Why The Yamaha Raptor is the King of Sport ATVs

In the late ’90s and very early 2000s, there was a flurry of innovations and advancements going on in the ATV world. Every manufacturer was right on each other’s tail to release the next best sport ATV. Although Yamaha had a good and stronghold of the ATV market with the Banshee they knew that it had to be replaced with something bigger and better. Yamaha creates the Raptor 660. There were many others like it but none were able to supersede what the Yamaha Raptor was and still is.

The Yamaha Raptor is still considered one of the last true sport ATVs available.

YAMAHA-KING-OF-ATV

Beginning of Raptor Series:

YAMAHA-700-ATV

Once Yamaha began to realize they needed to release something that was bigger and better than their very successful Banshee they decided to create the ultimate sport ATV. This ATV would be designed to perform very well in every riding condition. The Yamaha Raptor 660 was released in 2001 and with this introduction, they change the market.

Raptor 660 Revolution:

YAMAHA-660-ATV

The power sports world was on a race to release the next big ATV and Yamaha definitely takes the win on this one. Yamaha’s goal was to make a market changing machine so they had to choose an engine that was reliable, powerful, and easy to work on. They choose an engine from the MZ Baghira, a dual sport style motorcycle. With this engine, they created the Yamaha Raptor 660. The sport all-terrain vehicle was made with a 660cc, single cylinder, 5 valves, and 4-stroke engine. Yamaha did have to make some modifications to make this engine fit the body of the Raptor and these modifications include rotating the motor forward by redesigning the cases to get it to fit snuggly in the frame. They also strengthened the clutch so it could handle the extra weight and traction load of the axle and second rear wheel. This was considered the sport quad king.

The Raptor 700:

YAMAHA-700-ATV

Yamaha’s competitors eventually begin to catch up to the Raptor 660 so they begin to update and upgrade it. The Yamaha Raptor 700 was the next step in the evolution of the Raptor line. This ATV was released in 2006 and Yamaha redesigned it with a larger-bore aluminum cylinder for 686ccc to provide more torque, electronic fuel injection was implemented through a single throttle body and the bodywork was upgraded over the previous sport quad king. It was also had better handling characteristics and a sleeker look. Can-Am and Kawasaki were not able to match the Raptor 700 and Honda made something very similar but the timing was not in their favor. They released the TRX700XX in 2008 when the economy went into recession.

New Sizes:

YAMAHA-250-ATV
The Raptor 700 made it through the high and low times and Yamaha created different sizes of Raptors.

Yamaha Raptor 80:
introduced in 2003, that was made for children 12 years and older. This ATV designed with an easy-to-use electric start, 3-speed transmission, and is very beginner friendly. This ATV is still manufactured today.

Yamaha Raptor 350:
introduced in 2004, fitted with the DC-CDI ignition system which offers a steady spark at all rpm levels for fast throttle response and a smooth, broad power band. And is still made today.

Yamaha Raptor 250:
introduced in 2008, one of the best sport ATV`s for beginners and casual riding. It also has a new-design bodywork comes off without the need to disassemble electrical parts, airbox or wiring harness, for easy maintenance. The 250 is still made today.

Other Sizes:
Other Raptor engine sizes that were added to the line are the Raptor 125, Raptor 90, and Raptor 50.

Last True Sport ATV:

The Yamaha Raptor has left an impact in the power sports world. Each of their improvements bettered their brand and also made each of these ATVs more desirable. These ATVs have really shown they are reliable, as many owners still have some from many years ago in great condition. Each of the Raptors that Yamaha releases continue to impress.

Still the King of Sports ATVs:

We can never forget where the Raptor began. We like to sit back and appreciate each of the improvements and betterments each company does. Without these revolutionizing changes the power sports industries sport, ATVs would not be the same. Yamaha took the time to create the next big thing back at the beginning of the 2000s and we’d say it paid off as they improved the 660 to a 750. Also adding other size engines to their line. The Yamaha Raptor was the kind of sports ATVs when it was first released and still continues to be. Now we can only wonder what Yamaha will release in the future…

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