All-New 2006 Raptor 700R
- Updated: June 12, 2005
Yamaha recently introduced us to its all-new 2006 Raptor 700R. While walking around the machine we could see this was one serious sport quad. After sitting through a formal introduction, we were further impressed with Yamaha’s commitment to make their new Raptor the best it could possibly be. It’s absolutely new-from-the-ground-up and then some. First was a brief bullet list of updates in the areas of design, power and technology that touch practically every inch of the machine. Next, we learned in detail about the Raptor’s impressive new powerplant, which moves from 660cc to 686cc, – making it the largest engine found on a true sport ATV. Yamaha said the new thumper’s powerband is most notable is the enhanced low- to mid-range area. The monstrous motor includes a new forged piston for reduced weight and added durability, a new aluminum cylinder body, which is composite coated for increased cooling and additional resistance to wear and tear. The new roller rocker arms reduce friction in the valve train. Yamaha says this allows the engine to rev more freely and leads to better overall performance and improved throttle response.
Delivering all that power to the ground is the Raptor’s new five-speed manual transmission, with reverse. The transmission’s gearing ratio has been revised. This is said to optimize the additional power and make full use of the powerband under a variety of riding situations. Reverse is also re-geared for easier operation. The new direct-type ratchet shifter gives a more direct and improved shift feel. Yamaha said that shifting the Raptor is now more similar to shifts made on one of their YZ dirt bikes.
What other OEMs might call the most envied component on the new Raptor 700R has to be the all-new Yamaha Fuel Injection system (YFI). Yamaha excitedly told us that their YFI system improves throttle response throughout the powerband, helping the rider take advantage of that improved low- to mid-range power. Yamaha went on to say that the new YFI system will offer unmatched performance at high elevation as the system is able to detect and compensate for changes in altitude. Yamaha proudly claimed that the more precise fuel delivery offered by the YFI means clean power delivery, better throttle response and improved fuel economy under a multitude of riding situations. The YFI system means no choke for easier cold starting. What’s more is you’ll never need to hassle with jetting. And bolting on performance goodies couldn’t be easier as the YFI system will automatically dial itself in to ensure the engine is producing the most performance possible. Yamaha establishes the Raptor 700R as the only sport ATV with this feature.
Check back to ATV Scene as we’ll be the first to ride test the new Raptor 700. We’ll be sure to give you the low-down you expect.So there you have it – an all new high performance rocket-ship of an engine and a ground breaking fuel injection system to boot. Yamaha could have stopped there and probably sold the heck out of the all-new Raptor, but this was only the beginning. Yamaha aggressively improved just about every single thing on the Raptor from the ground up. The frame is an all-new hybrid design. It uses high-tensile steel with a cast aluminum frame up front, while the rear frame is die-cast aluminum. The new design ensures the Raptor stays compact and light weight while reducing vibration and ensuring optimum rigidity. Not to mention it looks incredibly new and innovative. Yamaha really wowed us here!
The new five-way adjustable preload Kayaba shocks with dual rate springs and 9.1” of travel up front, assured us that Yamaha is pretty darn serious about their new Raptor. Out back we find a fully-adjustable, aluminum piggyback-type shock with 10.1” of travel. The double-wishbone front A-arms are taken directly from the track-minded YFZ. They allow reduced weight and increased strength thanks to the new aluminum, square-shaped tubes of the upper arms and steel lower arms. The front shock absorber incorporates a new oil damper, adding to the optimum suspension set up. The all-new one piece aluminum die-cast rear swing arm offers superior rear wheel traction, reduced weight and added comfort for the rider. The new swingarm also features the easiest and most fool-proof method of adjusting your chain, – the eccentric hub system. It comes with the same duel row axle bearings found on the YFZ.
The all-new Raptor 700R is said to stop just as well as it goes. The hydraulic front brakes get YFZ-type twin piston front calipers while the rear disc size is reduced for lighter weight. The popular toggle link-type parking brake lever returns for 2006 with additional function – a new auto-adjust feature keeps maintenance to a minimum.
The power of the Raptor 700R is put to the ground via a set of completely redesigned front and rear Dunlop radials. The new design offers improved cornering and added comfort to riders under a bevy of conditions. The new meats are mounted on aluminum rims, which include a rolled edge for added durability.
The Raptor 700R’s transformation would not be complete without a new look to wrap around its mind boggling list of improvements. For 2006, the Raptor incorporates a YFZ-style headlight, integrated LED tail light and YZ-style seat, which is said to help improve rider mobility and comfort under all riding conditions. The Raptor 700R’s “skin” is also new, including an in-your-face front cowl and sleek, edgy front and rear fenders. Attracting attention out back is the exhaust system. It’s an all-new stainless two-into-one pipe and oval shape silencer, which has been turned sideways to add a unique flair to the Raptor’s ultra-aggressive look.
The all-new Raptor 700R is available July 2005 at Yamaha dealerships nationwide in Yamaha Blue and White/Silver color schemes.
We’ll ride the new Raptor in two weeks, be sure to check back soon to get our opinion of it.