The 2013 Yamaha Raptor 700 is changing. No, it's still featuring its powerful 686cc liquid cooled 4-stroke engine; and it still cruises through the bumps with its independent double wishbone front and cast aluminum swing arm rear suspension.
In fact, the 2013 Raptor has everything that has made it the industry's top selling sport ATV.
Its change is coming in geography. The Raptor 700 is moving across the ocean and will be manufactured in Newman, GA.
Yamaha has decided that it makes more sense to build this top selling model in the same country which purchases more sport ATVs than any country in the world. It's kind of like bringing the Raptor home to those who know it best.
Now this change doesn't bring an immediate redesign to a complete family of sport ATVs-ranging from the Raptor 125 up to the Raptor 700 SE. In fact, other than the Raptor 700s, the others will continue to be manufactured overseas for the time being. However, it does mean that the best of the best will now tout the Made In USA label and will be available for distribution in a much more timely manner.
Even though the basic ingredients of the 2013 Raptor 700 remains the same as the 2012, that doesn't mean that some of the subtle changes should go unnoticed. This year the Raptor 700 is slightly shorter and narrower-about a half-inch in each direction-to give it even more of a lower feel for tighter cornering and maneuvering. This allows the rider to be in a better riding position. The fenders are moved slightly forward to allow better clearance for your knees.
And several snazzy graphics packages offer an attitude to match the rider. This year the Raptor 700 is offered in three versions: Raptor 700 (your basic no-thrills model priced at $7,699-$700 cheaper than last year-and features a choice from two unique graphics packages); Raptor 700R (your standard model that features a solid performance package and priced at $8,099-$300 less than last year); and Raptor 700 SE (your special edition version with all the bells and whistles priced at $8,799-$200 down from last year).
"Yamaha is the number one brand in Sport ATVs," explains Steve Nessl, Yamaha's ATV/SxS group marketing manager. "The Raptor 700R has been the category's top selling model due to its high quality, unmatched performance and versatility."
Hitting The Trails
The beauty of being an ATV journalist is that you don't have to take anyone's word for how a particular model performs. And nothing can top seat time.
So during a cold, snowy day in May, we took the 2013 Raptor 700 and tackled the East Fort Rock OHV trail system east of Bend, OR, to experience for ourselves what makes the Raptor work.
Being that it was somewhat unsettled weather-very typical for a western spring day-we found ourselves mostly alone on the vast trail system the provides 318 miles of trails over an 110,000 acre area in the Deschutes National Forest. The area features an accurate map and well-marked trails. You can get lost in the trails . but it's easy to find your way back to the trailhead.
Part of the reason Yamaha chose this area is due to Yamaha's vested interest in supporting trail systems around the United States. Since 2008 Yamaha has contributed about $2 million in trail grants (177 grants in 34 states). In Oregon alone, Yamaha has provided 11 grants, including two in the Deschutes National Forest, to enhance the ATV trail systems. A $10,000 Yamaha grant in 2009 helped upgrade the water system at China Hat staging area and provided a water source to the East Fort Rock OHV area.
East Fort Rock has six staging areas and three camping areas for ATV riders. Elevation ranges from 4,400 to 6,400 feet. There are three "designated" play areas to compliment the maintained trails. The Raptor's fuel injection comes in especially handy here in a trail system that features a change in elevation. Just the fact that you don't have to worry about jetting, and that your throttle response will be immediate and constant throughout your ride, is very re-assuring.
With plenty of Yamaha support people, we were able to mount our Raptor 700Rs and basically pound trails at our own pace and in manageable sized groups. With the miles of trails, it wasn't hard to spread out in this beautiful section or the Deschutes National Forest and enjoy the variety of terrain.
Proven Performance
The first thing to notice is how the Raptor 7 has an extremely broad and friendly powerband for a sport ATV. The twisting turns, tight corners and narrow gaps through trees have a unique way of restricting speed on the multiple-use trails . which is a good thing.
One would think that with five gears plus reverse, riding about in this trail system would be a constant up-shift and down-shift. However, the hard-hitting power of the 686cc 4-stoke offers quick-revving resistance which allows the rider to settle into third or fourth gear and let the engine lag in the corners. Usually it only required a little slip of the clutch to bring back the rpm and this low torqueing power would pull you down the trail.
Further examination of the Raptor's powerplant reveals why it's such a versatile engine. A forged piston and aluminum cylinder with ceramic composite coating reduces weight while increasing cooling. This is an engine that can take a little abuse yet still remain resistant to wear.
Roller rocker arms are less susceptible to valve train friction, allowing the engine to rev more freely and always ready for immediate throttle response. When we say this machine is "flickable" we mean that with just a twitch from your thumb this engine comes to life.
Down And Dirty
Technology and performance can only be as good as it is delivered to the ground. That's where the rubber meets the road . or in this instance, Mother Earth.
The Raptor 7 features new Maxxis tires on front and rear. These light and aggressive tires are designed with an exclusive tread pattern which allows the front wheels exact turning while the rear wheels deliver secure traction. But that doesn't mean that you can't slip the clutch, grab the throttle and break the rear end loose to spin through the corners when desired.
