Glamis. January. Yamaha Raptor 700 SE.
If it had been hockey, it would have to be considered a hat trick. But we’re talking four-wheeling, not hockey. But that combination has to be the hat trick of four-wheeling.
It really was the ideal combination for a Yamaha-sponsored ride in late January at the famous Imperial Sand Dune Recreation Area—or Glamis, as most folks know it.
And it was an historic ride at that. The Raptor 700s we were riding were the first to be built in the U.S., more specifically Yamaha’s manufacturing plant in Neenan, GA.
So it was a hat trick plus one.
If you follow sport ATVs (especially Yamaha), then you’ll recognize many of features which return for 2013 on the Raptor 700s. There are three versions for 2013: the Raptor 700, the 700R and the 700R SE. All three offer the same 686cc liquid-cooled (with fan), four-stroke SOHC engine. The Special Edition Raptor offers all the goodies of the base 700 and 700R with the addition of black coloration with a red graphics package and dealer-installed GYTR front grab bar and heel guards.
Upgraded Shock Package
The 700R and 700R SE also get an upgraded shock package on the independent double wishbone front suspension. The piggyback shocks feature high/low speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment, while in the back there is a cast aluminum swing arm and shock with rebound, high/low speed compression and threaded preload adjustment.
The price-point 700’s front suspension is an independent double wishbone design with the shock offering threaded 5-way preload adjustment. In the rear there is also a cast aluminum swing arm and shock with rebound and threaded preload adjustment. All three 700s have 9.1 inches of travel in the front and 10.1 inches in the rear.
All three are manufactured using a hybrid steel aluminum frame and controlled-fill aluminum sub-frame with the previously mentioned cast aluminum swingarm. As you know, aluminum is light and that means the Raptors are light and easy to not only maneuver but throw around. The aluminum is strong as well. We watched as a couple of Yamaha’s full time quad racers jumped the Raptor and YFZs and those machines have to be strong to take that kind of abuse.
While most everything on the 2013 Raptors is unchanged from 2012, there are a couple of notable new features. First, there are new twin piston rear brake calipers for better stopping power. Second, Yamaha is using Maxxis tires for increased traction. Additionally, the 700R and 700R SE also get an adjustable front brake lever that allows for precise tuning according to the rider’s personal preference.
Light And Nimble
The Raptor also features YFZ-inspired handling, meaning this vehicle is nimble and easy to manage. It responds well to rider input and is oh so easy to ride in the dunes. It’s really a toss-up for us as to what we like most about the Raptor 700R SE: the sweet and smooth engine with its low-end grunt and torquey pull or the ease of handling. It’s a great combination and one that serves the machine well in a place like Glamis.
Then there’s the suspension, which we were once again impressed with as we tackled the monster dunes and rollers at Glamis. We took the Raptor 700R SE to one part of the dunes where there were lots of whoops and really hammered the throttle to see how it would respond. Very well. But we aren’t surprised, as that is another strength of this machine.
Yamaha also brought along a stable of YFZ 450R machines to Glamis as well. It too is tops in its class and shines on the sand. The race-inspired and targeted YFZ 450R has plenty of get-up-and-go and is purpose-built for flying around on the sand and trails. So which one is for you? Depends on the kind of horsepower you’re looking for. As Yamaha ATV/SxS group product planning manager Travis Hollins pointed out, the Raptor offers “big, big torque” while the “YFZ is more high strung.” That’s a very apt description.
He also made another good point when talking about the YFZ 450R. While that machine is race-driven, Yamaha has made great efforts to focus on the recreational rider with the YFZ.
As most in the powersports business know, Yamaha owns the sport ATV market. And when you throw a leg over either the Raptor or YFZ, it’s easy to see why. The machines are on top for a reason. They’re solid. They perform well. They’re proven and, probably most important, they’re fun to ride.
Need one more reason to like the Raptor 700R SE? It’s $200 less ($8,799 in 2013 vs. $8,999 in 2012) this year. The 700R is $300 less as it has an MSRP of $8,099 for 2013.
