As if a major engine transformation wasn't enough, Yamaha engineers also changed the chassis and body styling. Under the reshaped and better-padded seat and new plastic is a steel and aluminum hybrid frame that enabled engineers to redistribute the weight bias to 5 pounds more up front and 17 less in the rear, lengthen the wheelbase 1.5 inches and widen the rear wheelbase width 2.5 inches. Thanks to the 7-pound-lighter frame, the 700R is 2 pounds lighter than the 660R at 396 pounds despite its displacement increase. The new machine shares A-arms, similar controls and a nearly identical steering geometry with the YFZ450.
Both ATVs received new Dunlop tires mounted on aluminum rims to round out the handling improvements. The Raptor also saw an improved rear suspension setup, gaining a whopping 1.4 inches of travel. It also got the new eccentric chain-adjuster system and a white/silver color option to the standard blue/white scheme. Both Yamahas wear more durable LED taillights, and easy-to-grab bars at both ends help move these babies around. We can't wait to get our first taste of the Raptor-in the next ATVR.
2006 Yamaha YFZ450
Retail price: $6999; Bill Ballance Edition, $7449
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder, four-stroke, titanium five-valve DOHC
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x stroke: 95x63.4mm
Cooling: Liquid-cooled with fan assist
Carburetion: Keihin 39mm FCR with Throttle Position Sensor
Starting: Electric
Drivetrain
Drive system: Sealed O-ring chain, eccentric adjustment, 2x4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: Independent dual A-arms/9.1 in.
Rear: Cast-aluminum swingarm/10.6 in.
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic discs, twin-piston
Rear: Hydraulic disc, twin-piston
Tires
Front: 21x7-10 Dunlop AT radial
Rear: 20x10-9 Dunlop AT radial
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 50.4 in.
Claimed dry weight: 350 lb
Ground clearance: 4.4 in.
Length/width/height: 72.4/46.1/42.9 in.
Seat height: 31.9 in.
Fuel capacity: 2.6 gal.
2006 Yamaha Raptor 700R
Retail price: $6999
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder, four-stroke SOHC
Displacement: 686cc
Bore x stroke: 102x84mm
Cooling: Liquid-cooled with fan assist
Carburetion: Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm
Starting: Electric
Drivetrain
Drive system: Sealed O-ring chain, eccentric adjustment, 2x4
Transmission: 5-speed manual with reverse
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: Independent dual A-arms/9.1 in.
Rear: Cast-aluminum swingarm/10.1 in.
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic discs, twin-piston
Rear: Hydraulic disc
Tires
Front: 21x7-10 Dunlop AT radial
Rear: 20x10-9 Dunlop AT radial
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 50.4 in.
Claimed dry weight: 396 lb
Ground clearance: 4.4 in.
Length/width/height: 72.6/46.1/44.5 in.
Seat height: 32.0 in.
Fuel capacity: 2.9 gal.