Ask The Editors: Is the Yamaha Raptor 700R Right for Me?
The Yamaha Raptor 700R is a very versatile sport machine with ample power and available torque to suit most riding conditions bone stock. While you don’t specify the types of conditions where you would mostly be using the Raptor, its forte is wide open areas; fire roads, sand dunes, gravel pits etc. thanks to a combination of a big-bore performance engine coupled to gearing that offers incredible breadth. That’s not to suggest it can’t be made to perform track or tight trail duty; any internet search will reveal Raptor 700s succeeding in just about every possible condition, the fact of the matter is that there are simply more suitable selections out there for the same amount of money if those are your primary goals with the machine.
As far as front-end lifting concerns, that possibility exists with just about any rear-drive/ performance ATV but we’ve never encountered any inherent flaws in the Raptor’s chassis design or geometry numbers that made us suspect of pulling it through the gears. Do keep in mind, however, that properly setting up the rear shock’s sag is imperative to making the most out of any ATV’s handling and the Raptor is no exception. The reason for this is the shock is designed to compress to compensate for the engine’s torque output across the power curve. Running the rear end with either too much spring preload or too stiff of compression (or some combination of the two) will make it stiff and prone to front-end lift. To properly set up your sag, click here.
Finally, since you are lighter than Yamaha’s intended audience for the 700R, looking into softer shock springs all around would certainly be a viable means of making the suspension much more responsive/ active and eliminate concerns of wheels losing contact with the ground.
Aside from this, the Yamaha has a well earned reputation for reliability, ample power on tap, killer looks and an exhaust roar like no other. Our full review of the Raptor 700R can be found here.
