Conquering dunes and trails easily, the Yamaha Raptor 700 offers superior comfort, style, and unrivaled big-bore performance. All this adds up to a perfect sport ATV for weekend warriors and thrill-seekers. Since its first release in 2006, the Raptor 700 has dominated the ATV industry, claiming the title of top-selling sport ATV of all time.
Over the years, this ATV has undergone a series of modifications but one thing remains constant; the Raptor 700 can fly. In this guide, we’ll review the Yamaha Raptor 700 top speed and various ways to improve it, including a comprehensive look at the popular Raptor 700’s Big 3. But before getting into all of that, let’s have a look at some key features of this ATV.
Yamaha Raptor 700 Specs
The Raptor 700 is a popular 4-wheeler model, particularly because of its incredible engine displacement. Besides this, its great power, suspension, and solid handling combo make this ATV exceptional.
- Big-bore Power: The Raptor 700 features Yamaha’s proprietary and powerful liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 686 cc Raptor engine. Thanks to the engine, this big-bore sport 4×4 delivers big torque straight from idle, transitioning into a monstrous top-end.
- Advanced Chassis: The Raptor is lightweight and has incredible power — a combination that every expert ATV rider loves. This ATV features a cast aluminum swingarm, a hybrid steel aluminum frame, and a controlled-fill aluminum subframe, which makes it super strong yet incredibly light.
- Advanced Suspension: The ATV utilizes YFZ-inspired handling, which is remarkable to experience while cruising through the outdoors.
- Cutting-Edge Fuel Injection: The YFI (Yamaha Fuel Injection) offers excellent and consistent engine performance in a vast range of temperatures, conditions, and elevations.
- High-Performance Maxxis Tires: The ATV is built to withstand tough terrains. It has superior 22×10-9 front and rear 20×10-9 Maxxis tires, with a uniquely-designed tread pattern offering high performance. Its class-leading traction also helps in sharp handling in various conditions and terrain.
- Sporty Ergonomics: The long, YZ-inspired seat allows optimum rider movement and comfort with superior sport-riding ergonomics.
With all these features, it’s no surprise that the Raptor 700 is one of the most popular sporty ATVs out there. However, all this doesn’t answer one crucial question; “How fast does a Raptor 700 go?”
How Fast Is Yamaha’s Raptor 700?
Boasting a 4-stroke, single-cylinder, 686 cc engine, the Yamaha Raptor 700 can hit a top speed of 77mph on flat terrain and 80 mph when going downhill.
On average, the Raptor’s 700 engine can deliver about 47 horsepower. The Raptor 700 horsepower doesn’t seem like much when compared to 1000cc 4WD quads that produce almost double the power. However, how it’s geared and driven seems to make all the difference.
While its top speed is quite impressive, the high amount of torque loaded in the engine makes the acceleration way more impressive. Ideally, This ATV lineup can go from 0 – 60 in about 5 seconds.
For the speed maniacs out there, the Raptor 700 can go as fast as 90+ mph when appropriately upgraded. This is where the Raptor 700 Big 3 comes into play.
Raptor 700 Big 3 Upgrades
Some people enjoy their ATV better when it has a really good speed. If you’re one of them, we’ll show you how to increase your Raptor 700’s top speed.
In order to unlock the maximum power and speed of your ATV, its engine must be able to breathe correctly. Therefore, by enhancing the airflow of the engine, you will maximize the speed and power of your Raptor. This is what the Raptor Big 3 upgrades are all about. The upgrades are designed to enhance the major components that impact the fuel flow and the airflow, including the exhaust system, the power commander, and the air intake.
To get the best upgrades for your Raptor 700, you need to combine Raptor’s Big 3 upgrades. The result can give you up to 9 extra horsepower, 10+ mph in top speed, and nine extra ft-lbs of torque to the rear wheels.
Modify The Intake System
The intake system comprises the air filter and air box. This system allows air into the engine and ascertains how much fuel can be fed to the engine, which influences the amount of power generated.
Therefore, upgrading the air filter and airbox will help you ensure the air is clean so it can run better while also enabling more airflow into the engine. While the Raptor 700 has a lot of low to mid-range power, the ATV’s factory intake often chokes out the top part of the RPM range. To fix this, you can buy upgraded intake systems to enable more air into the engine.
Modify The Exhaust System
Modifying the exhaust system aids in providing a more effective escape for the added airflow from the upgraded intake system. An upgraded exhaust system will focus on increasing the torque and horsepower of the Raptor 700.
In addition to that, an upgraded exhaust system will give your Raptor a more aggressive and deeper growl than that of a standard exhaust while riding. However, The sound output of your ATV will increase by about 3 to 6 decibels, depending on the aftermarket exhaust you opt for. Here are a few highly recommended aftermarket exhaust options for the Raptor 700:
- Evo Exhaust.
- Barker’s Exhaust.
- HMF Racing.
- Monster Exhaust.
- Curtis Sparks.
You can also consider upgrading your exhaust pipe by installing a slip-on. A slip-on replaces the stock muffler on the ATV and slips into place after removing the stock muffler. This is cost-efficient and will aid you in reducing weight and enhancing horsepower.
Install A Power Commander
To make sure your Raptor 700 performs at its best even with the upgraded exhaust and intake systems, it is a good idea to install a power commander (also known as a fuel controller) as well. The power commander is a device that will provide the exhaust system with the adequate amount of added fuel flow it will need to perform at the highest level.
This tuning device monitors the fuel-to-air ratio of your 4-wheeler and estimates the precise fuel adjustment required to achieve the ideal proportions. The installation of these Big 3 should translate to a higher top speed of over 85 mph and better acceleration for your Raptor 700.
Alternative Methods Of Increasing The Raptor 700 Top Speed
Besides the Raptor 700 Big 3, there are other minimal upgrades you can make to enhance its top speed.
Enhance The Gearing
A common way to adjust the power and speed in machines, such as motorcycles and ATVs, with chains is to replace the rear and front sprockets. The Raptor 700 comes with built-in 38-tooth rear and 14-tooth front sprockets. Replacing that with 37-tooth rear and 15-tooth front sprockets is your best bet for additional speed with the Raptor 700.
Add Larger Tires
Yamaha’s Raptor 700 features 20-inch stock tires at the back and 22-inch stock tires in front. Moving to larger-diameter 22-inch tires at the back and 23-inch tires in front is a great way to make your 4-wheeler go a bit faster.
Switch To High-Octane Fuel
Switching to high-octane fuel, preferably 91 or 93 octanes, in your Raptor 700 will translate to higher speed and engine performance. If you’re keen enough, you should be able to tell the difference in how fast your 4×4 runs on low vs. high octane fuel.
Inspect The Spark Plug
If your spark plug is fouled or worn out, it may be unable to Ignite fuel in the engine at the right rate, resulting in a reduced top speed. As such, it is recommended to replace it with a high-performing iridium spark plug.
Also Read: Boosting Your CanAm Renegade 1000’s Top Speed and Agility
Conclusion
Since 2006, the Raptor 700 has been respected for its impressive and unmatched speed. Power, performance, speed, and drivability are the factors that keep this quad at the top. So, if you are an outdoor enthusiast with a thing for speed, look no further than the Yamaha Raptor 700.
