Yamaha YFM350S Raptor

Recreational quads are gaining in popularity, particularly among young families. In earlier days sporting quads were two-stroke screamers, but now things have changed a little. Just as the two wheel enduro bikes are now mainly four-strokes, most of the sporting quad range has also switched over to the new breed of high performance single cylinder engines bred from four-stroke developments in motocross and enduro competition. Few would say that this change has not been for the better.

Sitting atop the Yamaha range is the menacing YFZ450. This machine is not for the faint at heart, it is built as a full on racer. At $12990 it is the most expensive machine in the Yamaha ATV range, but it is not the biggest. That honour goes to the 660cc Raptor, also a racy machine but not quite as highly tuned as the 450 and retailing for a slightly lower $12599.

For those that like their sporting quad to be perhaps a little easier to ride and cheaper to run, Yamaha have now introduced the new YFM350S Raptor.

Styled like the full monty racers, the YFM350S should also turn heads while proving a little easier to tame. With a 348cc engine and a six speed gearbox the YFM350S will not lack too much in the excitement stakes.

A reverse gear and electric start helps enormously in the ease of use department. The fact that reverse can be engaged from any gear through the console mounted shift lever is also a nice touch.

Highlighting your path through the dark are a pair of 30-watt multi-reflector Halogen headlights. The rear running light incorporates a brake light while a parking brake secures the machine when you dismount.

A 36mm Mikuni carburettor is fed unleaded from a nine litre fuel tank which will give the ATV a generous range. River crossings should pose no significant problems with a high mounted snorkel intake helping to keep the airbox free of water. Air filter access requires no tools so there will be no excuse for not keeping those Yamaha lungs clear of debris.

Weighing in at 170kg, the YFM350S is definitely at the lighter end of the scale when compared to other quads in the market. Yamaha have basically taken their existing 350 Warrior model, trimmed off some fat, injected some more excitement through better handling and given it that funky Raptor look.

The chassis provides a generous 114mm of ground clearance, composite skidplates protect the undercarriage when the rider does get too enthusiastic and uses all of that available clearance. The 820mm seat height will be a little tall for some, but is pretty much par for the course on a machine with this much clearance.

Riding on an independent double wishbone front suspension system with adjustable shock absorbers the front should stay under control. A lightweight swingarm is controlled by a single piggyback shock absorber at the rear. This is also preload adjustable, both ends provide just over 200mm of travel.

Lightweight aluminium wheels are shod with low profile tyres. A pair of vented discs up front combine with a single rear disc to pull the machine up quick smart.

At $9299 the YFM350S comes in a good deal cheaper than the bigger Raptors and is perhaps more suitable for those just out for a bit of fun, rather than looking to get into the serious side of racing.

SPECS - Yamaha YFM350S Raptor

Engine: 348cc, SOHC, single cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 83mm x 64.5mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Induction: Mikuni BSR36 carburettor
Starter: Electric
Transmission: 6 speed, reverse
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 1210mm
Seat Height: 820mm
Dry Weight: 170kg
Fuel Capacity: 9 litres
Tyres: Front _ 21x7-10; Rear _ 20x10-9
Suspension: Front _ Independent double wishbone; Rear _ Piggyback type reservoir rear shock
Brakes: Front _ dual discs; Rear _ single disc
Price: $9299
Warranty: 12 months