YFZ450R vs Raptor 700 Buyers Guide

[@core_jared8441]

This actually helped a lot this made me realize that the raptor 700 is more of my type of quad

[@MrTheguywiththemoney]

We need to start some type of petition against the epa and California's CARB act. To save sport quads. Because sooner or later both these machines are going to get phased out due to low sales from no updates.

[@PeteHager]

It’s hard to say the future will hold with these machines. I was told Yamaha sells every unit they produce and they’re pretty committed to the sport quad segment seeing as how they’ve never stopped since they were first introduced in the 80’s. I’m hopeful they’ll make them as long as they physically can. How will it work with older machines in Cali? Are they grandfathered in?

[@MrTheguywiththemoney]

@@PeteHager I'm pretty sure the yfz450 is not even for sale in cali anymore... I wouldn't know I'm from Florida

[@trulyheads4442]

HATE that carb act man, so hard to get a jetting kit now 😂

[@edwardstroko4665]

What’s the deal on emissions in California!?? I live in Pa. I know regular vehicles have certain criteria to meet epa out there, but I didn’t know off-road vehicles did too!!😎💪🇺🇸

[@trulyheads4442]

@@edwardstroko4665 the rules here are so strict man it’s crazy. I personally think it’s dumb that everyime i go riding here in california a park ranger stops to check my exhaust to see if i have a spark arrestor in (if not you get a fine up to $900)

[@TurbochargedHobbies]

One thing to add about reverse is it's very useful if you ride a lot by yourself. With my work schedule I ride on my own a lot, reverse can be a serious life saver. This is especially true during the rainy season, I don't think I could go without reverse. I may not use it super often but it has definitely saved my butt numerous times.

[@ThatAlfaRomeoN]

i agree and on trails like i have owned my yfz450 and it is annoying and more frightening going to do that stuff with out reverse as for my honda250 trx i dont fear going places like that cause of reverse

[@TheRealDodger]

My biggest save with the reverse is knowing that I can roll start my raptor in reverse. I had sheared the starter clutch bolts on my 660 out on a ride and then killed it going up a hill. Saved a lot of work having that reverse gear

[@NogaHassan-pq5nb]

😮

[@craigacuna3259]

Really enjoy your channel, I would choose the raptor if the rider is over 40 and is not racing frequently. The raptor with mods is a fun machine for recreation. You can ride just as aggressive as with a 450 just depends on you the rider. If a rider is a pro he/she probably wouldn’t look at the raptor anyway. The Raptor is a blast and requires very little maintenance. For the weekend warrior and for someone who doesn’t want to wrench on the machine a lot, I would recommend the Raptor.

[@TheWailalghanim]

This is the best analytical comparison between the 2 ATVs hands down, thanks and very good presented ❤

[@BaRRx21]

I have a 2009 yfz450r I bought it new and with routine maintenance I had 0 issues for 13 years recently had to have bottom end rebuilt. I trail ride and track ride my quad and it's exactly like Pete said confidence boosting and extremely capable it does beat you up a little after a full day of riding but insane power after exhaust, intake, and programmer feel confident up any hill and very fun to ride

[@myh1180]

Every time new riders ask me about both this quads I tell them the same exact thing! Great video, straight to the point🤙🏽👏🏽👍🏼

[@JayTM_3131]

I own a raptor, yfz, and a banshee, the raptor will perform better every time. It will do the same thing as the yfz & banshee but worth more capabilities. Hands-down, the best sports quad ever made!

[@fivebooks8498]

Yeah but don’t you love that 2 stroke banshee sometimes.

[@foureyes5498]

I really love the 450 and how agile it is. Come to find out that yfz 450s are banned in California and can’t be sold new anymore 😢 so I had no choice but to get the Raptor 700. Really great quad, very usable power, super comfortable. No complaints really but she is a big girl compared to the 450 but I’m happy with the 700.

