Yamaha plans to continue this growth and currently offers the broadest line of ATVs from any manufacturer. This year, Yamaha has introduced the all-new high-performance 660R Raptor – to add to its already competitive sport models. Yamaha also dominates the Utility market by offering the largest engine in the utility class, with the 600cc Grizzly, as well as other 4-stroke and 2-stroke ATVs.

Yamaha has a successful history of producing high-performance all-terrain ATVs. That tradition is continued with the introduction of its all new 2001 sport model, the 660R Raptor. The 660R Raptor joins Yamaha's class-leading sport ATV, the Banshee, "the ultimate high-performance ATV;" the Warrior, one of America's most popular sport recreational vehicles and the Blaster, considered by many as one of the best values in the industry.

Included in the lineup are two vehicles designed for recreational use by riders wanting to learn about and enjoy the ATV experience. The Breeze is recommended only for riders 16 years and older and the Badger is an introduction model to off-road ATV riding designed only for riders 12 and over (always with adult supervision).

With the introduction of the 660R Raptor, Yamaha's sport ATV line is five models strong (660R Raptor, Banshee, Warrior, Blaster, and Wolverine). The 660R Raptor has the biggest engine in any ATV class, (660cc) and it incorporates Yamaha's most advanced four-stroke technology. It also boasts a five-valve, L/C, dual carb engine, not to mention reverse.

The emergence of the new 660R Raptor brings Yamaha's total Sport/High-Performance ATV family to five models strong. [Editor note: The total number of Yamaha ATV models is 14] The latest creation from Yamaha offers an incredible 660ccs of power.

Yamaha began developing this beast to create the ultimate high-performance ATV. Engine-wise, this meant using patented five-valve four-stroke, liquid-cooled SOHC engine technology, tuning it to immediately hit hard and crank out an unparalleled punch to its stratospherically-revving 9000-RPM redline, while maintaining smooth power delivery via an engine counterbalancer. Handling-wise, it also meant keeping it light and tight by utilizing featherweight aluminum components in a super-compact engine and chassis, thus creating an animal with open-class power and 400-class handling.

With a narrow chassis and awesome 660CC 5-valve SOHC engine, the 660R Raptor ups the ante rewarding the rider with a feature not found on other high-performance ATVs: reverse. Even with the 660R Raptors tight 3.3 meter turning radius and 10.4" of ground clearance, dense single track wooded trails often force the rider to get off the machine and lift/pull the ATV 180 degrees – a laborious task after a long day of riding. However, on the 660R Raptor, simply depress the rear brake and turn the reverse knob located conveniently on the right fender. The class-exclusive reverse gear is not only convenient, but integrated in the engine design to keep overall weight (398 lbs!) and size down.

To further enhance the riding pleasure, the 660R Raptor features electric start, a feature uncommon on high-performance ATVs. Firing Yamaha's five-valve engine and dual 33mm Mikuni carburetors to life could not be easier. Simply press the electric start button located on the handlebars and the 660R Raptor immediately awakes.

To smooth the ride over a variety of trails and conditions, the 660R Raptor features front and rear suspension that can be dialed to match not only trail conditions, but the rider's ability and size. The five-way preload adjustable front suspension features 230mm (9.1") of travel and the rear includes threaded preload adjustment, plus compression and rebound damping, with 230mm (8.7") of travel. The amount of "clicks" (adjustment capabilities) on the rear suspension is 10 "clicks" of rebound and an amazing 34 "clicks" of compression.

Riders enjoy smooth shifting throughout the 5-speed transmission thanks to YZ-Spec ratchet type shifter. An involute spline, another advancement from Yamaha's YZ and R1 technology, is used on the main drive and drive axle to improve shifting feeling especially under a load.

Power and handling may be the most important elements on a high-performance ATV, but Yamaha engineers did not overlook the importance of keeping weight to a minimum.

A laundry list of aluminum components graces the 660R Raptor including the subframe, knuckle joints, levers, front and rear rims, swingarm, oil tank, front and rear brake calipers, top A-arm, wheel spindles and the oil and brake reservoirs.

Yamaha provides triple-disc brakes. Up front, Nissin dual hydraulic 161mm disc brakes are coupled with a single rear 220mm disc brake, providing excellent stopping power in a variety of elements.

The 660cc Raptor powerplant makes its mark under a set of all-new specifically designed meats, Dunlop AT217x10 front and Dunlop AT20x10-9 rear tire. Both front and rear rims are aluminum and feature a rolled edge for added durability.

A quick examination of this machine highlights features such as no-tools, one-way-only fit air filter, spin on oil filter, handlebar-mounted choke lever, easy chain procedure, multi-reflective headlights, YZ-style grips and a taillight.

The 660R Raptor is open-class power with 400-class handling that takes on everything from cross-country courses to tightly wooded trails.

The 2001 660R Raptor is available at Yamaha dealerships nationwide beginning September 2000. The 660R Raptor is available in Team Yamaha Blue/White and White/Black for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $6,499.

Specifications:

M.S.R.P.

Initial Release Month

$7,099

August

$6,799

July

$6,499

August

$6,199

July

$5,699

July

$5,449

July

$5,399

July

$5,099

July

$4,649

July

$4,599

July

$3,549

July

$3,499

July

$2,999

July

$2,749

July

$2,699

July

$6,499

September
October (CA)

$5,999

July

$4,999

July

$3,099

July