2008 Special Edition Raptor 700R

By: Tiffany Tudyk

Yamaha has been continuously been pushing the limits to keep up with the demands of racers and enthusiasts alike. This year, Yamaha has unveiled a special edition Raptor 700R, built for the ultimate range of riding and equipped with plenty of aftermarket features.

Featuring a 686cc fuel injected engine, this powerful machine has the most midrange and top-end torque Yamaha has ever built.

New and notable is a front independent A-arms suspension that includes a set of piggyback shocks that can be adjusted for high-end and low-end compression for an excellent ride. These shocks allow 9.1 inches of travel in the front, while long travel piggyback shocks give 10.1 inches of travel in the rear. Yamaha has designed this machine to feel like a 450, especially in the braking, by adding an adjustable lever for increased comfort and feel to the front brake master cylinder, which features a dual vented hydraulic disc and twin piston. To reduce un-sprung weight, the rear ventilated hydraulic disc has been drilled with a self-adjusting park brake function, as well.

The Raptor 700R’s chassis is state-of-the-art with steel and aluminum in the subframe for strength, making this the lightest ATV in its class sitting at a dry weight of 396 pounds.

To top off the exterior styling, an all aluminum GYTR front grab bumper and heel guards are included. For those who yearn to ride for hours at a time, even into the wee hours of the night, there is a set of YZF450 30-watt multi-reflector halogen headlights, and rear LED taillights that can satisfy any enthusiast’s appetite.

Special graphics and colors are available but for a limited time only with an MSRP of ,999 for Black Metallic with Flames (available January 2008), and ,999 for Special Edition Red/White (available June 2007).

Specifications

• Engine Type: 686cc liquid-cooled w/fan, 4-stroke
• SOHC, 4 valves Transmission: 5-speed w/reverse
• wet multiplate clutch Drive Train: 2WD sealed O-ring chain, eccentric adjustment
• Suspension/Front: Independent double wishbone w/piggy back 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, self- adjusting park brake function
• Tires/Front: AT21x7-10 radial Tires/Rear: AT20x10-9 radial
• Dimension L x W x H: 72.6 x 46.1 x 44.5 in
• Seat Height: 32.0 in
• Wheelbase: 50.4 in Ground Clearance: 4.4 in
• Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gals
• Dry Weight: 396 lbs

For more information go to http://www.http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/439/0/home.aspx