[@travisnunya4641]

Banned in Cali 😂😂😂what a shit hole of a state

[@brianroseberry2766]

Great video. 50+ year old grew up on dirtbikes and three wheelerd. I was trying to decide between the two and decided on a 2021 raptor 700r se. More trail riding than racing. I can go hard if need to or just cruise around.

[@LSDdreams808]

I have 2020 raptor 700R SE an i did a lot of research an found the raptor fits me better. You can haul but or just putts around an take it easy. Its pretty capable as well iv taken threw some rough terrain following 4x4 rigs an kept up pretty good.

[@cchhiillaannggoo]

I do just sand dunes riding and driven both machines, I’ll go with the YFZ all the time, such a fun machine to ride on the sand trails with better stability while cornering and hitting some jumps

[@leeparrett3924]

Well Pete I just bought me a 2023 raptor 700 my first raptor!! So excited!!!!!! I pick it up Friday can’t wait!!!!!

[@BicBoiDyl]

Awesome video Pete! After buying multiple used bikes over the years, and now on to my first atv, a 2007 YFZ 450), I learned that unless you have receipts or if it's a newer machine, it WILL need work. My yfz seized after 2 months of owning it. Thankfully just crank bearing, but very unexpected. Turns out, oil pump failed. So anything can happen at any moment, just be cautious!

[@justinyoface911]

Such a shame this segment is dying. Love the sport quads

[@scottieb1469]

Awesome video with great points! I don’t think you could explain these two machines any better. The best way I explain them is the 450 is a quick revving small block and the 700 is the big block torque monster.

[@MichaelSabo]

I remember when you first got that YFZ and let me ride it; I couldn't believe how stable it was, almost like it couldn't be rolled, and that was in completely stock format.

[@anthonyk6265]

You guys put out great content can't wait for the next season of quad Wars PS I wish I was as organized as Mike Sabo LOL

[@tammyforbes2101]

Oh yea the 450 is a track machine it’s wide and low! The raptor is just better in a a straight line or that’s how it felt to me.

[@anthonyk6265]

Yeah the Raptor has way more torque you can widen it up and lower

[@ceementality]

@@anthonyk6265 my 660 is intake and exhaust and tune possibly jetting not sure and it’s lowered and widened on triple stage worx

[@anthonyk6265]

No reverse is a deal-breaker for me the extra couple pounds that it might consume is well worth it I'll take a good morning dump before I race I think a Kickstart would save a lot more weight than reverse.. great videos Pete Yamaha should have been sponsoring you you probably sold more Raptors than any sales man LOL but always try to keep up the independent work don't be a sell-out LOL love how you guys are redoing the old quads what the quad Wars that's awesome love watching you guys

[@PeteHager]

Thanks for the kind words man!

[@martinbullock735]

Pete I love your analysis when you comparing the YFZ 450 to the 700 thanks for doing that a lot of people don't understand the difference in those two bikes 😎👍💯🔥💪

[@fiji8686]

I got a 2023 raptor R, I went to Oklahoma to pick it up then went strait to little Sahara dunes with it. It was amazing after riding my yfz there for the last year. It definitely out powered the yfz. But I agree with all of this video

[@TheUtahMan]

I watched several videos comparing these two before watching your video. You gave me the information I was actually looking for, thank you for breaking down both of these.

[@RJArrayCPA]

Excellent breakdown. I’ve never ridden a quad or any ATV yet. So obviously knowing that the Raptor would be the right choice for me. Once my house is built and move out of the city the Raptor will be my very first real toy! Thanks for the video.

[@shoopie6470]

You’ll love it

[@braedeneckhoff897]

Was set on a 450 but after watching this video I decided the raptor was better for me because o mostly rode trails and gravel roads around home but I also rode tracks which had me stunned but I think the raptor will perform for me when o want to ride tracks. Just picked up a 21 Friday thanks Pete

[@PeteHager]

Congrats on the new machine man! Sounds like it’s gonna be perfect for your riding style. Glad I could help 🤘😬

[@trollrx]

Never ridden either of these but what I wouldn't give for my old '86 TRX250R. I had it built so sweet too.

