |
| Final Drive | X-ring chain; 2WD | X-ring chain; 2WD |
| Front Suspension | Independent double-wishbone w/piggyback high/low-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment, 9.1-in travel | Independent double-wishbone w/piggyback high/low-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment, 9.1-in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Cast aluminum swingarm w/piggyback high/low-speed compression, rebound, and threaded preload adjustment, 10.1-in travel | Cast aluminum swingarm w/piggyback high/low-speed compression, rebound, and threaded preload adjustment, 10.1-in travel |
| Front Brakes | Dual hydraulic disc | Dual hydraulic disc |
| Rear Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Front Tire | AT22 x 7-10 Maxxis | AT22 x 7-10 Maxxis |
| Rear Tire | AT20 x 10-9 Maxxis | AT20 x 10-9 Maxxis |
| L x W x H | 72.6 in x 45.5 in x 43.9 in | 72.6 in x 45.5 in x 43.9 in |
| Seat Height | 32.7 in | 32.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 50.4 in | 50.4 in |
| Maximum Ground Clearance | 9.5 in | 9.5 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.9 gal or 10.9 Liters | 2.9 gal or 10.9 Liters |
| Wet Weight | 422 lb or 191.4 kg | 422 lb or 191.4 kg |
| Lighting | Dual 30W Krypton headlights and LED brake light | Dual 30W Krypton headlights and LED brake light |
| Color | Grey Metallic; Yamaha Black | Yamaha Black/Yellow; White/Team Yamaha Blue |
| Warranty | 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty) | 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty) |
Yamaha Raptor 90 – For cute Riders!
Yamaha Raptor 90 is made for kids and comes with a 90cc engine. After a few modifications and removing the speed limiter, this quad can reach 30mph or 48.2km/h.
| Specifications | 2023 YAMAHA RAPTOR 90 | 2022 YAMAHA RAPTOR 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP*) | $3299 | $3299 |
| Engine type | 90cc air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 2 valves | 90cc air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke; 2 valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 47.0mm x 51.8mm | 47.0mm x 51.8mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Delivery | Carburetor | Carburetor |
| Transmission | CVT; F, N, R | TCI: Controlled Ignition |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Front Suspension | Single A-arm; 5.0-in travel | Single A-arm; 5.0-in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock swingarm; 5.7-in travel | Monoshock swingarm; 5.7-in travel |
| Front Brakes | Dual drum | Dual drum |
| Rear Brakes | Drum | Drum |
| Front Tires | AT18 x 7-8 | AT18 x 7-8 |
| Rear Tires | AT18 x 9-8 | AT18 x 9-8 |
| L x W x H | 58.5 in x 40.2 in x 37.6 in | 58.5 in x 40.2 in x 37.6 in |
| Seat Height | 29.5 in | 29.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 40.6 in | 40.6 in |
| Turning Radius | 3.9 in | 3.9 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.7 ga | 1.7 ga |
| Wet Weight | 279 lb | 279 lb |
| Color | Team Yamaha Blue, White | Team Yamaha Blue, White |
| Warranty | 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty) | 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty) |
Other Yamaha Raptor Models that Yamaha made
- Yamaha Raptor 80 : This ATV was made for children 12 years old and older in 2003. It’s amicable to ride and comes with 3-speed transmission.
- Yamaha Raptor 250 : This ATV Came to the market in 2008, and it’s the most beginner-friendly ATV ever made by Yamaha. Its have a smaller 250cc engine than other flagship sport ATVs, and it can reach 51mph or 82km/h. Also, this Yamaha raptor 250 is now discontinued by Yamaha.
- Yamaha Raptor 350 : Raptor 350 came to the market in 2004 with a 350cc engine and dc to CDI ignition system. It can reach 55-58 mph or 88.5-93 km/h in stock condition. When I wrote this article, Yamaha Raptor 350 was a discontinued model.
Modifications you should do to get the best performance in Yamaha raptors
- Remove the speed limiter
- Install octane booster
- Upgrade to performance exhaust
- Upgrade to performance tires
- Upgrade to the high-flow air filter
- Upgrade to performance fuel control
Is your ATV has a speed limiter? How to check for a speed limiter on your ATV?
Most vehicles have a speed limiter installed to protect the rider. When you buy a brand-new ATV or a second-hand one, you should check if it comes with a speed limiter.
- You can quickly check the manual when you buy a brand-new one.
- There is Another way to check for a speed limiter. Park your ATV on flat ground and put it in neutral gear. Accelerate to the max level on the rpm meter. When it reaches max rpm, if it starts bouncing, we can say there is a speed limiter installed.
If you want to get the best speed and performance your ATV can reach, you should remove this speed limiter and need to do some modifications.
The bottom line
Yamaha changes the ATV world with their raptor lineup. In 2023 there is 4 model of Yamaha raptors on the market. Raptor 90, raptor 700, raptor 700R, and raptor 700RSE. Raptor machines give more performance and stability to the rider. The Yamaha raptor has excellent handling and torque. The talented rider can reach top performance on raptors and make beautiful memories with it. Finally, it would be best to think about performance, design, durability, and fuel efficiency before buying a sport quad. I recommend going for YAMAHA Raptor 700R because it will give you the best experience and performance you can get by ATV or quad. Good luck, manual riders!
Recent Posts
When I first bought my ATV, I imagined riding everywhere on it just like a flash. But some friends told me you couldn't ride it on public roads as you like. That's true! There are big rules to follow...
ATV tires need to be replaced when they wear off while riding over time. Sharpen obstacles on off-road trails always damage tires. So, How long should ATV tires last? Normally, it would be best if...