Introducing the 2009 Yamaha 550 FI 4x4
Yamaha recently invited us out to the Balboa Bay Club in luxurious Newport Beach, California to check out their 2009 line up.
A fuel-injected aluminum-framed YFZ450 was not mentioned but rumors are floating around that Yamaha’s 450 race quad will indeed receive major upgrades for 2009. Since the YFZ was never mentioned at this intro, we’re expecting that Yamaha will unveil their 2009 YFZ details to us within in the next few months. As soon as we get the word, we'll let you know what to expect on the 2009 YFZ450.
As for official 2009 line up news from Yamaha, here’s the low down…
Sport:
Two new machines were announced, a Raptor 90 and a Grizzly 550 4x4, which will be available as early as August. The Raptor 700R, which is the best selling sport ATV in the industry, receives a few impressive improvements including new front shocks, a new thumb throttle, a new digital dash mounted meter, a wave style rear brake disc, grab bar, heel guards, and revised styling and graphics.
The 2009 Raptor gets a revised front cowl, updated styling and a new digital meter that includes a Speedometer, Dual Trip Meters, an Odometer, a Clock, Warning Indicators and Full Diagnostic Capabilities
The Wolverine 450 4x4, Wolverine 350 2WD, and Raptor 350 will return unchanged for 2009.
Introducing the 2009 Yamaha Raptor 90
New 2009 Raptor 90
Yamaha made junior’s ride look just like dad’s, as the new Raptor 90 looks like a scaled down Raptor 700R. Yamaha’s latest mini uses an 88cc air-cooled engine that features a fully automatic CVT transmission. Parents can adjust the CDI rev limiter from 4,800 RPM to the 8,000 RPM unrestricted mode.
Integrated full floorboards (with Raptor 80 foot pegs) and low profile Maxxis tires are used. In the rear a 5-way pre-load adjustable shock is used. Also found out back is 3.3” of suspension travel and a hydraulic rear disc. Up front double A-arms are used with 5-way pre-load adjustable shocks. There’s 4.4” of front suspension travel. A molded front grab bar is used just like dad's Raptor 700R. Dual sealed front drum brakes make up the front braking department.
At the time no price was available, but Yamaha did say the cost will be significantly lower than the competition’s. It will be available in typical Yamaha blue and white as well as black and white with dual graphic kits.
Double A-Arms are used up front with a Raptor 80 Leading Arm. There's 4.4” of Front Suspension Travel (the Raptor 80 has 2.3”). 5-Way Pre-load Adjustable Shocks are used all around. Check out the sharp mini Raptor 700R molded front grab bar. In the rear, hydraulic rear disc brakes are used. There's 3.3” of Rear Suspension Travel.
Junior gets his own key along with safe integrated full floorboards. The Raptor 90 also comes with low profile Maxxis tires.
The Raptor 90 will be available Yamaha blue and black and white with Yamaha's dual graphics kit.
| 2009 Raptor 90 Specs | |
| Engine Type – | 88cc, 4-Stroke Single, Air Cooled, SOHC |
| Bore x Stroke – | 47mm x 51mm |
| Compression Ratio – | 10.2:1 |
| Carburetion – | SVR 22mm |
| Ignition – | CDI |
| Starting System – | Electric |
| Transmission – | V-belt Automatic |
| Drive Train – | 2WD; Chain |
| Suspension/ Front– |
Ind Dbl Wishbone, 4.4” w/ 5-way Preload Adj |
| Suspension/ Rear – | Swing Arm, 3.3” w/ 5-way Preload Adj. |
| Brakes/ Front – | Dual Sealed Drum |
| Brake/ Rear – | Hydraulic Disc |
| Tires/ Front – | AT18x7-8 |
| Tires/ Rear – | AT18x9-8 |
| LxWxH – | 58.7”x 34.8”x 35.8” |
| Seat Height – | 25.7” |
| Wheel Base – | 39.8” |
| Ground Clearance – | 3.9” |
| Fuel Capacity – | 1.3 Gallons |
| Dry Weight – | 254 Lbs |
| Lighting – | None |
