Chassis and Suspension

If you ask us, sliding an ATV is a big part of why ATVing is so much fun. You'll be glad to know that we were able to confidently slide the Raptor at will.

The Raptor 250 features an all-new tubular steel frame and a list of class leading specifications. Up front the Raptor features dual A-arms with preload adjustable shocks yielding 7.5 inches of travel. The machine’s swingarm and preload adjustable rear shock delivers 7.9 inches of travel. These numbers not only beat out the Blaster’s, they are better than any other machine currently offered in its class.

The Raptor’s dimensions are indicative of a machine that should out-handle the old Blaster. The Raptor is a quarter inch longer than the Blaster with a 43.7 inch wheel base. The Raptor sits 42.1 inches wide (up from the Blaster’s 40.7 inches). The Raptor’s seat sits a quarter of an inch lower with a 28.7 inch seat height.

One thing we are glad to see on the newest addition to the Raptor family is its swingarm with eccentric style chain adjustment. You could burn up half a days riding trying to get the old chain adjuster on the Blaster right. The Raptor’s chain can be adjusted in less than five minutes no matter how mechanically inept you are.

With 7.5 inches of preload adjustable travel up front and 7.9 inches in the rear, the Raptor 250 has some of the longest wheel travel numbers in its class. Even "Big Al" was impressed with the little Raptor's suspension.

Weight
To our astonishment, Yamaha has managed to build a 250cc four stroke that actually weighs less than the old two stroke Blaster. At 313 pounds, the Raptor is 11 pounds lighter than the Blaster, 47 pounds lighter than Honda’s 250EX and 53lbs lighter than the Suzuki Z250. In this displacement category, 50 pounds is like a ton! Nice work Yamaha!

The Brakes
As you should expect on a modern machine aimed directly at the sport enthusiast, Yamaha equipped the Raptor 250 with dual hydraulic disc brakes up front and a single hydraulic brake in the rear.  No steel braided lines or anything trick, but at 313 pounds they should be more then adequate to stop the little fellow.

No old-school Blaster components found here. Yamaha cut right to the chase includes an eccentric chain adjustment so adjusting your chain will be hassle-free.	Speaking of hassle free maintenance... Easy-access grease fittings on all chassis lubrication points simplify maintenance and help extend the life of the Raptor 250.

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