(ED-Look for our ride
review of Yamaha's Raptor 700 in the Summer issue of Dirt Toys Magazine, "Change Is Good" by Steve Janes.)
Cypress, Calif.
- Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.,
is producing a new Raptor 700 and Raptor 700R for 2013 at its U.S. manufacturing facility, Yamaha Motor
Manufacturing Corp. of America (YMMC), in Newnan,
GA.
The new "Assembled in U.S.A." Raptor has aggressive new
styling and performance features that reinforce its position as the highest
performance big bore sport ATV. It is the first of Yamaha's sport ATVs to
be transferred to its state-of-the-art factory in Georgia from overseas facilities
and is rolling out to Yamaha dealers across the country immediately.
"Yamaha is the No. 1 brand in sport ATVs and the Raptor 700R
has been the category's top selling model due to its high quality, unmatched
performance and versatility," Steve Nessl, Yamaha's ATV/SxS group marketing
manager, said. "Yamaha is proud to bring the Raptor production to our
factory in Georgia, where
the company has made a significant investment to guarantee the highest quality
products are assembled right here in the U.S.-the world's largest ATV market."
The 2013 Raptor will be available in three versions. The Team Yamaha
Blue/White Raptor 700R (MSRP $8,099) is $300 less than the comparable 2012
model. This year's Special Edition Raptor 700R features black plastics
with red graphics and GYTR accessories (MSRP $8,799) at $200 less than the 2012
SE. Additionally for 2013, Yamaha has developed a third version Raptor 700
(MSPR $7,699) in white with dual graphic kit options priced at $700 below last
year's 700R model. The all-white 2013 Raptor 700 comes with two graphic
kits at the time of purchase: a Red, White and Blue Assembled in U.S.A.-themed
kit and an aggressive black and red kit.
The Raptor's hard-hitting power, balance and handling are
the key features that make it so versatile-and so popular. Its 686cc, four
stroke, liquid-cooled engine has quick-revving capabilities unique in a big
bore but necessary for top performance on trails or in the dunes. Big
power is a big reason why the Raptor is the undisputed king of the Sport ATV
category.
The Raptor's powerplant features a forged piston and
aluminum cylinder with ceramic composite coating, which provides reduced
weight, increased cooling ability and additional wear resistance. The
benefit? Light weight and durability. Roller rocker arms reduce friction
in the valve train allowing the engine to rev more freely leading to better
overall performance and improved throttle response.
True to the sport ATV category, this big bore has a five
speed transmission-plus reverse-to give the rider control over power
management. A one-piece aluminum die-cast rear swing arm delivers superior
rear wheel traction, reduced weight and added comfort for the rider.
The 2013 model also features new Maxxis tires with reduced
weight and an aggressive new and exclusive tread pattern, electric start and
easy to read indicator lights.
The "R" versions of the new Raptor 700 retain the
fully-adjustable, aluminum piggyback-type shocks with high- and low-speed
compression damping giving experienced riders more control of their own
particular set-up-significant to experienced riders who like to dial in their
suspension based on conditions, style and rider preference.
The Raptor's frame is also unique with a special hybrid
design that marries a high-tensile steel frame up front and a cast aluminum
rear. With the production transfer to YMMC, the steel portion of the frame
is now made in the U.S.A.,
has a new powdercoat paint and the entire setup ensures the Raptor a compact
and light weight chassis that minimizes vibration and ensures optimum rigidity.
The Raptor has double-wishbone front A-arms featuring light
weight and increased strength thanks to the aluminum upper arms and steel lower
arms. It also has a Yamaha Cam Adjust drive chain adjuster making for
quick and easy chain adjustments. The R's hydraulic front brake features
YFZ-type twin piston front calipers that are matched with new twin piston rear
calipers for improved feel.
Yamaha is the No. 1 brand in sport ATVs with the industry's
most complete line of award-winning, high performance, track and trail
conquering machines including, in addition to the three Raptor 700 models, the
YFZ450R (MSRP $8,599), YFZ450R Special Edition (MSRP $8,949), YFZ450 (MSRP
$6,899), Raptor 350 (MSRP $5,599), Raptor 250 (MSRP $4,599) and Raptor 125
(MSRP $3,499). Yamaha will also produce the Raptor 90 youth model (MSRP
$2,699). Each of the sport and youth models have an all-white version with
the dual graphic kit option-similar to the Raptor 700.
All three versions of the new Raptor 700/R will be in
dealerships this summer. For more information on this and other Yamaha ATV
and side-by-side vehicles, see www.Yamaha-Motor.com.
