Yamaha Announces 2012 YFZ450R, Raptor 90 and Custom Graphics for ATVs

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has announced its 2012 YFZ450R sport model and Raptor 90 youth ATVs. The company also announced an industry-first custom graphics kit option for all 2012 sport ATV models.

Based on its successful 2011 graphics promotion with One Industries, Yamaha is extending its forward-thinking concept in graphics design and customization. For the first time ever from an ATV manufacturer, Yamaha is producing a model with all-white body work – a blank slate for each individual customer’s own creativity. Offered with the all-white models are a choice of 11 unique graphics kit options that can be customized with a person’s name or number.

Yamaha’s summer announcement also includes two 2012 ATVs: the high-performance YFZ450R sport ATV and the entry-level Raptor 90 youth model.

The YFZ450R is a motocross-ready, high-performing sport ATV with long-travel adjustable suspension, a no-weld aluminum with steel hybrid frame, and a powerful fuel-injected engine. At 48.8 inches wide, it is the ideal machine for the track, open trails and desert riding.

The powerful, high-revving machine has a 5-valve DOHC liquid cooled single cylinder 449cc engine with Yamaha’s electronic fuel injection. The 450R’s suspension comes with KYB shocks in front that have Kashima coating providing 9.8 inches of wheel travel. In the back, the cast aluminum swingarm is matched to a fully adjustable KYB piggyback shock affording the rear wheels 11 inches of travel.

For the entry-level rider, Yamaha’s 2012 Raptor 90 offers a quality option with true-Raptor family styling and manageable features for younger riders (years 12 and older only, and always with adult supervision).

The Raptor’s 88cc forced air cooled engine is tuned to develop excellent low-to-mid rpm range performance along with a fully automatic CVT transmission. Pushbutton starting and the automatic transmission give beginners an easy-operating advantage in their first riding years. The adjustable CDI rev limiter allows a supervisor to adjust power output as the rider becomes more experienced.

The 2012 YFZ450R and Raptor 90 both come in Team Yamaha Blue/White and the new all-white plastic with black frame and custom graphics kit options.

Complete details of these new options and models are posted on Yamaha’s website: www.Yamaha-Motor.com.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.