Yamaha showed the media the latest version of its popular Raptor 700 line last week at the Oregon Dunes near Winchester Bay.
We can finally share with you what we saw and rode last week. While there are three versions of the 2015 Raptor, the 700, 700R and 700R SE, we spent most of our riding time on the 700R.
The 700R is powered by Yamaha’s most potent big-bore Raptor engine ever, a 686cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected powerplant. The engine produces big torque right off idle, transitioning into a fat mid-range and monstrous top-end. The 2015 version of the engine has 10 percent more power than the 2014, thanks to several key changes to the engine such as a new design for the cylinder head and piston.
Standard on the Raptor 700R is a hybrid steel aluminum frame and Controlled-Fill aluminum sub-frame and cast aluminum swingarm combining to produce a super-strong structure and the lightest ATV in its class.
A thick, comfortable seat provides excellent comfort while the dual counterbalancers, electric starting and reverse keep things nice and civilized when needed, but when it comes time to pull the trigger the big-bore Raptor 700R stands tall.
The YFZ-inspired handling of the Raptor 700R is incredible to experience blasting through the woods. Thanks to the 9.1 inches of front travel and 10.1 inches out back, the trail bumps smooth out while the rider keeps things under control.
A new durable and long-lasting X-ring drive chain is used to drive power to the rear wheels.
A new, high-performance front 22x10-9 and existing 20x10-9 rear Maxxis tires with a specially designed tread pattern deliver superb, class-leading traction for razor-sharp handling in a variety of terrain and conditions.
The 700R version has a MSRP of $8,199.
We’ll have a full review of our test ride from Oregon in the next issue of Dirt Toys Magazine but for now, here are the specs for the 700R.
Engine Type 686cc liquid-cooled w/fan, 4-stroke; SOHC, 4 valves
Bore x Stroke 102.0mm x 84.0mm
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Fuel Delivery Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm
Ignition 32 Bit ECU
Starting System Electric
Transmission 5-speed w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch
Drive Train 2WD; sealed O-ring chain, eccentric adjustment
Suspension/Front Independent double wishbone w/piggyback High-/Lo-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment, 9.1-in travel
Suspension/Rear Cast aluminum swing arm w/rebound, High-/Lo-speed compression and threaded preload adjustment, 10.1-in travel
Brakes/Front Dual ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston
Brakes/Rear Ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston
Tires/Front Maxxis AT22 x 7-10
Tires/Rear Maxxis AT20 x 10-9
L x W x H 72.6 x 45.5 x 43.9 in
Seat Height 32.7 in
Wheelbase 50.4 in
Ground Clearance 9.5 in
Fuel Capacity 2.9 gal
Wet Weight 422 lb
Lighting Dual 30W Krypton multireflector headlights & 3.9/0.5W LED brakelight
Warranty 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty)
Color Team Yamaha Blue/White
