Posted: 12/09/2009
By: By Jerrod Kelley
Images of intelligent, carnivorous dinosaurs run through your head when someone says “raptor,” but for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) enthusiasts around the world, that name creates an entirely different vision. While both mental pictures undoubtedly include a snarling beast and clawing action, only one of the subjects still exists. The Yamaha Raptor 700R has become the industry’s top-selling sport quad since it was first introduced back in 2000 (as the 660R). After a 2006 redesign improved its appeal even more, 2009 saw the addition of a digital meter and other small tweaks.
I recently spent two days riding the 2009 Raptor 700R Special Edition model in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area — aka Glamis — in Southern California and was reminded of why so many people save garage space for this thumper.
Custom Look
Special Edition means a custom look and higher price. Its $8,699 MSRP is $600 more than the standard-edition 700R, which comes in either blue or white. The SE has a larger front bumper, beefier heel guards and a wave-style rear brake disc.
Special Edition Package:
- GYTR front grab bar (bumper)
- GYTR heel guards
- SE colors (black plastic with burnt red highlights and chassis)
- Rear wave-style brake disc
2009 Changes
Die-hard Raptor fans will notice the slight engineering changes for 2009, especially the new-look front hood. The cowl is larger to make room for the new digital meter.
Digital Meter Features:
- Speedometer
- Dual trip meters
- Odometer
- Clock
- Engine warning indicators for coolant and low fuel
- Neutral and reverse indicators
Yamaha says the new thumb throttle configuration is more efficient, smoother and produces less fatigue. The SOQI-produced piggyback shocks are more comfortable and now have a 5mm longer stroke. They have 9.1 inches of travel to go with their adjustments for high- and low-speed compression, rebound and preload.
Ergonomics and a Sassy Chassis
Measuring more than 6 feet long, the 700R has more than enough room for adults of all sizes. Whether standing or seated, the Raptor’s handlebar/seat/foot peg geometry is ideal for my 6-foot height. The 45mm pegs allow more room for motocross boots. Plus, the narrow fuel tank lets my knees hug the tank during aggressive cornering and contributes to this quad’s narrow feel. The long, two-tone seat provides all-day comfort and extends to the fuel tank to provide added protection.
A CAD-designed hybrid chassis uses steel up front and aluminum on the rear section with a detachable rear subframe. Yamaha says the combo and length creates an “ideal wheelbase” (50.4 inches) and produces “light, quick, super-accurate steering.” Saving weight is a cast-aluminum swingarm. Its eccentric quick-adjust drive chain makes chain maintenance easy.
EFI and a Whole Lot More
Electronic fuel injection (EFI) and electric start help the 686cc four-stroke engine fires easily. The adjustable clutch lever and flip-style parking brake are both convenience items. So are the no-tools airbox and easy-access oil filter.
Upon takeoff, I instantly felt the Raptor’s low-end muscle. It really shined, in its midrange, once I hit an open straight stretch in Glamis. The Yamaha begged for me to pull through all of its gears and rev it all the way to its 9000-rpm max. Clearly, it can blaze its own sand storm in the smooth stuff, but it’s also good when the going gets rough. Glamis has whoops and the Raptor handles them. Its front piggyback shocks and single rear shock earn their keep by taming the whoops. And for riders who need more or less suspension, the shocks are easily adjustable for rebound, hi- and low-speed compression and preload.
The Raptor 700R is a hill shooter. In fact, the larger the hill, the better it is. We went to Hill 5 or “China Wall” and I was pleasantly surprised by the Raptor and its stock Dunlop tires. I started up the hill and pounded through the lower whoops and then shifted into third gear and pinned the gas. The Raptor quickly and confidently pulled me to the top.
For the rider who enjoys “motocrossing” through the sand, the Raptor does the job, but requires more body English to carve a bowl or play “follow the leader” around bushes, unlike the wider YFZ450R. Reverse gear is helpful when you get yourself into a pickle.
All-Conditions Quad
The 2009 Yamaha Raptor 700R is the top-selling model in the ATV sport segment because of its skills and killer styling. And this thing sells because it’s fun and versatile. You can ride it in the forest, desert, sand dunes and mountains (Yamaha says 10,000 feet above seal level is doable). EFI means less tuning and messing with jetting. The suspension is forgiving in both its capabilities and design, no matter your size. Oh, and 70 mph is no problem! Go on, I know you’re anxious to test the new speedometer.
Yamaha Raptor 700R SE Pros
- Gobs of torque for conquering steep, challenging dunes and lugging a taller gear
- Unmatched comfort for a traditional five-speed 2WD sport model
- Top-end speed
- Convenience with digital meter and EFI
- Aftermarket-like looks
Yamaha Raptor 700R SE Cons
- Taller feel despite 32-inch seat height
- Not as nimble as its brother, the YFZ450R
Who should buy the 2009 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE?
- Sand dune riders
- That guy who wants the little extras
- Buyers seeking an all-around, comfortable sport model
Who should not buy the 2009 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE?
- Motocross racers
- Buyer with no riding experience
- Those on a tight budget
Details and Specs
Model tested: 2009 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE
Class: Open-class adult sport quad
Rider Age: 16 and up
Rider Capacity: 1
Base Price: $8,699
Engine Type: 686cc SOHC, 4-valve, 4-stroke
Bore x Stroke: 102.0mm x 84.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Cooling: Liquid w/fan
Carburetion: Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm
Ignition: 16-Bit ECU
Starting System: Electric
Fuel Required: 91 octane
Transmission: 5-speed manual w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch
Driveline: Sealed O-ring chain, 2WD
Chassis
Suspension/Front: Independent double wishbone w/piggyback high-/low-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment, 9.1-in travel
Suspension/Rear: Cast aluminum swingarm w/rebound, high-/low-speed compression and threaded preload adjustment, 10.1-in travel
Brakes/Front: Dual ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston
Brakes/Rear: Ventilated hydraulic wave disc, self-adjusting parking brake
Tires/Front: AT21 x 7-10 radial
Tires/Rear: AT20 x 10-9 radial
Dimensions
L x W x H: 72.6” x 46.1” x 44.5”
Wheelbase: 50.4”
Ground Clearance: 4.4”
Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gal.
Wet Weight: 422 lbs.
Other
Warranty: 6-month limited factory warranty.
Where Built: Iwata, Japan
Website: www.yamaha-motor.com
Major Standard Features: EFI, digital meter, fully-adjustable suspension, heel guards, front grab bar, Special Edition graphics and colors, wave rotor, LED taillight, Dual 30W Krypton headlights, aluminum wheels, self-adjusting parking brake.
Available Accessories: A full line of Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) parts can be found online.
GYTR Accessories Sampling:
- Air Filters
- Skid Plates
- Graphics
- Exhaust End Caps
- Billet Clutch Basket and Inner Hub
- Rear Cooler Rack
Best Rivals:
2009 Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS
2009 Honda TRX700XX
2009 KTM 525 XC