I never even considered owning a Raptor until I saw your video comparing it to the YFZ450R. I decided to buy a brand new quad and as an XC racer I planned to buy the YFZ. But after watching that video I felt like the Raptor was right for me. 3 years later I have no regrets. There's a lot to like about the Raptor from an XC perspective. Everything that makes it a great trail quad makes it a great XC quad IMO. I love it. Keep up the good work.
I’m the same way! I’ve always been Honda guy. Never liked Raptors but now that I’m a little older and don’t race GNCC anymore I like the smooth power and ability to lug it around.
Most people (myself included) can never get the max potential out of the yfz or the raptor and both machines are faster than the average rider will ever be. Unless your name is Brycen Neal or Walker Fowler either machine will serve its purpose out of the box. You guys absolutely nailed this build for a gncc circuit! Ultimately unless you are a pro chasing points get what’s comfortable and confidence inducing and have fun whether it’s a yfz or raptor the name of the game is fun!
Glad you enjoyed our little experiment. We certainly had fun! Only changes we'd make if we wanted to continue racing in nearly stock form would be a swap to a sprocket and rotor guard instead of the swingarm skid plate along with stiffer suspension settings for the added weight of mud.
My raptor 700R is the best quad ive ever had or ridden. Added skid plates, akrapovic exhaust, different handlebars, more aggressive race tires, grip tape for my knee/thighs, steering stabilizer and thats all it really needs. The torque, top end speed, handling is awesome and the sound/power it has make it really fun regardless if youre on a mx track, doing dirt jumps, trail riding, cross counry or enduro racing or in a sandy/dune type of riding. Its also way more comfortable on longer rides and easier to ride i find than the 450 platforms are. For anyone looking for an all around machine to do it all mx, enduro, dunes, dirt jumps, trail riding, hill climbs ect id highly recommend the raptor 700R platform for sure over the yfz450r.
Love my 700r, big3, full fiber clutch, ,cuervo tuned. +2 arms on elka's, hess bar. Just way to much fun and a lot of room to grow into it. Takes such a better beatin then my 08 450r. 450r shines highly in full out racing styles.
WOW this video has a lot of useful information and so well put together. I am scared to enter a race, but now i might have to with my 700R with basic performance mods. Great video.
If you decide to pull the trigger, the biggest two changes we'd make would be swapping out the swingarm skid plate for a XC racing style sprocket and brake rotor guard for added ground clearance and coming up with a second set of suspension settings for muddy races where the quad gains 75 pounds worth of mud. Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We'd love to help out with any advice we can offer.
I race XC and Knobby quad TT on my 2022 raptor 700 and it slaps around all but the fastest guys on 450s (I am fast, I’m not that fast) and every time I pass a broken 450 in an XC setting I smile and remember why I chose the raptor over the 450. The only thing I change is my track width. I run 47.5 in the woods and 49.5 in TT. I have the big three mods and that’s it. It doesn’t need anything else and I have seen personally raptors with over 400 hours of hard abuse in race and play on factory top and bottom ends. Unless you’re going pro, the 450 is a headache and less fun in my opinion.
I race my 700 in IXCR and MWXC and aside from suspension/a arms, I’ve got everything done I could possibly think of and it’s a hell of a lot of fun! These 700’s don’t get enough attention or respect!
@@867diesel Yeah I just watched both parts and the videos on his extra channel. I've been watching him since 2019. But the thing is he did an all stock machine.
@@867diesel Hmf pipe, jd performance a arms, rebuilt shocks, flexx handlebars, blob delete, seat cover, axle, grab bar in the front and back, gas cap, nerf bars and heel guards, air box, 400ex boot, filter, some sort of hot cam, valves, new jets, swingarm? maybe, skidplates and case protectors, shift lever and brake lever, yfz450 front brakes, tachometer, steering stabilizer,
I was told my raptor wouldn’t keep up in flat track racing but I did it anyway and placed 3rd twice and 1st once, granted I do have the houser +2 a arms and suspension done by rocket ron but still showed people it’s definitely capable!
Sounds like you helped prove the point. TT and MX would be the two most difficult disciplines for the Raptor. I'm wondering how we would finish all set up properly for XC. Nice job!!
If youre running skids, why in the world run alum vs composite? Also, that's a huge rookie mistake not adjusting suspension for the mud that was clearly there before you lined up lol Either way, solid vid. Shame there isn't enough of a market for a new machine from Yami (or anyone, for that matter). Although we MIGHT get something interesting out of Suzuki now that they've got their ship in order...high hp 4wd tho...no solid axle sport quad in the rumor mill
Aluminum skids were fine for the mud.The big problem was the swing arm skid plate. Find for trail riding but not ideal for racing. We kind of realized that the weight from mud might be a problem but didn't have a second suspension setting to go to. If we were to do it again we would show up with two suspension settings, one for normal weight and one with plus seventy pounds. Here is betting a lot of racers don't have that data on their built machines.. We lived up to our mistakes in the video. Glad you enjoyed it. We would love to see anything new from suzuki.
