It's not often the ATV industry is taken by surprise, and even less often that a manufacturer can keep it a total secret from even the media. We have spies everywhere! However, Yamaha pulled it off. With the huge success of the 2005 YFZ450, a minor re-tooling was really all we expected at the 2006 line-up announcement in Southern Cal in May.

We did indeed get the YFZ upgraded for 2006, making it the absolute-best-solution for a race-ready quad out there (period), a fitting exclamation for their 50th Anniversary efforts; THEN they rolled-out a beast that had jaws dropping, and smiles widening. We had to slap our jaw shut and hold our tongue, because even Dealers didn't have a hint at this one until NOW - Sunday night, June 12, when it was rolled out to them in Las Vegas Nevada.

When Off-Road.com named the YFZ "Sport Quad of the Year" last year, we predicted it would be a tough challenge for any manufacturer to meet - we never anticipated it would be Yamaha taking up the gauntlet itself. We have a serious contender.

The 2006 Yamaha Raptor 700R

Can the 2004 #2 best-selling Sport ATV give the #1 best seller a run for their money in 2006? Either way, Yamaha (and the rider) wins.

Duners have loved this ride since it hit the ground running. We, in fact, had one for several years as a recreational ride as well as a serious desert race vehicle. Eventually, the little "we wish it had's.." just added up to too much, and we moved on to other more versatile offerings that were coming out. Those of you that remained loyal and/or those of you that held out and are now ready to SHOP, this may be the one for you.

We'll be hands-on-the-throttle and butt-off-the-seat in two weeks, so watch for our First Ride impresssions on July 1.

In the meantime, here's the detail for those of you that love that kind of stuff. And yeah, the specs of the new Raptor tell a BIG part of the story, if you know the existing Raptor intimately... Yamaha has addressed nearly every concern we've ever heard about this model. Their Goal - make it all-new from the ground-up:

• Easier to Ride
  
• Easier to Use
  
• Broader Appeal
  
• Great Handling
  
• Superior Comfort AND Performance

• Liquid-cooled 686cc
  
• Needle-Bearing Rocker Arms - first time EVER on an ATV
  
• Auto-Decompression Cam
  
• Forged Aluminum Cylinder w/ ceramic composite coating - 24% lighter than 660R
  
• Electric Start
  
• Twin Counter-Balancers
  
• 5-Speed Wide-Ratio Trans with Reverse
  
• No-Link Shift Lever
  
• New Compact Cylinder head - 21% lighter than Raptor 660R
  
• Increased Bore by 2mm over 660R
  
• Fuel Injection - 12-Hole Injector adjusts for Altitude and Climate
  
• 44mm Throttle Body
  
• Integrated Fuel Pump
  
• YFZ450-Style Air Filter

New Chassis

• Hybrid Steel Front / Cast Aluminum Rear & Sub-Frame - 7lbs lighter than 660R
  
• Lower Center of Gravity
  
• 1.4" Longer than 660R, same as YFZ450
  
• 1.9" Lower than 660R
  
• 2.5" Wider than 660R at Rear Tread

New Suspension

• YFZ450 Front A-arms
  
• Forged Aluminum Square tube and Steering Knuckle
  
• Kayaba Dual Rate Front Shocks
  
• 5mm Larger Piston
  
• Piggy-Back Remote Resevoir Rear Shock
  
• 1.4" Longer Wheel Travel than 660R
  
• Fully Adjustable
  
• 10mm Longer Stroke

And More

• Eccentric Chain Adjustment System
  
• Dual-Piston Front Brakes
  
• Self-Adjusting Rear Parking Brake
  
• All-New Rear Brake Disc
  
• Radial Dunlop Tires
  
• Integrated LED Tail Light
  
• High-Flow Oval Muffler