The one-piece aluminum die-cast rear swing arm assists in delivering rear wheel traction, yet reacts to the flip of the throttle to allow the tires to break free from their grip for power slides. It's all good. And it all brings a greater emphasis to "sport" riding.
The tight trails featured a complete variety of surface. In some corners there were rocks to grab you and throw you about. Other corners consisted of hard clay that had been polished through years of spinning wheels. Still other corners had tree ruts exposed as years of tires having removed all dirt from the vicinity. And finally, some corners had several inches of sand and fine dirt that wanted to rob your ATV of power and traction.
Add a layer of moisture or snow to all of these conditions and you had the makings for a completely new adventure at every twist and turn. At the end of the day it was very apparent that Yamaha's choice in tires was indeed the right choice.
Regardless what type of surface you encountered in the corner, all you had to do is point the front in the direction you wanted to head and the front end stayed locked in place like you were riding on a rail. "Just stand up on the pegs, turn the bars and the rear follows," explained Travis Hollins, ATV product planner for Yamaha.
As for the rear end, you could either deliver constant power with a slight squeeze of the throttle to shoot forward through the turn or you could slide your weight, grab a fist-full of throttle and slide your back end up around the berm and spin out of the corner.
Options, options, options. A full day of riding and experimenting left you exhausted . but thirsting for more. This is one time you hoped that your seat time wouldn't end.
Confidence In Handling
Recognizing you have the power and the traction to attack any trail is a great feeling. Knowing you also have a suspension that will keep you planted in the seat is even a greater feeling. Keep in mind, the Raptor is basically a race-ready ATV designed to blast through any type of terrain without any thought of difficulty.
Although all three Raptor versions can deliver a confident ride through the whoops, the Raptor 700R and 700 SE feature fully adjustable, aluminum piggyback-type shocks with high/low speed compression damping to soften even the most abrupt hits on the trail. This allows the rider to fine-tune the ride to match your size and riding requirements.
The Raptor's unique hybrid-design frame mixes high-tensile steel up front to a cast aluminum rear-a state-of-the-art blend of strength and rigidity that minimizes vibration and maximizes feel. As you zip through the trees and wind your way up and down ridges that are a natural part of the East Fort Rock trail system, you feel the Raptor reacting to you, not the trail. Where some ATVs treat their riders much like a bull treats a rodeo cowboy, the Raptor doesn't throw unexpected jolts your way.
Its double-wishbone front A-arms are also made of aluminum upper arms and steel lower arms-again offering a flexible strength that can absorb the hard hits while maintaining a secure grip to the trail.
Yamaha's Cam Adjust drive chain adjuster makes for quick and easy chain adjustments whenever you feel there's a little too much play. The Raptor also features an adjustable hydraulic front brake on the R and SE versions. All three versions offer the YFZ-type piston front and rear calipers to positive stopping.
Made In USA
Two years ago Yamaha started its "ATV Production Transfer Strategy" which began the process of moving certain segments of the ATV line to the Newman, GA, facility. This is where Yamaha manufactures its golf carts, side-by-sides and utility ATVs.
Last year the Grizzly 700 and Grizzly 550 made the move to complete the utility line of ATVs in the transfer. The Raptor 700 represents the beginning of the migration of the sport line of ATVs to the Georgia facility.
This represents a considerable 10-year investment for Yamaha to provide a state-of-the-art facility for ATV production in the United States. It also represents Yamaha's long-term commitment to the ATV industry in the U.S. market.
The Raptor represents a true race-level performance ATV geared to the older riders (average age of 38), with a longer history of riding (about 18 years). Demographics show these riders are interested in a proven performance ATV with a reputation of reliability. The Raptor has earned the reputation of delivering the most performance for the dollar, and being durable enough to withstand the pounding of a hard-core rider.
Yamaha also provides a complete line of ATV accessories specifically designed for Yamaha products to compliment all types of riding styles. Yamaha is involved in various race programs and trackside support, along with its involvement with local and state ATV organizations.
With its move to the states, the Raptor will continue to soar in the sport ATV market.
Engine: SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve
Displacement: 686cc
Fuel System: Yamaha Fuel Injection
Cooling: Liquid cooled with fan
Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gallons
Transmission: 5-speed w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch
Drive System: 2WD; sealed O-ring chain, eccentric adjustment
Front Suspension: Independent double wishbone w/piggyback high/low speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment, 9.1 inches travel
Rear Suspension: Cast aluminum swing arm w/rebound, high/low speed compression and threaded preload adjustment, 10.1 inches travel
Brakes: Dual ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston
Front Tires: AT21x7-10 radial
Rear Tires: Maxxis 26x11-12
Wheelbase: 50.4 in.
Length: 72.6 in.
Width: 45.5 in.
Height: 43.9 in.
Ground Clearance: 4.4 in.
Weight: 422 lbs.
MSRP: $8,099
