History/Birth of Yamaha Raptor series

Albert Einstein once quoted “Necessity is the mother of all invention” and this quote today stands true to many of the achievement that we see in the world. Great invention of mankind i.e Wheels have given rise to the dramatic improvement in the industrialization and transportation.

The story of Yamaha Raptor 700R series is also the same. The idea of All terrain vehicles emerged in Japan which was basically aimed at the transportation and to help farmers transport goods and products from farm to town in isolated, mountainous areas.  This vehicle was especially helpful during the spring, winter, and rainy seasons as the roads proved to be often impassable with conventional vehicles.  Japanese innovators and inventors observed these four-wheelers were better mode of travel and soon became a recreational vehicle, providing transportation to areas inaccessible by other motorized transport.

After the introduction of three wheeled US90 by Honda with a 7hp engine to America in 1970, Yamaha followed and developed the first ATV the YT125. In 1980s, four wheeled bikes or the quads were familiarized by Honda and Yamaha.

In 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.

 In 1998, ATV manufacturers stopped selling three-wheeled ATV due to safety standards and regulations released by the US Government. Fast forward to 1990s to early 2000s, high-performance ATV models returned to showroom floors with all-new premium 4-stroke models from virtually every ATV manufacturer.


Yamaha  introduced the 660R Raptor, which made it as one of the best turning points of sports ATV. It boasted 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.

In 2006, Yamaha Raptor 700R was born with its 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.

Yamaha Raptor 250R was introduced to the market in 2008. It is said to be one of the lightest ATV’s produced ever. It has an aggressive Raptor styling, five-speed manual transmission, a torquey and durable 249cc air-cooled SOHC four-stroke single cylinder engine, and low-profile 19-inch rear tires. No wonder it received the 2008′s “ATV of the Year” award from the ATV Rider Magazine.


In the year 2011 Yamaha will be introducing raptor 700R and get ready to get VRRRROOOOOMED..............!!