SEPTEMBER 2013 / DIRT WHEELS 37
$8899)—the dealer showrooms will
be full of choices. EPS and non-EPS
versions of the 700, 550 and 450 (
starting at $6399) will be offered, with
camo, red and blue color choices.
The $5599 Grizzly 350 4x4 is not available with the EPS feature. Yamaha’s
2WD Grizzly 300 will be released
later this year. The 350, 450 and 550
versions will not have any changes
this year.
SPORT LINEUP
As expected, the Yamaha sport
lineup is small this year. On a good
note, the Raptor 700 SE ($8799),
700R ($8099) and lower-cost 700
($7699) will return and be
unchanged for the new year. The
YFZ450R and YFZ450R SE are the
only other sport quads offered in
this early-release lineup. The
Raptor 250, Raptor 125 and Raptor
90 will be released later in the year.
Gone from the lineup for now are
the venerable Raptor 350 and the
standard YFZ450—although you
still may be able to find them in
dealers for a year or so. ;
Yamaha’s YFZ450R receives new bodywork with standard
quick-removal fasteners. The profile of the fenders was flattened out for better rider movement and sponsor-logo placement.
Internally, the YFZ450R received a slipper-style clutch. It
has a much lighter lever pull and reduces engine braking
under deceleration. This should make the quad stick to the
ground better on rough downhills and on corner entry.
Raptor 700