@ATVonDemand also I misspoke, the rumored new atv is a yami; 4x4, 1000cc, high hp unit to compete with scrambler/renegade xxc. They are using the RMAX powertrain, but tuned to what I don't know. There are drawings floating around out there but I couldn't find them to link for you
The raptor has proven itself in the desert time and time again at the dakar. I would love for yamaha to release a higher cc yfzr similar to how ktm did back in the day with the 505. The raptor is cool, and Im more than stoked they have options. But as someone who rides mostly mx, the raptor just isint nearly as comfortable in that setting.
For the woods I like the raptor better! Mx track the 450 is a better jumper and flyer but in the woods the torque of the raptor really comes in handy! It’s like a crotch rocket for the woods you point and hit the throttle and your gone!
I have a 2020 long travel built trail raptor I'll put against any 450 any day and shift half as much my brother has a 2022 450 and I beat him all the time plus the Raptor torque is so much better
cool for somebody else . ill stick with my 450 and 250 because of handling for a racer my size . i do like the revers though lol . not a bad bike at all , the 450 just handles better . the plus side of the raptor is the revers
The Raptor is the best sport quad ever made. Now for motocross tracks I would say the 450 would definitely reign supreme, but GNCC And riding primarily trails and woods the raptor almost has too much power And you have to be careful what direction you point it in when you smash the throttle. On the straightaways it can’t be beat. The high center of gravity does change the way you have to ride if you are used to a 450 but you can negate that and make it lower if you’re interested, I keep mine normal height so I can make it over tall rocks and other things without getting hung up causing any damage. And at this moment there’s only pretty much one player in the game and two to choose from 2024- 2025 models you got the 450 or you got the raptor 700, thank God yamaha still makes them both other than that there’s a Honda TRX 250 which is way too small and pretty much for beginner riders. I changed mine because I broke it to the Houser front a arms which equate to 4 inches my rear is still the stock with so I can whip the back around quickly but changing the width of the front really changes the dynamics of how the quad balances, I’m going to side with all of these guys and a TV on demand, if you pair all that with a steering stabilizer it’s probably going to be a more comfortable riding experience. The only thing I haven’t been able to find our A arm skid plates that fit the houser front end set up that would definitely be ideal I think skid plates are key when you ride in loamy rocky terrain on the East Coast. Long live the Yamaha Raptor!!
I never even considered owning a Raptor until I saw your video comparing it to the YFZ450R. I decided to buy a brand new quad and as an XC racer I planned to buy the YFZ. But after watching that video I felt like the Raptor was right for me. 3 years later I have no regrets. There's a lot to like about the Raptor from an XC perspective. Everything that makes it a great trail quad makes it a great XC quad IMO. I love it.
Keep up the good work.
Had to pin this comment! Thanks.
I’m the same way! I’ve always been Honda guy. Never liked Raptors but now that I’m a little older and don’t race GNCC anymore I like the smooth power and ability to lug it around.
I love my raptor 700 an its my first manual machine it's very forgiving an will go pretty much anywhere you point the wheels.
I am 39 years old and own a 2020 raptor. I had a 2001 gen 1. Love me some raptor.
this is really one of the best channels i am always happy to watch
We are glad you chose to tune in!
Have owned a YFZ in the past and currently own a 22’ Raptor 700R. Best do-it-all sport quad of all time.
For our use we feel the same way.
Most people (myself included) can never get the max potential out of the yfz or the raptor and both machines are faster than the average rider will ever be. Unless your name is Brycen Neal or Walker Fowler either machine will serve its purpose out of the box. You guys absolutely nailed this build for a gncc circuit! Ultimately unless you are a pro chasing points get what’s comfortable and confidence inducing and have fun whether it’s a yfz or raptor the name of the game is fun!
Glad you enjoyed our little experiment. We certainly had fun! Only changes we'd make if we wanted to continue racing in nearly stock form would be a swap to a sprocket and rotor guard instead of the swingarm skid plate along with stiffer suspension settings for the added weight of mud.
There’s a lot of people that can handle a 50+ hp bike idk about you but it’s capable
@@yfz_dom there’s people who can handle it but they aren’t maxing out its potential everywhere. Always room for improvement
They said it couldn't compete, but we proved it can with very little modification. Can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts.
