The Yamaha Raptor has always held a special place in my heart, as it was the quad that was responsible for the beginnings of our race shop here in Arizona.  Repairing 2001 Raptors in our garage was how our business was started, and I have been a fan of the Raptor ever since I first swung a leg over that torque monster the first year it was produced.  

Since then, the Raptor has evolved into a refined yet (still) beastly machine, and the 2015 model continues that finite progression.

While Yamaha doesn't want to change the things that make the Raptor 700R so appealing, the factory also isn't one to sit on its laurels and just let things grow stale.  For 2015, the Raptor 700R has received a few updates, and as Raptor fans, we approve!

What's Changed?

More power is something that is rarely (if ever) complained about, and Yamaha has found a way to squeeze out another 10% of power from the Raptor's 700cc displacement motor.  With a new compression ratio of 10.0:1, a newly designed cam and head, and a new single port exhaust system, the Raptor not only meets all of the clean air qualifications it needs to, but it's also got a little more kick to it as well.

Front and rear shock settings on the Raptor have also changed just a bit, as the factory has sought to give the 2015 Raptor 700R just a bit softer of a ride through the rough trails and whoops.  

The tire tread on the factory Maxxis tires is also new, as is the sidewall stiffness, in an attempt to increase the contact of the tire tread pad with the ground, for maximum traction and handling.

 Yamaha also increased the tire size on the front tires an inch, to give the front end a bit more forgiveness in rougher terrain.

Yamaha also traded in the previous "t-ring" chain design for a new DID "x-ring" chain, improving the sealing power of the factory chain from elements such as water and dirt.

What's the Same?

Now that we have discussed some of the changes to the new Raptor 700R, let's talk about what hasn't changed, like the power and torque that is instantly recognizable as soon as you hit the throttle.  The Raptor has always had plenty of power on tap, and that is still ever present on the 2015 model, which makes it such a great dune and trail riding machine.

The hybrid-style frame and race-bred chassis continue to provide great handling, and the ergonomics of the 700R are such that it's comfortable to ride either in a seated position, or a more aggressive standing position - and the transitions from either are easy and effortless.

Best of all, the Raptor's super aggressive good looks remain the same, as does its excellent fit and finish, and if Yamaha Blue and White isn't your thing, there are other color schemes available for the Limited Edition models.

Ride Report

The benefits of being a powersports editor is that we are often invited out to experience new models in person by spending quite a bit of time riding and examining them up close.  Yamaha brought us out to the beautiful dunes near Winchester Bay in Oregon, where we spent two days riding and exploring both the area and the new Raptor.  

Right away, I noticed the different feel of the larger diameter front tire size - the front end felt a bit more "bouncy" through the slower speed chop.  However, as soon as we hit our first deep whoop section, I began to appreciate the change, as the bars were not jarred too hard in my hands while going through some deep rollers and it was easier to keep the front end up and floating through the longer, choppier sections of whoops we encountered.

With the torque of the Raptor's motor, it made riding through the dunes much less work than most sport quads because I could lug it around in third gear and it would manage to pull just about any hill without really even having to shift.  Of course, coming upon some of the more challenging hill climbs, we all had to try our hand at it, and even with the factory knobby Maxxis tires, these machines are still  adept and powerful climbers.  Slap an aftermarket pipe, intake and some paddles on the Raptor 700R, and you will more than enough power at your disposal.

The 2015 Raptor 700R is a well-engineered, well-built and solid machine.  The fact that it's as much fun as it is, is a huge bonus for those looking to get the best value for their money when it comes to choosing a sport quad.