[@drw-007]

TRX250R are the GOAT. There would be no YZF450R if not for the 250R.

[@14_yote5_oh5]

This is a great video! Been going back in time in your videos as a new subscriber. And I finally bought my dream quad. The mighty Raptor 700R SE! Been dreaming about this thing since it was announced back in like 2005 or whatever. I was in high-school when all I could think about was the raptor 700. Now I have one

[@PeteHager]

Hope you like your new Raptor! Glad you finally got your dream machine 😬🥳

[@hobo_jesus]

Raptor 700r is the best in my opinion out here In PA it was my first buy and its proven time and time again that the reverse is a must have some of these trails you run into get sketchy at times and the reverse never fails the power and comfort also are a plus.

[@PeteHager]

The reverse is definitely nice to have when it’s needed. In PA I would definitely pick the Raptor with how rugged your riding areas are 👌

[@hobo_jesus]

@@PeteHager yea man its perfect well for me atleast wish there was a riding community out here half the time is solo but good videos man keep em cominng.

[@thepope9794]

My 09 700R is a beast. It's built to the hilt. Not your average Raptor. I love it . Getting ready to buy a 2023.

[@RaptorWRLD]

Your intros alone are a work of editing art, thank you....here we go!

[@PeteHager]

Lol thank you for appreciating them. I can be indecisive and spend too much time juggling clips 😅

[@WhiteMargarine]

Great job, was thorough and informational! I just wish the QUAD prices weren't so high, especially with inflation and all!!! Make more videos please, the do help!!

[@connor3288]

FJB!😂

[@edwardstroko4665]

I love the power of the raptor. I got my son one too so it’s plenty powerful for our trail riding and hill climbing

[@mikenewton2563]

Good video! I have been researching the Raptors vs the YFZ and from everything I have gathered the Raptor is going to be my choice. I'm at the "dad" status and just trying to have a good time with my kids that are more YFZ status. But, the Raptor will be able to hang with them when I want it to.

[@decium2897]

HAHA excataly same story here brother!!!

[@ThatAlfaRomeoN]

Coming from somebody that owns a yfz450r hes def right about you just dont have a limit with the yfz like the more you loose fear the more fun it becomes to ride im stil learning its potential after 2 years of ownership

[@MnWarrior350]

Great Video on the 2 different options. I 100% agree on the confidence the YFZ inspires vs the raptor. 1 min on the YFZ and I was feeling right at home. The raptor was a lot more learning curve, for me at least.

[@coledisser5723]

I’m buying my first Yamaha this week. 2023 Raptor 700R SE

[@PeteHager]

Wooo!! That’s awesome man congratulations 😬🥳 #savesportquads

[@curtp1415]

Really appreciate your review on these machines! Have always wanted the YFZ!! but after watching yours and other reviews, it seems the Raptor will be the best fit. Just put a deposit down on a new 22 700R and picking her up next week!! Stoked!!

[@PeteHager]

Congratulations man! Thanks for grabbing a new unit too! 😁 #savesportquads!

[@Prince_.A]

Post some videos of it man. I'd love to watch!

[@chrisfruhling7387]

Great info!!! I ride a 2017 yz450f recreational. Definitely a track bike. My first quad was a blaster but grew up riding dirt bikes. 98 kx 250. And first was an 89 yz 80. By no means professional but I just love the Yamaha reliability. Just cool to see some honest input. Thanks!

[@edwardtembojr]

Just graduated college, my dad said he’d get me a quad. Really hoping to get a raptor 700🙏🏽

[@codydespawsr]

This was the video and your channel that lead me to getting a ‘22 700r se. Love the vids man, keep them coming!

