2009 ATV Preview

Raptor 700R
Not a major overhaul, yet the Raptor 700R did see an array of important improvements for '09. First, the Raptor received a new front cowl design and styling; it appears to have taken on a look much more like the Raptor 250. For improved comfort and handling, the suspension gained an extra 5mm-longer stroke along with new comfort settings. These shocks include improved high- and low-speed adjustment knobs that should make dialing them in that much easier. And just like the Grizzly family, the Raptor receives the new digital dash as well as the improved thumb throttle design. And of course, it wouldn't be a new year model without the usual new color schemes and graphics.

Raptor 90
It seems like Yamaha has got the right idea as it has redesigned the Raptor 90 from the ground up. Styled similarly to the new Raptor 700, this new 90 is packed full of new-and-improved features. The Raptor 90 is propelled by an 88cc, air-cooled, four-stroke motor. Power is put to the low-profile Maxxis tires by a fully automatic CVT transmission. For limiting the lesser experienced riders, parents will be happy that the Raptor 90 has an adjustable CDI rev-limiter. It can be restricted to 4800 rpm or let loose at 8000 unrestricted rpm for the more experienced.

Suspending the new Raptor is a double A-arm suspension setup in the front and a swingarm-style system in the rear. The front system gets about 4.4 inches of travel and makes use of a five-way preload-adjustable shock. The rear gets 3.3 inches of travel with a five-way preload-adjustable shock. A few additional yet important features are large floorboards to protect your youngster's feet and aggressive footpegs to keep them in place while in action. And bringing this machine to a stop is a hydraulic rear disc and dual sealed-drum brakes on the front. This new machine is certainly worth checking out.

Can-AM
www.can-am.brp.com/
Outlander 800r Family
Adding more power is always a good thing, and that's just one of the many upgrades the Outlander 800R family of ATVs received for '09. These improvements are included on the Outlander 800R, Outlander Max 800R EFI, Outlander 800R XT EFI models and let's not forget the Outlander 800R EFI Max LTD. Whew, that's a long list. The new motor increases top-end power by nine percent over previous models. The 800R engine features a 0-60 mph increase of one second over the previous year's 800 H.O. engine. This new Can-Am also features a larger air filter, a better optimized intake runner, new ECU calibration as well as an improved camshaft.

Other noteworthy improvements for '09 are new decals and revised coloration. The Outlander now gets a new high-density polyethylene injection-molded skid plate and a redesigned slick front plastic piece. Now let's go drag racing.

Renegade 800r
Just like the Outlander 800R family, the Renegade 800R (pictured) gets the same motor increase, which improves top-end power by a whopping nine percent. The larger air filter, optimized intake runner, revamped ECU calibration and new camshaft are handed down from the Outlander to the Renegade 800R as well. Hold on tight, it's going to be a fast one this year.

Renegade 500 EFI
Why change something when it's already great? At least that must've been Can-Am's thoughts on the Renegade 500 EFI. For '09, the Renegade 500 only receives a fresh new set of graphics as well as a red plastic option. At least it will look even flashier for '09.

Outlander 650, 500 And 400 Family
Only minor improvements will take place on the smaller-bore Outlanders for '09. You can expect flashy new decals, revised coloration and that high-density polyethylene, injection-molded skid plate to better protect your frame from unwanted damage.

DS 250
OK, so change is good, even when those changes are fairly minimal. For the DS 250, you can expect to see a new headlight design. According to Can-Am, this new design will offer up an even edgier look from the previous year. I guess that's up to you to decide. But wait, there's more! You'll also be able to choose from a new red and white color scheme in '09