MACHINE TEST: 2015 Yamaha Raptor 700

The 2015 Yamaha Raptor 700R grabbed a lot of attention for its increased power, improved handling and suspension, and the fact that its price was the same as the 2014 model. Much less was said about the base Raptor 700, but it gets all the important upgrades, and its price is $500 less than the Raptor 700R, and $1100 less than the Raptor 700R SE!

WHAT’S NEW ON THE 2015 RAPTOR 700?
The engine gets a new single-exhaustport head, higher compression (10:1 versus 9.2:1), new cam timing, a new connecting rod, new counterbalancers, new exhaust system, new fuel and ignition mapping, and an air-injection system to satisfy the EPA. The changes are good for 10 percent more power and 8 percent better fuel mileage. There are chassis changes too. New suspension settings smooth the ride and reduce bottoming on big impacts. New 22-inch Maxxis front tires replace last year’s 21s and have more sidewall stiffness, a flatter profile and a new tread pattern for improved steering and comfort. A new gripper seat cover helps keep you in place, and a new, more durable X-ring chain transfers the Raptor’s power to the rear wheels.

WHAT’S MISSING ON THE BASE RAPTOR 700?
The engine and the aluminum/ steel hybrid frame are the same on all the Raptor 700 models. The big difference is the 700R and 700R SE come with piggyback reservoir front and rear shocks with adjustable high- and low-speed compression damping, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload. The base Raptor 700 comes with non-reservoir gas front shocks and a piggyback reservoir rear shock that offers springpreload adjustment only. The Raptor 700 also doesn’t get the adjustable front-brake lever.

WHAT POWERS IT?
A fuel-injected, four-valve, singleoverhead-cam, 686cc, single-cylinder engine. Dual counterbalancers dampen vibrations from the huge 102mm piston. HOW FAST IS IT? It’s a rocket. For such a big engine, the Raptor 700 revs quickly, and it pulls hard in every gear. The acceleration is a rush, to say the least. It would be insane to say the previous Raptor 700 was hurting for power, but it’s easy to like the 2015’s added snap.

HOW IS THE POWER ON THE TRAIL?
The great thing about the Raptor is, you can ride any way you like and it always feels fast. Rev it and run it through the gears, and the acceleration is eye-opening. Rolling the throttle on in anything close to the right gear is just as much fun. The 700 pulls ridiculously hard through a fat stack of midrange power, so you can wheelie it or break the rear end loose with the throttle. The broad, torquey power is just as handy in tough, ugly trail situations, allowing the Raptor to hook up where more abrupt machines are hard to control.

HOW DOES THE SUSPENSION WORK?
It’s very good. The settings on the shocks are very much like the stock settings on the Raptor 700R’s suspension, so you get a smooth ride on rugged trail terrain. Control for high speeds and jumps is impressive, too, though the non-reservoir front shocks don’t have as much oil capacity to fight fade as the Raptor 700R’s. Fast, aggressive riders will also miss the adjustability the 700R’s shocks allow. For many riders, the Raptor 700’s suspension is fine, and companies like Works Performance and Race Tech have high-performance shocks for it if you feel the need to upgrade.

HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
The Raptor 700’s combination of calm stability at speed and agility on twisty trails is standard setting for bigbore sport quads, and the new, taller, stiffer tires add to its light, precise feel. This is a larger, heavier machine than 400 sport quads and 450 competition ATVs, but it’s a willing, accurate handler. The Raptor’s slim, roomy, racy shape lets the rider move easily on the machine, and the broad, strong power adds control by giving you the option to slide or bring the front end up at will.

WHERE DOES THE RAPTOR RULE?
With its big power and easy handling, the 700 is a natural for the dunes. It’s also a great choice for all kinds of trail riding, because you have tons of power to conquer huge hills and wide-open spaces with great maneuverability for twisty-going. The Raptor’s suspension is far more forgiving for cruising speeds than suspension on 450s, and the transmission’s reverse gear comes in handy everywhere.

HOW ARE THE DETAILS?
Very good. The Yamaha’s brakes have the power and feel a highperformance machine deserves, and engine vibration is mild for such a big motor. Riders of nearly all sizes will find the ergonomics fit and feel great. For a sport quad, the seat is very comfortable, and the new gripper cover keeps you in place when you’re enjoying the 700’s forceful acceleration. The Raptor’s reverse gear is a welcome luxury most 450s lack.

WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?
The Raptor 700 delivers nearly everything that makes the Raptor 700R great at a lower price, which is a very good thing. If you’re the kind of rider who craves power, comfort and rides for fun without sweating the ideal suspension settings for every condition, then this is your ride.

SPECS
2015 YAMAHA RAPTOR 700
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-valve, SOHC 4-stroke single
Displacement ………………………………………….686cc
Bore x stroke …………………………… 102.0 x 84.0mm
Compression ratio ………………………………….. 10.0:1
Lubrication system ……………………………… Dry sump
Additional Cooling ……………………….Auto radiator fan
Carburetion .EFI w/ position sensor, 44mm throttle body
Starting/back-up ………………Electric push-button/none
Starting procedure ………… Engage clutch, push button
Choke location …………………………………………….N/A
Air filter:
Type ………………………………… Washable oiled foam
Access ….Remove seat, airbox lid (4 clips) & wingnut
Transmission ……………….. Manual 5-speed w/ reverse
Reverse procedure……………. 1st gear, engage clutch,
turn knob on right fender, downshift
Transmission pattern …………………….. R-1-N-2-3-4-5
Drive system …………………………………………….2WD
Final drive ………………………………… 520 X-ring chain
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity ………………………………………… 2.9 gal.
Wheelbase ……………………………………………… 50.4”
Overall length/width/height …………..72.6”/46.1”/44.5”
Seat height …………………………………………….. 32.7”
Wet weight ……………………………………………422 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame …………………………… Hybrid aluminum & steel
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front ………. Dual A-arms w/ preload-adj. shocks/9.1”
Rear ……………Swingarm w/ preload-adj. shock/10.1”
Brakes/actuation:
Front ……. Two-piston hydraulic discs/right-hand lever
Rear ……………………. Hydraulic disc, right-foot pedal
Parking ……………………… Lever lock on left-hand lever
Tires:
Front …………………………. AT22x7-10 Maxxis MS21
Rear ………………………… AT20x10-9 Maxxis M976Y
DETAILS
Battery capacity …………………………………..8 amp/hr
Instruments … Neutral, reverse, coolant temp, low fuel
Lighting:
Front ………..Two removable 30W Krypton headlights
Rear ………………….. LED 0.5W/3.9W tail/brake light
Colors ……………………………………………. Blue/White
Minimum recommended operator age ……………….. 16
Suggested retail price ……………………………… $7699
Contact …………………….. Yamaha (800) 88-YAMAHA