OK start drooling, I've seen and shot about 50 digital pics and videoed the new Raptor. This in no BS. Where, at the New Zealand national fielddays at mystery creek Hamilton. The NZ importers, Mollers Yamaha flew in a unit direct from the US for PUBLIC DISPLAY.

The Mollers site was 50 yards from Bombardiers, hmmm lets compare the two.

DS looks postively agricultural in comparision, the Raptor fit and finish is amazing, the quad is slim, has a YZ typre narrow set that blends nicely into the tank. the engine is supercompact compared to the DS and EX, simply walking back and forth between the three quads was an eye opener, the finish is noticeabley better, even the engine castings look more refined and detailed. Theengine, whilst muffled up is noticeably revvy, throttle response is snap instant, even thoug it's a single it has the same crispness of an R6 multi..........

The yamaha technical engineer confirmed that whilst the top end, i.e 5 valve head, is from there european 660 engine the entire low end etc is different, the crank is very compact like the YZF, instanteous throttle response and strong top end over rev ability, the 9000 rpm limiter is there for a reason..........

OK the Bomb is wider, sure, but I'm willing to bet the the Yamaha's geometry is way way better, seeing is believing............

KiwiCraig

 

Where and when can we see your pictures?

 

OK stop being a tease and show us the bloody pictures already.. not that we haven't seen it but the more pics the better...

Brad

 

http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~crainic/INDEX.htm

 

Thanxs for those great photos. Looks like Yamaha designed a really good quad. I bet Bombardier will be coming out with dual carbs also, considering that motor originally came with 2.

87 Banshee
99 Banshee

 

Thanks K-craig, did they give an earlier or later release date there than in the US

 

cool site bad fourwheeler what more do yea need!!!!

 

Nice pictures, The Raptor really looks good. Yamaha looks like they outdid themselves on this machine.

 

I already got a down payment on one? Please send me your pics. bschisler@aol.com

 

Everyone, I've had the pleasure to meet Kiwi-Craigo on his honeymoon when he flew up from NZ to Los Angeles to do what, GO TO DISNEYLAND! I popped down from Seattle and we also mingled at Trinity Racing with Craig and let me tell you, the Kiwi-meister knows his stuff. I'll take his word as it is accurate and comes with technical merit. NOW he scoops the world with some of the first REAL first hand photos from every darn angle you could think of. So with great gratitude and thanks.......

I've got to take a moment,

Just a short little second.

To share with Craig,

How AWESOME your pix of THE RAPTOR are.........

You are THEE man!!!!!!!!!

You scooped the WORLD DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!

Best site.

Best Photos.

Best Presentation.

Awesome, fantastic, bitch'n, wonderfull, cool, hip....

GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!

Its an honor to call you a bud,

Later dude, first round of beer is on me.....

I, and the world, OWE you big time......

"I need a Raptor bad" so its bye bye Banshee.