2008 Yamaha Raptor 250 Review

Yamaha Raptor History

1984 Yamaha YFM200

1984 - Yamaha’s first 4-wheel ATV, the YFM200, was introduced in the USA. It featured a 196cc 4-stroke engine, a snorkel air intake, shaft drive, electric starter, centrifugal automatic clutch, and racks front and rear. A unique feature of this model was a practical reverse gear.

1984 Yamaha YFM200

1984 Yamaha YFM200 SPECS
Engine Type: 4-Stroke, SOHC, Single
Displacement: 196cc
Bore X Stroke: 67 x 55.7mm
Carburetion: Mikuni VM22
Starting: Electric/Recoil
Transmission: 5-Forward, 1-Reverse
Drive: Shaft
Tire Size:
Front: 22" x 8 - 10 x 2 pc.
Rear: 22" x 11 - 8 x 2 pc.
Wheelbase: 44.3" (1,125mm)
Ground Clearance: 4.7" (12mm)

2001 Yamaha 660R Raptor

2001 - Yamaha created a new benchmark for sport ATVs when it introduced the 660R Raptor. It utilized the largest engine to ever be placed in a sport ATV with the first 5-valve cylinder head in ATV history. The outstanding engine along with its YZ-spec, 5-speed manual transmission, state-of-the-art chassis and race-honed suspension helped the Raptor win the title of Sport ATV of the Year.

2001 Yamaha 660R Raptor

2001 Yamaha 660R Raptor SPECS
Engine Type: 4-Stroke, SOHC, 5-Valved, Liquid-cooled
Displacement: 660cc
Bore X Stroke: 100 x 84mm
Carburetion: Two Mikuni BSR 33mm
Starting: Electric
Transmission: 5-Speed, Reverse, Manual clutch, 2WD
Drive: Chain
Suspension Travel:
Front: Double Wishbone; 9.1" travel
Rear: Swingarm with Monoshock; 8.7" travel
Tire Size:
Front: AT21 x 7 - 10 Radial
Rear: AT20 x 10 - 9 Radial
Wheelbase: 49" (1,245mm)
Ground Clearance: 10.4" (264mm)

2006 Yamaha Raptor 700R

2006 - A 686cc Yamaha engine helps make this the most powerful sport ATV ever, with big torque right off idle transitioning into a fat midrange and monstrous top end. As the first fuel injected Sport ATV, the Raptor 700R provides crisp, consistent engine performance in a wide range of conditions, regardless of elevation or temperature. And the model’s first-of-its-kind steel and aluminum hybrid frame - with aluminum subframe and cast swingarm – means the Raptor 700R boasts a class-leading chassis and is the lightest ATV in its class.

2006 Yamaha Raptor 700R

2006 Yamaha Raptor 700R SPECS
Engine Type: 4-Stroke, SOHC, Liquid-cooled
Displacement: 686cc
Bore X Stroke: 102mm x 84mm
Carburetion: Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) , 44mm
Starting: Electric
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Clutch
Drive: 2WD; Sealed O-Ring Chain
Suspension Travel:
Front: Independent Double Wishbone, 9.1”
Rear: Cast Aluminum Swing Arm, 10.1”
Tire Size:
Front: AT21 x 7-10 Radial
Rear: AT20 x 10-9 Radial
Wheelbase: 50.4”
Ground Clearance: 4.4”

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Test Ride

2008 Yamaha Raptor 250

This bike is just what YAMAHA intended it to be. It’s one of the best sport quads for beginners and casual riding. If you’re looking for a four wheeler that can have many accessories, the 250 Raptor is perfect. It runs like a champ. It has gotten through everything except mud up to the tires and very steep hills. The bike is great for sharp turns in the woods. I run all over my friends who have the 660. They just can’t maneuver like I could with this bike. It’s a great bike overall! I highly recommend it for anyone.

TIP: Add a pipe and jet kit and the performance level will put a smile on any trail ride you go on.

Conclusion

Great styling, reliable, and good acceleration. The Raptor is one of the best for every job and I recommend it to anyone.

