2020 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE Review
By Chris Yeloushan
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Since the beginning of the Raptor in 2001, Yamaha continues to dominate the sport quad market resulting in the best-selling sport ATV in the industry. With a base model MSRP starting at $8,199, I wanted to test the Raptor 700R SE starting at an MSRP of $9,299. The SE comes with additional features including special edition two-tone graphics, fully adjustable piggy-back shocks, front grab bar, Raptor wheel stickers, and steel footpegs with an “R” for racing embedded inside.
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2020 Yamaha Raptor 700R Engine, Transmission, and Suspension
The Raptor is powered by Yamaha’s 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC, 4-stroke 4-fuel injected engine producing 45hp, and a top speed of 75mph. With a rev up to 9,000rpm’s, the engine is both powerful and smooth giving you the desire to take it to your local track to test your skills. It produces exceptional torque off-the-line that puts you on two wheels with very little effort. This is not your beginner sport quad. It is truly inspired by the Yamaha YFZ racing quad.
The transmission is equipped with a 5-speed multi-plate clutch with reverse coupled with the 2WD X-ring chain delivering a very smooth and consistent shifting coming from the big-bore 700cc motor. The shifter is smooth with very little resistance through all gears.
The front suspension is an independent double-wishbone configuration with 5-way piggy-back pre-loading adjustments delivering 9.1” of travel. The rear suspension has a cast aluminum swingarm with a single pre-loaded adjustable shock with 10.1 inches of travel. The overall ground clearance is 9.4”.
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2020 Yamaha Raptor 700R Seat Height, Weight, and Wheels
Climbing on the Raptor for any size rider is easy with a seat height of 32.7 inches. With an overall length of 72.6”, width of 45.5”, wheelbase of 50.4” and a wet weight of 422 lbs, you feel completely stable and in control of whatever trail or hill you want to tackle. With the YZ-style longer seat, you get plenty of space and comfort for longer and more aggressive technical riding. While the SE’s serrated steel SE foot pegs provide adequate boot traction, I would definitely consider adding the full-length nets/nerf bars for more aggressive riding through trails, rocks, and hills.
The tires are Maxxis high-performance 22×7-10 AT’s up front and 20×10-19 AT’s on the rear using a uniquely designed tread pattern made for multiple types of trail and hill climbing. However, I would consider upgrading to a larger set in the rear if you plan to tackle more sand than trails. The wheels are lightweight aluminum to help maximize suspension performance.
2020 Yamaha Raptor 700R Brakes, Gas Tank and Lights
The Raptor is equipped with twin-aluminum piston drilled front disc brakes up front and a single hydraulic drilled disc in the rear resulting in superb stopping power at any speed. There is a conveniently located handle-bar mounted flip-type parking brake lever that is easy to use for transporting.
While the 2020 Raptor has a large 2.9-gallon fuel tank for a sport quad, with the lack of a full instrument display including basic features such as a fuel gauge, I was having so much fun I neglected to check the fuel level and had to get towed back to camp to refill.
If you like to ride at night like I do, the Raptor comes standard with a multi-reflector 30-watt dual Krypton headlights hidden within the front plastics to keep the sporty aggressive look. Plus, the LED taillight really helps since most of your friends will be behind you due to the speed and power of the 700R SE.
My Final Take
Yamaha continues its commitment to the sport quad market. It is considered one of the last true sport quads still in production. Unrivaled in its class since 2001, the Raptor with its versatility, dependability, and performance gives you the opportunity to ride in the dunes, trails, and woods, making it the most successful sport quad ever built.
Pros:
- Quick-revving 9,000RPM engine with monstrous torque and top speed
- Lightweight aluminum chassis and sporty ergonomics
- Advanced fully adjustable suspension to fit your riding preferences
Cons:
- Wider stance similar to the YFZ
- 20” tires on the rear vs. 22” up front
- Lack of real fuel gauge, speedometer, and hour meter
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About Chris Yeloushan
Chris is a Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Rollick. Born and raised in his family’s outdoor recreational dealerships, he has been involved in everything outdoors since he could walk. His first dirt bike was a 1980 Honda Z50. Since then, he has ridden and owned everything including dirt bikes, ATV’s, SXS, and PWC’s. You will probably spot him on any given Sunday tearing up the trails of the Ocala National Forest. His passion over the last twenty years has been focused on helping dealers increase sales and build customer loyalty through America’s top consumer brands. Some of the top brands include Allstate, USAA, GEICO, Progressive, AAA, and Walmart. Members of these organizations are loyal and looking for a more efficient and straightforward buying and ownership experience. Chris has been dedicated to connecting members of these organizations with the nation’s top dealerships.