My raptor 700R is the best quad ive ever had or ridden. Added skid plates, akrapovic exhaust, different handlebars, more aggressive race tires, grip tape for my knee/thighs, steering stabilizer and thats all it really needs. The torque, top end speed, handling is awesome and the sound/power it has make it really fun regardless if youre on a mx track, doing dirt jumps, trail riding, cross counry or enduro racing or in a sandy/dune type of riding. Its also way more comfortable on longer rides and easier to ride i find than the 450 platforms are. For anyone looking for an all around machine to do it all mx, enduro, dunes, dirt jumps, trail riding, hill climbs ect id highly recommend the raptor 700R platform for sure over the yfz450r.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Raptor. Both machines have their place but the Raptor is a little underrated.
What a machine, great video and thanks for doing this. Showing everyone what we already know. The Raptor 700r is the king of sport quads 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🤘🏻
Exactly!
@@DUNEATV 🫡
Love my 700r, big3, full fiber clutch, ,cuervo tuned. +2 arms on elka's, hess bar. Just way to much fun and a lot of room to grow into it. Takes such a better beatin then my 08 450r. 450r shines highly in full out racing styles.
Best sport quad ever made!
One of the best for sure.
@@ATVonDemand Great video guys
@@DUNEATV It's something we've wanted to do for a while.
WOW this video has a lot of useful information and so well put together. I am scared to enter a race, but now i might have to with my 700R with basic performance mods. Great video.
If you decide to pull the trigger, the biggest two changes we'd make would be swapping out the swingarm skid plate for a XC racing style sprocket and brake rotor guard for added ground clearance and coming up with a second set of suspension settings for muddy races where the quad gains 75 pounds worth of mud. Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We'd love to help out with any advice we can offer.
@ATVonDemand I actually have a BBC chain guard now and love it. I need to get a steering stabilizer but those are $$$$
Let’s gooo! There are a handful of raptors that show up to Gncc events. Went back and forth with a guy on one this weekend.
I race XC and Knobby quad TT on my 2022 raptor 700 and it slaps around all but the fastest guys on 450s (I am fast, I’m not that fast) and every time I pass a broken 450 in an XC setting I smile and remember why I chose the raptor over the 450. The only thing I change is my track width. I run 47.5 in the woods and 49.5 in TT. I have the big three mods and that’s it. It doesn’t need anything else and I have seen personally raptors with over 400 hours of hard abuse in race and play on factory top and bottom ends. Unless you’re going pro, the 450 is a headache and less fun in my opinion.
We don't think it would take very much to make one competitive either. Internal motor mods are simply unnecessary.
I race my 700 in IXCR and MWXC and aside from suspension/a arms, I’ve got everything done I could possibly think of and it’s a hell of a lot of fun! These 700’s don’t get enough attention or respect!
We want to see your machine. We'll check out your channel.
Wow, would Like to See a list with all the changes you have done on your Machine 😳
Love this line - "With all of the ATV manufacturers turning their backs on the sport, except Yamaha." #teamblue! #savesportquads
@@JapanSkies Gotta be honest💪😎
I knew it! Excellent video!!
Glad you enjoyed it thanks for watching.
Absolute great content
God you enjoyed it so much. We have wanted to do this for a while.
Are there any new videos on ltz400s? I need parts for mine.
We have not done one of those in quite a long time.
look up Michael Sabo he has a really really good build on the ltz400
@@867diesel Yeah I just watched both parts and the videos on his extra channel. I've been watching him since 2019. But the thing is he did an all stock machine.
@@kawasakikid6205 what are you looking for to do on yours ?
@@867diesel Hmf pipe, jd performance a arms, rebuilt shocks, flexx handlebars, blob delete, seat cover, axle, grab bar in the front and back, gas cap, nerf bars and heel guards, air box, 400ex boot, filter, some sort of hot cam, valves, new jets, swingarm? maybe, skidplates and case protectors, shift lever and brake lever, yfz450 front brakes, tachometer, steering stabilizer,
Could make this a series where you do a few mods at a time and turn it into a full XC machine.
That's a good idea.
I love my ‘22 Raptor 700r SE
I just want new sport quads
YES!
Honda Suzuki and Kawasaki need to get in the game. Especially Suzuki.
I was told my raptor wouldn’t keep up in flat track racing but I did it anyway and placed 3rd twice and 1st once, granted I do have the houser +2 a arms and suspension done by rocket ron but still showed people it’s definitely capable!
Sounds like you helped prove the point. TT and MX would be the two most difficult disciplines for the Raptor. I'm wondering how we would finish all set up properly for XC. Nice job!!
Sounds like you have the perfect idea for a upcoming video!
Great video, thanks
You're very welcome.
