Most consumers dig special editions. If an automaker slaps a SE tag on a car, some collectors consider it a must have. Special episodes on TV usually attract larger audiences or at the very least repeat viewers, and the Chef’s Special usually outsells other selections at restaurants – provided it’s not liver and onions.
Yamaha Motor Corporation has its own special event. This one involves all-new ATVs, dressed in new colors, and three days of riding at an elite sand dune locale.
Essentially, Yamaha has created its own special episode, one in which competitive editors can ride together, challenge each other and test a new fleet of models at the same time. It’s a rarity in this industry and one we’ve come to appreciate.
For 2009, Yamaha continued its SE gig in Glamis in Southern California. The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA), known for its huge bowls, power-robbing hill climbs, whoops and high-speed straights, is an ideal area to test four-stroke sport quads.
For this test we rode the ’09 Raptor 700R SE and got our first taste of sand on the new YFZ450R. Yamaha also unveiled the jet-black YFZ450R SE model. Although we didn’t ride the new “dark knight” in the Yamaha lineup, we got plenty of seat time on the other models, which included a Raptor, stock YFZ450R and GYTR-equipped models.
ATV Sport
YFZ450R SE - $8,699 Adorned in black, the YFZ450R SE would even make a non AC/DC fan yell, “Back in Black!” It is, in our opinion, the hottest looking YFZ.
A closer examination reveals a metallic black skin and quick-release fasteners, a design racers should love. Yamaha engineers added the fasteners (like automotive hood pins) for a no-tools installation and removal of the front and rear fenders. The SE also wears special graphics, red shock springs, black wheels and a dealer-installed GYTR black front grab bar.
The thing you need to know about this model is that it truly is an improvement over the old YFZ. We’ve ridden the EFI-equipped YFZ450R on trails, on a track and now the sand and we keep coming away with the same impression: The YFZ450R is far more forgiving and produces a less tiring ride than its predecessor. Less vibration, a wider stance and a sportier suspension are all part of this new package.
ATV Sport
Is it any wonder why we named it our 2009 Sport Quad Of The Year in the May issue of ATV Sport?
The new YFZ450R had no trouble climbing the large hills with softer sand. Also, on this visit, the sand was rutted from a busy previous weekend. The YFZ450R soaked up the harsh hits and kept pulling up the loose bowls all day without complaint.
In addition to its better handling and ride, the overall ergonomic package feels great and many editors didn’t opt for the Raptor on the late-day rides as in previous years. This quad proves you really can have all-day comfort and performance from a 450cc four-stroke.
Raptor 700R SE - $8,599 Often referred to by many as “the king of the dunes,” the Yamaha Raptor 700 deserves its elite status for both its fit-and-finish and overall appeal.
For 2009, the Special Edition model exudes a custom style — with its water-dipped hood, painted hybrid chassis and updated graphics — that compliment its unique makeup. Throw in the rear wave-style brake rotor, dealer-added all-black front bumper and matching heel guards and this model looks aftermarket cool but with a factory backing.
ATV Sport
The Raptor is both Yamaha’s and the industry’s best selling sport quad and for good reason. Buyers get a sexy machine, big power, couch-like comfort, fuel injection and an all-new digital LCD display. About the only thing this quad doesn’t have is four-wheel drive!
Even so, its improved suspension travel and performance (thanks to new tuning specs and 5mm more stroke) and more than four inches of ground clearance improve its chances on a trail ride. This sport quad can be ridden almost anywhere and has proven its worth since it became a 700.
Although it doesn’t corner or rail as precisely as its brother, the YFZ, the Raptor is exciting in Glamis and loves to tackle the larger bowls. Of course you can throw rooster tails, too, but this fella really likes to stretch its legs and run.
On long journeys across the sand, it’s the ticket. And if you’re a fan of shooting up the steepest hills, then make room in your garage for this guy.
If you want to save $600, you could get the standard 700R and be just about as happy. But there’s something to be said for owning a quad that’s a little different than your neighbor’s.
YAMAHA SE MODEL SPECS
2009 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE Engine: 686cc liquid cooled (w/fan) four-stroke
Bore x Stroke: 102.0 x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Fuel Delivery: Yamaha Fuel Injection
Ignition: 16-bit ECU
Starting System: Electric
Transmission: 5-speed w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch
Drivetrain: 2WD; sealed O-ring chain, eccentric adjustment
Suspension, front: Independent dual A-arm w/piggyback high-/low-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment, 9.1 in. travel
Suspension, rear: Cast aluminum swingarm w/rebound, high-/low-speed compression and threaded preload adjustment, 10.1 in. travel
Brakes, front: Dual ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston
Brakes, rear: Ventilated hydraulic disc, self-adjusting park brake function
Tires, front: AT21 x 7-10 radial
Tires, rear: AT20 x 10-9 radial
L x W x H: 72.6 x 46.1 x 44.5 in.
Seat Height: 32.0 in.
Wheelbase: 50.4 in.
Ground Clearance: 4.4 in.
Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gal.
Dry Weight: 396 lbs.
Lighting: Dual 30W Krypton multirefletor headlights
Color: Team Yamaha Blue/White; White/Red; Special Edition Black/Red
Price: $8,699
2009 Yamaha YFZ450R SE Engine: 449cc liquid cooled four-stroke single
Bore x Stroke: 95 x 63.4mm
Compression Ratio: 11.6:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection
Ignition: TCI (Digital)
Starting System: Electric
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drivetrain: 2WD; Sealed O-Ring Chain, Eccentric Adjustment
Suspension, front: Dual A-arm, 9.8 in. travel. Kashima coated piggyback shocks, high- and low-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment
Suspension, rear: Swimgarm, 11 in. travel. Piggyback shock w/high- and low-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment
Brakes, front: Dual ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston
Brakes, rear: Wave style ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston
Tires, front: AT21 x 7-10 radial
Tires, rear: AT20 x 10-9 radial
L x W x H: 70.7 x 48.8 x 41.9
Seat Height: 31.9 in.
Wheelbase: 50.0 in.
Ground Clearance: 4.5 in.
Fuel Delivery: 2.6 gal.
Dry Weight: 405 lbs.
Lighting: Dual 30W Krypton multi-reflector headlights
Price: $8,699
