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By Jeff Henson
Photos by Adam Campbell

The Southern California weather at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (aka Glamis) couldn’t have been more perfect. Our good friends at Yamaha had a number of toy haulers from Camp ‘N Style Vacation Trailer Rentals circled up and waiting for our arrival. In the center of camp, we found nearly two-dozen Special Edition YFZ450R and Raptor 700R sport quads gassed up, flagged and ready for high-speed combat.

It’s a favorite event among all of the editors of the most prominent off-road powersports publications. We spend two solid days of riding brand new “Special Edition” sport quads with Yamaha’s media crew and project managers (all of which are very passionate riders) as well asYamaha factory pro quad riders, Dustin Nelson and Josh Row.

After a quick walk around of the new YFZ450R SE and Raptor 700R SE, we were told to suit up and be ready to ride – pronto! Pinning the throttle and blasting across the desert floor toward the dunes, we were off; refreshing our adrenaline-crazed noggins on the high speed capabilities of Yamaha’s flagship sport ATVs.

You better be fast - or you’re going to get left behind!

2012 YFZ450R SE
Making a bold statement has never been a problem for Yamaha, which still boasts the best selling sport ATV lineup of any manufacturer. And when it comes to sharp contrast, nothing is bolder than black on yellow. Yellow intake scoops, rear fenders, graphics and shock springs blaze against gloss black. The SE includes quick release fasteners on the front and rear fenders, which provide simple, tool-less fender removal and access to all components - whether in the garage or out on the trail. The SE model also gets a contoured GYTR black front bumper and matched black swing arm.

As always, the engine is a powerhouse that finds no hill too tough to conquer. It packs a wicked growl while still keeping noise levels well below acceptable levels. The fuel injection system keeps power optimal and consistent at every corner and straight, and thumb throttle tension is virtually unnoticeable; never fatiguing. The YFZ450R is a stellar dune predator, best suiting the most aggressive pilots. It wants to be ridden hard and turns on a dime. The suspension, which comes with high and low speed compression, dampening, and threaded preload adjustment completely absorbs those big jumps and every hard edge we could find out in the dunes.

MSRP: $8,949
SPECIFICATIONS – 2012 YFZ450R SE
Engine Type – 449cc, 4-Stroke Single, Liquid Cooled w/ Fan, Titanium 5-Valve DOHC
Bore x Stroke – 95mm x 63.4mm
Compression Ratio – 11.6:1
Fuel Systen – Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) , 42mm
Ignition – TCI (Digital)
Starting System – Electric
Transmission – 5-Speed Manual Clutch
Drive Train –2WD; Sealed O-Ring Chain, Eccentric Adjustment
Suspension/ Front –Independent Double Wishbone, 9.8”. Kashima Coated Piggy Back Shocks, High/Low Speed Compression, Rebound and Threaded Preload Adjustment.
Suspension/ Rear – Cast Aluminum Swing Arm, 11.0”. Piggy Back High/Low Speed Compression, Rebound and Threaded Preload Adjustment.
Brakes/ Front – Dual Ventilated Hydraulic Disc , Twin Piston
Brake/ Rear – Wave Style Ventilated Hydraulic Disc, Twin Piston
Tires/ Front – AT21x7-10 Radial
Tires/ Rear – AT20x10-9 Radial
LxWxH – 70.7”x48.8”x41.9”
Seat Height – 31.9”
Wheel Base – 50.0”
Ground Clearance – 4.5”
Fuel Capacity – 2.6 Gal
Wet Weight – 405 Lbs
Lighting – Dual 30W Krypton Multi-reflector Headlights and 3.9/0.5W LED Brake light
Color - Yellow/Black Metallic