[@PeteHager]

Glad I could help you decide on your machine! Congrats on the 22 Raptor! 😬🤘

[@cray3027]

Great video for someone (me) looking to understand the differences in the two models

[@outtybeastjr3653]

Man every time I watch your videos I wanna get a Raptor haha, I'm on the Outty but the sport quads are always there deep down, awesome video as always :)

[@Houey]

Well I just bought an 06 yfz 450 and 06 raptor 700 so I’m not disappointed

[@kennedynazario1728]

Raptor has always been my favorite quad since i was 9 im 19 now gonna go look at one tomorrow

[@dpjewelryllc]

Great review. I 100% agree with everything and love your analogy “muscle car vs supercar” 100%

[@qjason508]

Thank you so much for the advice and video because I’ve been looking at the Raptor and YZF since 2018 and I’m still looking but I’m aiming more towards the raptor

[@pxte.7007]

had both the raptor is a do it all machine i thinks its just much more powerful and more fun

[@qjason508]

@@pxte.7007 I’m gonna buy a 2024 raptor if it comes out

[@edwardstroko4665]

I love that red raptor!! Mine are 2022s and they are black and yellow

[@undertow4629]

Rocket Ron shock work!! He did work on my 2008 yfz. Bangdup 4 life!!

[@ShootyShoot]

I have rode both of them and I personally would pick the YFZ450s over the raptors, Hence that’s why I own a yfz450!! Like Pete said tho it depends on what kind of riding you mainly do! Great explanation of both quads tho!!

[@llKudo_]

This video really helped me a lot glad this came up on a google search of whether I wanted a 450 or 700 👍

[@GeauxFastRacing]

I XC race and actually chose the Raptor over YFZ. A big reason is it's more narrow. I feel faster in the tight stuff. YFZ is almost too wide for the woods in stock form. Raptor also steers faster/tighter but obviously the YFZ can carry more speed through the turns. Raptor suspension is more plush going fast over bumpy stuff but the YFZ definitely handles jumps better. The motor has so much torque it's great at just chugging along in slow/technical sections when you're not on the throttle much. You don't have to keep the motor spun up like the 450's. Also has the power to go up almost any hill in any gear with no momentum. The ergonomics of the Raptor are more comfortable for me (I'm 6'2" 250lbs) The taller seat height to foot peg ratio makes going from sitting to standing less fatiguing which you're doing a lot over a 2 hour race. Reverse is definitely not necessary but it's so handy to have. TL;DR everything that makes the Raptor a great trail quad makes it a great XC quad. If you're riding a MX track there's no comparison, the YFZ was clearly designed for that.

[@PeteHager]

Awesome review and feedback man! I think it’s awesome you XC race your Raptor! 🤘

[@DrewCampbellRacing]

You’re ripping! Both look fun as hell. Another great video man!🤙

[@leedimatteo5078]

perfect comparison Pete, it really comes down to how you plan on riding them, me i'd take the Raptor for trail ripping!

[@PeteHager]

100%! That torque is always satisfying 😬

[@michael8g]

What a great video man. Great channel. you typically dont miss. Thanks.

[@floridatrailrider305]

Great description of both machines, spot on 👍

[@73macrino]

As always love the channel and this is a great video. For somebody like myself, a little bit older, I would go towards the raptor myself due to the seating position and also the soft seat lol as a younger rider I would probably be like you I’d have both of them. Peace and God bless.

[@that_08_gmc]

Amen🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️✝️

[@PeteHager]

I agree! The Raptor is much more practical for an older rider. I’d say the only thing the 450 has going for it is the lower center of gravity and increased stability which makes it safer in my opinion. Older riders tend to ride within their means more so the Raptor still tends to be the better fit 😅👍

[@RaptorWRLD]

excellent video Pete, very informative and i couldn't have said it any better myself. glad to see you do this type of video.

[@PeteHager]

Thanks man, I’ve been procrastinating this one for awhile 😅

[@kellyburton]

Nice review of the two types of machines. I have both and you hit it right on the head for the types of riding each is good at. Great Video.

