Webmaster posted on February 05, 2009 20:11

Polish rider Josef Machacek has piloted a Raptor YFM700R to the overall win in the prestigious 2009 Dakar Rally, Machacek is a Dakarveteran who at 51 years of age piloted his Raptor to four special stage wins and finished in the top three in 10 other stages of the South American based event.
Of the 13 ATVs that finished the gruelling endurance race, seven riders were mounted on Yamaha Raptors. That equates to a 70 per cent finishing rate compared to an overall finishing rate of 50 per cent for all competitors.
A limited number of 2008 model YFM700R Raptors and YFZ450s are currently available at super low prices in selected Yamaha
dealerships.
Proving its toughness and reliability in the harshest conditions, the remarkable YFM700R sports a hybrid aluminium/steel sports chassis, fully adjustable suspension and large-diameter front discs And for race winning performance to match its great-handling
chassis, this undisputed class leader is driven by a fuel injected high-torque 686cc four-stroke engine that kicks out huge levels of power and torque that leave the opposition breathing dust.
Piggyback front shocks were fitted for 2008 that feature high and low speed compression adjustment for even greater levels of
tuning.
With a race-bred five speed gearbox and reverse gear, the versatile Raptor is suitable for a wide variety of uses from hardcore racing to laidback trail riding and from tight woods terrain to wide open sand dunes.

The standard version comes in Yamaha Blue and White/Red for 2009 while the Special Edition version features trick graphics and comes in Grey/Red.
2009 YFM700R RAPTOR
Key Features:
• Piggyback front shocks with high- and low-speed compression adjustment, just like the mighty YFZ450, for greater tunability.
• Raptor 700R is designed to dominate in the widest range of riding environments, from tight woods to desert to dunes.
• A 686cc Yamaha fuel-injected engine makes this the most powerful Yamaha sport ATV ever, with big torque right off idle transitioning into a fat midrange and monstrous top end.
• Yamaha fuel injection means consistently excellent engine performance in a wide range of conditions, elevations and
temperatures.
• Hybrid steel and aluminum frame with a Controlled Fill aluminum subframe and cast swingarm pivot combine to produce a superstrong structure and the lightest ATV in its class.
• Aggressive styling reflects Raptor 700R’s intent, and YFZ-inspired handling means it walks the walk, too.
• Long-travel suspension — 231mm front, 256mm rear — a cush seat and excellent ergonomics make the Raptor 700R comfortable
to ride hard all day long.
Engine:
• Forged lightweight piston, connecting rod and crankshaft in the 686cc engine are light and strong, for a hard-hitting, quick-revving powerplant that revs all the way to 9000 rpm. Dual counterbalancers keep it smooth.
• Yamaha fuel injection means consistently excellent engine performance in a wide range of conditions, elevations and
temperatures.
• Competition-spec dry sump lubrication system boosts usable horsepower and keeps overall engine size more compact.
• Digital TCI w/16-bit electronic control unit controls fuel injection and ignition systems for consistent performance and fantastic throttle response.
• Reliable, pushbutton electric start in any gear adds extra convenience.
• Race-bred five-speed transmission with reverse, along with Raptor 700R’s monstrous powerband, mean there’s a choice of gears in just about all situations.
• YZ-spec ratchet shifter ensures smooth, resistance-free shifting under power. Heavy-duty clutch features extra-sturdy basket and plates designed to harness the Raptor 700R’s power.
• Easy-to-reach oil filter and tool-free air filter.
Chassis/Suspension:
• State-of-the-art chassis combines a steel front section with an aluminum rear section and detachable subframe to create a superstrong structure as well as the lightest ATV in its class.
• Compact, CAD-designed chassis creates the ideal wheelbase for light, quick, super-accurate steering.
• Independent aluminum upper A-arm front suspension features new piggyback shocks with high- and low-speed compression
adjustability, rebound and preload adjustability, and 231mm travel for outstanding ride quality.
• YZ-style piggyback rear shock gives 256mm wheel travel with high- and low-speed compression adjustability, for maximum sport versatility, along with preload and rebound adjustment.
• Front brake master cylinder features an adjustable lever for increased comfort and feel.
• Drilled rear brake disc reduces unsprung weight for improved suspension action and excellent braking feel.
• Cast aluminum swingarm carries a eccentric chain quick-adjust mechanism that takes most of the work out of that task.
• Handlebar-mounted flip-type parking brake lever and rear brake caliper adjust automatically.
• High-performance 21 x 7-10 front and 20 x 10-9 rear Dunlop radials with a specially designed tread pattern deliver superb,
class-leading traction for razor-sharp handling in a variety of terrain and conditions.
• Lightweight aluminum wheels help enhance suspension performance by reducing unsprung weight.
• YFZ450 twin-aluminum-piston front disc brakes and rear disc deliver tremendous stopping power with less unsprung weight.
• YFZ450 45mm serrated footpegs provide excellent boot traction.
• Controlled Fill aluminum subframe is light and strong. So’s the composite front grab bar.
Additional Features:
• Long, YZ-style seat allows maximum rider comfort and movement with superb sport-riding ergonomics.
• YFZ450 30-watt multi-reflector Krypton headlights set back in the front cowl add the perfect no-compromises sporting accent, and an LED taillight provides great visibility.
• Large-capacity, 11 litre fuel tank and Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) means more time between fill-ups.
2009 YFM700R RAPTOR SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Engine type: 1 cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve
Displacement: 686 cc
Bore and stroke: 102 x 84 mm
Compression ratio: 9.2 : 1
Lubrication: Dry sump
Carburettor: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition: Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
Starter system: Electric
Fuel tank capacity: 11 litres
Final transmission: Chain Gearbox: 5 Speed + reverse
Chassis
Overall length: 1,845 mm
Overall width: 1,170 mm
Overall height: 1,130 mm
Seat height: 815 mm
Wheelbase: 1,280 mm
Dry weight: 180 kg
Suspension (F): Independent double wishbone w/piggyback Hi/Lo speed compression, rebound and preload adjustment and 231mm travel Suspension (R): Cast aluminium swingarm w/rebound, Hi/Lo speed compression and preload adjustment
and 256mm travel Brake front: Twin piston, hydraulic double disc Brake rear: Hydraulic disc
Tyres front: AT 21 x 7-10 radial
Tyres rear: AT 20 x 10-9 radial
Other
YFM700R RRP $13,399
YFM700RSE RRP $13,799
Warranty 12 months unlimited kms, parts and labour