Uploaded June 2024 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
Raptor 700R Race Test 2024 Hoosier GNCC. With all of the manufacturers turning their back on ATV Racing except Yamaha, with the YFZ450R, Most racers believe that the only machine worth racing currently available on the market is the YFZ. However, we believe that is a mistake. The Raptor 700R was developed partly based on what Yamaha learned from the original race focused YFZ450. Sure, it is a little narrow and has a higher center of gravity but many overestimate its weight, weighing only 17 pounds more than a YFZ450R, The Raptor’s engine is easily competitively fast, with a high-torque, low-end and midrange focused power delivery, that’s more forgiving than a high-RPM focused 450. Its suspension is plush, it features agile, accurate handling and its brakes deliver 450cc class power and feel. As a benefit, it’s higher CG yields a slightly higher seat that’s more comfortable makes getting off the seat easier the longer the ride.
We’re not claiming that it’s a threat to win a pro-class championship, its displacement alone makes it a non-starter in most pro ATV classes. What we are saying is that in-spite of its shortcomings, the 700R has some distinct advantages that most racers look past. We admit, the Raptor is farthest away from being a competitive motocrosser, although that doesn’t mean you can’t race it in that environment if properly setup. But when it comes to any endurance type racing, cross-country, desert, etc. we’ve believed for some time now that the Raptor 700R has its place and that for some, it might be the ideal weapon for competition. In our recent test of the 2024 Raptor, our test riders, both cross country racers, felt he 700 has potential for racing.
To find out for sure, we added the minimum modifications to our 2024 Raptor 700R to make it race legal and able to survive a cross country race. We spent a weekend on testing and setup to dial in the machine and then headed to the Hoosier GNCC the following weekend to race our nearly stock machine. Our goal was to evaluate how competitive the stock Raptor could be, gauge its potential for winning races if properly setup.
RELATED VIDEOS
Yamaha Raptor 700R vs YFZ450R Shootout
youtu.be/B9S6Q2KQSIA
Yamaha Raptor 700R In Depth Test Review
youtu.be/tMjJWiCGc_s
Raptor 700R Suspension Upgrade Rocket Ron Revalved Stock Shocks and Hess Linkage Test Review
youtu.be/a33lfQoTOFE
Yamaha Raptor 700R Big 3 Engine Upgrades, Barkers Exhaust, Fuel Customs Intake and Dynojet PC5 Test
youtu.be/CKGP0XdWfg0
CONNECT WITH ATV on Demand
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youtube.com/user/ATVonDemand
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Raptor 700R Race Test 2024 Hoosier GNCC. With all of the manufacturers turning their back on ATV Racing except Yamaha, with the YFZ450R, Most racers believe that the only machine worth racing currently available on the market is the YFZ. However, we believe that is a mistake. The Raptor 700R was developed partly based on what Yamaha learned from the original race focused YFZ450. Sure, it is a little narrow and has a higher center of gravity but many overestimate its weight, weighing only 17 pounds more than a YFZ450R, The Raptor’s engine is easily competitively fast, with a high-torque, low-end and midrange focused power delivery, that’s more forgiving than a high-RPM focused 450. Its suspension is plush, it features agile, accurate handling and its brakes deliver 450cc class power and feel. As a benefit, it’s higher CG yields a slightly higher seat that’s more comfortable makes getting off the seat easier the longer the ride.
We’re not claiming that it’s a threat to win a pro-class championship, its displacement alone makes it a non-starter in most pro ATV classes. What we are saying is that in-spite of its shortcomings, the 700R has some distinct advantages that most racers look past. We admit, the Raptor is farthest away from being a competitive motocrosser, although that doesn’t mean you can’t race it in that environment if properly setup. But when it comes to any endurance type racing, cross-country, desert, etc. we’ve believed for some time now that the Raptor 700R has its place and that for some, it might be the ideal weapon for competition. In our recent test of the 2024 Raptor, our test riders, both cross country racers, felt he 700 has potential for racing.
To find out for sure, we added the minimum modifications to our 2024 Raptor 700R to make it race legal and able to survive a cross country race. We spent a weekend on testing and setup to dial in the machine and then headed to the Hoosier GNCC the following weekend to race our nearly stock machine. Our goal was to evaluate how competitive the stock Raptor could be, gauge its potential for winning races if properly setup.
RELATED VIDEOS
Yamaha Raptor 700R vs YFZ450R Shootout
youtu.be/B9S6Q2KQSIA
Yamaha Raptor 700R In Depth Test Review
youtu.be/tMjJWiCGc_s
Raptor 700R Suspension Upgrade Rocket Ron Revalved Stock Shocks and Hess Linkage Test Review
youtu.be/a33lfQoTOFE
Yamaha Raptor 700R Big 3 Engine Upgrades, Barkers Exhaust, Fuel Customs Intake and Dynojet PC5 Test
youtu.be/CKGP0XdWfg0
CONNECT WITH ATV on Demand
YouTube
youtube.com/user/ATVonDemand
instagram.com/ATVonDemand
facebook.com/ATVonDemand
Website
atvondemand.com