Features

2008 Yamaha Raptor 250

Key Features:

• Lightest production sport ATV ever—for amazingly nimble handling and a great power-to-weight ratio.
• Aggressive Raptor style and stance for maximum performance and excellent, all-day sport-riding ergonomics.
• Class-exclusive five-speed manual transmission has a gear for almost any terrain.
• Torquey, durable air-cooled engine puts out plenty of power and starts with the push of a button.
• Low-profile 19-inch rear tires for outstanding traction and handling.
• Longest suspension travel and lowest seat in its class for true sport handling.

2008 Yamaha Raptor 250

Engine:

• Light and powerful 249cc air-cooled SOHC four-stroke single produces a broad, deep powerband.
• Five-speed gearbox with manual clutch provides the flexibility to tackle pretty much any track or trail.
• 29mm Mikuni carburetor provides light throttle pull and excellent throttle response across the entire rpm range.
• Electric starting is standard equipment and works in any gear.
• DC-CDI ignition system delivers consistent spark at all rpm levels—for quick throttle response and a smooth, broad powerband.
• Ceramic composite cylinder liner for greatly reduced wear and excellent heat dissipation.
• Oil cooler keeps engine temps down and lubrication up in hot conditions.
• New-design airbox features no-tools air filter access.
• New-design three-chamber muffler is light, quiet and boosts low and midrange performance.

2008 Yamaha Raptor 250

Chassis/Suspension:

• Light, strong, short-wheelbase chassis creates a quick, super-responsive high-performance package.
• Low, 28.7-inch seat height enhances rider comfort and allows optimal rider movement.
• Independent double-wishbone front suspension with five-way preload-adjustable shocks gives 7.5 inches of wheel travel.
• Lightweight aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight for excellent suspension performance, acceleration, deceleration and handling.
• Triple hydraulic disc brakes deliver excellent stopping power even in wet conditions.
• Extra-wide, YFZ450-style footpegs provide excellent grip and rider comfort.
• Easy-to-use, flip-type handlebar-mounted parking brake can be set with one hand.
• Rigid and light swingarm rear end is controlled by a shock with adjustable preload and 7.9 inches of wheel travel, for consistent wheel control and rider comfort.
• New-design Dunlop tires deliver outstanding traction for razor-sharp handling in a variety of terrain.
• Easy-adjust eccentric chain adjustment feature means hassle-free chain maintenance.
• Flat, composite skid plates provide maximum underbelly protection.
• Rugged steel grab bars front and rear help fend off debris and damage.

2008 Yamaha Raptor 250

Additional Features:

• Dual 30-watt multi-reflector Krypton headlights straight off the potent YFZ450 add the perfect menacing appearance. Taillight has an incorporated brake light for added convenience.
• Waterproof electrical connectors for outstanding durability and reliability.
• Easy-access grease fittings on all chassis lubrication points simplify maintenance and help extend the life of the Raptor 250.
• New-design bodywork comes off without the need to disassemble electrical parts, airbox or wiring harness—for easy maintenance.
• 2.4-gallon fuel tank means less filling up and longer, more enjoyable rides.

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SPECS

2008 Yamaha Raptor 250

Engine
Type:  249cc air-/oil-cooled 4-stroke; SOHC, 2 valves
Bore x Stroke:  74.0 x 58.0mm
Compression Ratio:  9.5:1
Carburetion:  Mikuni 29mm BSR
Ignition:  DC-CDI
Starting System: Electric
Transmission:  5-speed; wet multiplate clutch
Drive Train:  2WD; sealed O-ring chain, eccentric adjustment

Chassis
Suspension/Front:  Independent double wishbone; 5-way preload-adjustable shocks, 7.5-in travel
Suspension/Rear:  Swingarm, preload-adjustable, 7.9-in travel
Brakes/Front:  Dual hydraulic disc
Brakes/Rear:  Hydraulic disc
Tires/Front:  AT20 x 7-10
Tires/Rear: AT19 x 10-9

Dimensions
L x W x H:  64.0 x 42.1 x 40.9 in
Seat Height:  28.7 in
Wheelbase:  43.7 in
Ground Clearance:  3.9 in
Fuel Capacity:  2.4 gal
Dry Weight:  313 lb

Other
MSRP:

• $3,899 (Team Yamaha Blue/White) Available from July 2007
• $3,899 (Gray/Red) Available from July 2007

Lighting:  Dual 30W Krypton multi-reflector headlights & 21/5W brakelight
Warranty:  6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty)

2008 Yamaha Raptor 250