[@ThatAlfaRomeoN]

which one do you enjoy more i got the yfz450 but sometimes have regrets on it cause the reverse feature id like to hear your thoughts

[@kellyburton]

@@ThatAlfaRomeoN I like the yfz450 better because it fits me better, I am a smaller rider so I like the fit of the 450.

[@ThatAlfaRomeoN]

@@kellyburton ok thank you do u think its worth it to have both machines or no? and do you ever feel like you were abt to fall on your side on the raptor

[@IForgeWeight]

Mannnn thank youuuu iv been trying to decide forever. Ima get a 700 se

[@coachcutz]

Pete- I am OBSESSED with the gold wheels on the YFZ 🥰🥰

[@lost_marblesadv]

For people in the comments section: If you drop down to a 13t front sprocket on the yfz, it does help a bit on the trails. Not Raptor level, but a noticeable improvement.

[@PeteHager]

Cool recommendation, I’ve never heard of anyone doing that. I’m assuming you lose a decent amount of top end. How fast does it go now? Mid 60’s?

[@lost_marblesadv]

@@PeteHager I don’t worry too much about top speed. I’m not going to outrun a Raptor anyways. You won’t need to run it wfo all the time. It gives the rider a chance to catch a breath.

[@PeteHager]

@@lost_marblesadv you definitely have me curious! I may look into that since I’m rarely in 5th gear with that machine 👍

[@CarolinaMetalRoofs]

Just bought a raptor 350, but will probably go for a yfz 450 in the future 🙃

[@brettseimer8346]

Great review! It was helpful in comparing these two models.

[@Yougot6dollarsbro7]

Thank you so much for this review! You just helped me make my decision, Raptor it is

[@addielmorales9820]

I had 3 different raptors and I just bought a 450 Yfz just to try something different both are good quads

[@j.me.0311]

Solid review. Answered all my questions.

[@Sawyer94..]

Good thing to touch on is the yfz really needs tuned and deleted to run right where the raptor doesn't really need that

[@PeteHager]

It’s definitely a good topic to touch on. I’ve covered it pretty thoroughly in my YFZ Dyno videos. I considered talking about it in this video but it’s kind of a lengthy discussion since a lot of people have unique set ups with different parts combinations. I’ve seen guys run cheap fuel controllers with no issues and I’ve seen guys running pre tuned vortex’s and their quads won’t even fire. Once you start modifying the YFZ it can definitely open a can of worms. Thanks for mentioning it! 😊👍

[@logan6203]

I want the YFZ because I enjoyed swinging my old 700 but my main property isn’t very big and the larger property I can run hard but at points I’d be in a low gear going slow

[@alexostertag]

Awesome video man and yea my raptor goes long ways in 4th and 5th with ease in straighta ways

[@Pete_Heiderscheit22]

Hell yeah pete. Just picked up a 1987 Suzuki lt250r!

[@PeteHager]

Nice that’s awesome, I’ve still never ridden one of those quads!

[@Pete_Heiderscheit22]

@@PeteHager it’s my first big 2stroke, well bring it with next time we go riding and you can rip it 👊

[@SQUARE1SpeedChannel]

"Future Yamaha consumers"... I felt that nudge a little. 😆

[@PeteHager]

Just waiting to see that new 450 in the back of your truck 😅😏

[@GeauxFastRacing]

Do it!

[@evanmcnally6382]

The best paddle combination is the Mohawk fronts and 8 paddle rear skats

[@BLINC606]

For 99% of people the Raptor is faster, more fun and more reliable. The 1% are MX guys.

[@jamescampbell2773]

Love your quads, nice video. Great detail

[@Freneticburn]

Get a snowmobile! Or ice track race some sport quads kinda like how dirt bike riders do in the winter in MN. I ride my can am outlander 650 in the summer and arctic cat riot 800 in the winter. You can pretty much always ride something depending on where you live or how willing you are to drive.

