Yamaha recently took the wraps of its new Raptor 700 and Raptor 700R for
2013 during a media event in the Deschutes National Forest in Oregon.
The new ATVs will be the first produced at its U.S. manufacturing
facility in Newnan, Georgia.
The new “Assembled in U.S.A.” Raptor has aggressive new styling and
performance features that will likely make it a hit in the high
performance big bore sport ATV market. It is the first of Yamaha’s sport
ATVs to be transferred to its state-of-the-art factory in Georgia from
overseas facilities and is rolling out to Yamaha dealers across the
country immediately.
The company hosted media in the 114,000-sq.mile East Fork OHV riding
area of Oregon to show off its new machine. The company is also involved
with OHV Access Initiatives in which Oregon has received over 11 grants
from the Yamaha GRANT fund to help maintain and preserve trails.
The 2013 Raptor will be available in three versions. The Team Yamaha
Blue/White Raptor 700R, which is $300 less than the comparable 2012
model. The Special Edition Raptor 700R features black plastics with red
flame graphics and GYTR accessories. Yamaha has also developed a third
version Raptor 700 in white with dual graphic kit options priced at $700
below last year’s model.
The 2013 model also features new Maxxis tires with reduced weight and an
aggressive new and exclusive tread pattern, electric start and easy to
read indicator lights.
The “R” versions of the new Raptor 700 retain the fully-adjustable,
aluminum piggyback-type shocks with high- and low-speed compression
damping giving experienced riders more control of their suspension based
on conditions, style and rider preference.
The Raptor’s frame is a special hybrid design that marries a
high-tensile steel frame up front and a cast aluminum rear. With the
production transfer to YMMC, the steel portion of the frame is now made
in the U.S.A., has a new powder coat paint, and the entire setup ensures
the Raptor a compact and light weight chassis that minimizes vibration
and ensures optimum rigidity.
The Raptor has double-wishbone front A-arms featuring light weight and
increased strength thanks to the aluminum upper arms and steel lower
arms. It also has a Yamaha Cam Adjust drive chain adjuster making for
quick and easy chain adjustments. The R’s hydraulic front brake features
YFZ-type twin piston front calipers that are matched with new twin
piston rear calipers for improved feel.
All three versions of the new Raptor 700/R will be in dealerships this
summer. For more information on this and other Yamaha ATVs and
Side-by-Sides, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.
