Ergonomics

We found The Raptor 350 to be very comfortable for a full day of riding.

The first thing that was apparent and the biggest improvement is that this does NOT feel like a Warrior. The ergonomics are ten times better than the old Warrior. Yeah, it is pretty much the same frame as the old Warrior with mods for the new plastic, but the seat, handlebars and footpeg position are completely different and much more comfortable.

The new Raptor 350 is also sized for an adult. Many of the ATV models in the 200cc to 250cc range feel very small for an adult rider - not so with the Raptor 350.

A feature that we REALLY like is that Yamaha has included the YFZ450 pegs. Pegs seem like a simple thing but they can make a huge difference, especially if you ride agressively. The YFZ450 pegs are wider and offer a much better platform with better grip for your boot.

The other YFZ450 feature included is the e-brake. This e-brake is sooo much easier to use than the old e-brake. No buttons to push in while you pull the lever, just flip the lever on or off. Much better. Thumb throttle feel was good, unlike the YFZ and Banshee which have very stiff thumb throttles. No thumb aches after several hours of riding.

Also included on the handlebars is a choke lever which makes cold weather starts much nicer. The reverse linkage / lever is basically the same as the Warrior and still somewhat difficult to use.

Performance

Pro ATV Racer Kory Ellis was on hand to show us how the Raptor 350 takes to the sky. Yours truly prefers staying closer to the ground.

Well, it's not a Raptor 660R by any means. This is the same Warrior motor but performance does feel a little better than the old Warrior. The exhaust system is a new design for better throttle response and is lighter.

Yamaha has also changed the carburetor to the BSR36 to help the performance and give it better gas mileage.

For a 350 class machine I don't think you would be disappointed at all. The transmission is the same six-speed manual with reverse and is not super smooth, but useable.

Suspension

While not light, you could get the front end up with the help from a a whoop in the trail.

The Raptor 350 suspension is quite different than the Warrior. Yamaha has incorporated the Raptor 660 linkage design into the rear swingarm, a piggyback shock with longer stroke, and has added new front shocks with a dual rate spring. Contributing to the suspension is the fact that the Raptor 350 is 25 pounds lighter than the Warrior was.

Next is the use of Banshee tires front and rear, rather than the old baloon style tires. These are a lower-profile perfomance tire. Ground clearance may be reduced but we never noticed a problem with ground clearance during our day of riding. The suspension worked well for us and we think most riders looking for a 300cc class machine will be pleased with the suspension on the Raptor 350. It will handle moderate jumps and and moderately-agressive riding. If you need more than that, then you should move up to a YFZ450 or a Raptor 660R.

Summary

The Warrior was definately in need of some serious updates and while the Raptor 350 is not all new, it did get some very nice improvements. We wish Yamaha could have added a little more fuel capacity than the measly 2.4 gallons, but they do claim better mileage from the new carb.

The MSRP is set at $4,999 which is priced right in-between the Honda 300EX at $4,499 and the Honda 400EX at $5,299 which doesn't have reverse, so the Raptor 350 looks to be a good buy.

Yamaha Motor Corporation USA
6555 Katella Avenue
Cypress CA 90630