There's been alot people wondering how the 700 stacks up against the DS in the real world. Donal just bought the new Yamaha 700R completly stock. Dons wife Carol has a bone stock 04 DS 650 with very low hrs. So over the weekend we put both of the bikes to the test at Boxcar. We raced about 3 passes and trade bikes for another 3. There a bit of a weight difference between Don and I. Don's about 280lbs Im about 210. Heres the results.

Keith on DS, Don on Raptor Raptor by 3 lengths consistantly but the DS was slightly reeling it in at the top
Keith on Raptor, Don on DS Raptor by 5 Lengths

We were having to much fun flat draging on the DS's to remember to do a flat drag test.

I was very suprised at the power and handling of the 700 its light and easy to toss around. No longer wheely happy. The power is really smooth. I didnt like the suspension a bit rough and the seat could use some improvement but Im used to my DS couch. Im not a Yamaha fan but I will have to admit that they got it right. BRP better get off their A$$ and make some improvements to the DS ie LESS WEIGHT AND MORE POWER!

 

scatterbrain, i agree 100%.... i didnt ever see the 700 race a stock ds, but it was beating both of the 450's and the new predator bad enough i figured it would hand it to the ds....conrats to yamaha for stepping up. now if we can get the bombs to step it up.

 

Good review[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I would like to see these same test with a DS with EFI from KMS. Just to see if the DS could close the gap with better carburation.




Bigger.

 

when you said the ds was bone stock did it still have the kenda junk tires (they suck) not sure what the 700 comes with for rubber? when mine was stock i raced a friends shee and he would always take me by a few, but then i put on 22" razors and a rev box and closed the gap to almost dead even. i know when does it end with mods but just tires and rev limiter can correct alot of sort comings on our quads.

 

The 700R had those Sand Star paddles with the chevron shaped paddle. If I remember correctly, the DS had haulers.

The exhaust needs to change. They had all the motor going down to an exhaust exit about the size of a dime! You put an exhaust on that along with an air filter system and it will rip!

 

I under stand this is bone stock to bone stock, though I just wonder if gearing has something to do with these results. the DS being geared taller thats why it was slightly reeling in on top. if the gearing was the same if it would be closer. (im guessing from gearing on the 660R that the 700R would be similar)
just a thought.
what is the gearing on the 700R anyone know?

good review [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Both bike's had the same Sandstar rears. I think the Raptor had the stock size. The DS had 22' but has been geared down to stock. I would also like to an KMS EFI comparison also. Im considering getting one just as a back up bike for the dunes and something to ride around here at home. My DS is hard to trail on now but I wouldnt trade it for nothin.

 

sounds like it is time for BRP to come out with a DS700 at around 450 lbs with EFI and IRS or sport version of the 800 Outlander

 

When racing a DS, always do it down hill. Let the force be with you (gravity).[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]