Change suspension settings maybe run bigger tires and better chain guard, add some power adders ull be on top in no time
Agreed💪
Great video keep up the good work…
We'll do. Thanks!
@@ATVonDemand Welcome…
People say "it" can't compete, but YOU can compete with it and have fun.
@@tomk5047 facts
Some suspension and a 24v kit and I think they would be a real weapon
Agreed
If youre running skids, why in the world run alum vs composite?
Also, that's a huge rookie mistake not adjusting suspension for the mud that was clearly there before you lined up lol
Either way, solid vid. Shame there isn't enough of a market for a new machine from Yami (or anyone, for that matter). Although we MIGHT get something interesting out of Suzuki now that they've got their ship in order...high hp 4wd tho...no solid axle sport quad in the rumor mill
Aluminum skids were fine for the mud.The big problem was the swing arm skid plate. Find for trail riding but not ideal for racing. We kind of realized that the weight from mud might be a problem but didn't have a second suspension setting to go to. If we were to do it again we would show up with two suspension settings, one for normal weight and one with plus seventy pounds. Here is betting a lot of racers don't have that data on their built machines.. We lived up to our mistakes in the video. Glad you enjoyed it. We would love to see anything new from suzuki.
@@ATVonDemand tbf not a lot of class a riders even use skids...especially in the mud...
@ATVonDemand also I misspoke, the rumored new atv is a yami; 4x4, 1000cc, high hp unit to compete with scrambler/renegade xxc. They are using the RMAX powertrain, but tuned to what I don't know. There are drawings floating around out there but I couldn't find them to link for you
Trying to decide on a TRX450R or YFZ450R. I want something reliable and fun to use on the trail and in the dunes.
@@PorterPlatt-y6m Buy the yamaha. Parts for the hondas are becoming difficult to find.
Now lets see it again with some suspension mods and a few performance mods.
😎🤟
The raptor has proven itself in the desert time and time again at the dakar. I would love for yamaha to release a higher cc yfzr similar to how ktm did back in the day with the 505. The raptor is cool, and Im more than stoked they have options. But as someone who rides mostly mx, the raptor just isint nearly as comfortable in that setting.
We'd love to see a new machine like a big-bore YFZ!
Nice 🔥🔥😈
For the woods I like the raptor better! Mx track the 450 is a better jumper and flyer but in the woods the torque of the raptor really comes in handy! It’s like a crotch rocket for the woods you point and hit the throttle and your gone!
Facts!
Most important thing, Chicks dig the Raptor. Enough said.
💪🤣
Yamaha needs to put the tenere 700 engine in the raptors!
Or just put that motor in one and call it a Banshee
Bad luck with all the rain, pronanly would have placed higher!
We can't blame the rain.That's cross country racing😅 If we do it again it will be with a more complete set up.
I have a 2020 long travel built trail raptor I'll put against any 450 any day and shift half as much my brother has a 2022 450 and I beat him all the time plus the Raptor torque is so much better
PREACH IT! Sounds like you have a nice Raptor.
That rider needed some weigh delete mods. Probably would have won! 😅
some what?
👍👍👍
cool for somebody else . ill stick with my 450 and 250 because of handling for a racer my size . i do like the revers though lol . not a bad bike at all , the 450 just handles better . the plus side of the raptor is the revers
It's whatever you like best. 😁🤘
@@ATVonDemand i like the revers best lol
I still don't think it can be a competitive woods racer lol.
That's okay. If you don't believe in what you're racing it probably won't serve you as well.
The Raptor is the best sport quad ever made. Now for motocross tracks I would say the 450 would definitely reign supreme, but GNCC And riding primarily trails and woods the raptor almost has too much power And you have to be careful what direction you point it in when you smash the throttle. On the straightaways it can’t be beat. The high center of gravity does change the way you have to ride if you are used to a 450 but you can negate that and make it lower if you’re interested, I keep mine normal height so I can make it over tall rocks and other things without getting hung up causing any damage. And at this moment there’s only pretty much one player in the game and two to choose from 2024- 2025 models you got the 450 or you got the raptor 700, thank God yamaha still makes them both other than that there’s a Honda TRX 250 which is way too small and pretty much for beginner riders. I changed mine because I broke it to the Houser front a arms which equate to 4 inches my rear is still the stock with so I can whip the back around quickly but changing the width of the front really changes the dynamics of how the quad balances, I’m going to side with all of these guys and a TV on demand, if you pair all that with a steering stabilizer it’s probably going to be a more comfortable riding experience. The only thing I haven’t been able to find our A arm skid plates that fit the houser front end set up that would definitely be ideal I think skid plates are key when you ride in loamy rocky terrain on the East Coast. Long live the Yamaha Raptor!!