[@PeteHager]

I almost got a sled this year but Polaris loaned us the Scrambler so I held off. I actually wanted to do some ice stuff this winter but we’ve had very inconsistent ice conditions. They’ve had to cancel events around us unfortunately. Maybe the 2nd half of winter will be a bit more practical. The Scrambler is getting a few performance parts at the end of the week so I hope to be back out in the snow with it soon 😬🤘

[@bradmcdaniel7258]

Awesome, thanks for sharing your knowledge and know how on these machines. Have a great day ☺️👊

[@yangkongm]

Awesome reviews between the 2! Made my decision

[@moosestanggang]

If you’ve never rode either, pick the one you like the look of because I can tell you I trail rode a yfz450 for years and it was comfortable and fun to ride as any other atv. Now that I’m older I would have got the raptor 700 but you’re talking about marginal differences only someone as experienced as him would notice besides comfort..

[@asg7861]

i like the more aggressive look of the yfz 450 but the raptor will be better for my type of rides

[@MrProRelief]

I think you talked me into a Raptor

[@pilotsutterfield7053]

Nice video Pete! They are both so awesome

[@TheATVWorldVideos]

Nice comparison and great video.

[@blessedinjax]

Thx again Pete!

[@JohnBlaze-ff3lm]

I just got a TRX450 to pair with my Banshee..I need to get in that 700 class next😈😈

[@brokejokeratv5851]

You really need more subs love this content

[@patluvv]

great vid ! precious review and comments ! spot on ! thks !

[@2strokeFORever]

I've had both and for my style riding the raptor was my favorite 100percent. 450s are fun to beat the piss out of though

[@Joell700]

Great video man just got my 2023 raptor 700 R SE did some mods and feels great

[@limitlesspowersports]

I have not found a Raptor 700r I just can’t let go of yet but if one comes up that make since I will be adding it to the collection 😎 for now YFZ 450R for race day and KTM 525xc for race/cruise

[@jctejeda]

Good explanation 👍🏼 I think the best is to have like you a 400 -450-700-1000 😜🤷 the 400 just for wen I take a friend 😄

[@isela198705]

Love your vids🎉

[@Chad-v4j]

Raptor looks awesome

[@thathondaguy7138]

Hey Pete, are some of those clips in the video at Appleton?

[@Davido50]

Love the Upper Midwest. Beautiful place to live. Prob overall safest place to live in US these days. -Ohio

[@thathondaguy7138]

It’s quite nice living in Minnesota although winters and sport quads do not get along so good😂

[@PeteHager]

@@thathondaguy7138yes the bulk of the action clips are from Appleton. That’s actually one of the few public ride parks open year round for quads. I’ve never been there in the winter, I kinda want to try it this year 😬

[@TheDfrancis37]

If you aren’t racing then the raptor is the answer. Having both also I barely ride the 450.

[@mrjamesroe]

Hi Pete! Been riding since 5yo and finally plunged into a `22 Raptor 700 after coming from a Warrior. I am in Georgia and would love to coordinate some rides!

[@dirtbikeman1114]

Great explanation, keep up the good work !

[@johnalfreno2320]

Nice quads and content what would be the first aftermarket you would get for the raptor other then nerf bars and exhaust?

[@PeteHager]

I think a stabilizer is the most important mod you can put on a sport quad 👍

[@johnalfreno2320]

@@PeteHager like a steering stabilizer?

[@johnalfreno2320]

I had a 07 raptor 700r and now I’m thinking about getting back into riding with my son and wanna get another 700 I only had minimal add ons on my 700 nerf bars exhaust and handle bars I wanna do it right this time around!

[@PeteHager]

Yep, a steering stabilizer. I recommend the Precision stabilizer since it's the most proven on the market. They have excellent customer support too. Stabilizer's are priceless in cross chop or rough terrain. Plus if you have a hard, one tire impact, it will drastically reduce the movement in the handlebars preventing a potential crash and/or wrist injuries. The Raptor 700 has tons of power and after doing motor work, I will say doing just an exhaust and intake is really all you need to do for the majority of riding. (unless your a dune rider in which case more power is always better😆) Spending money on handling upgrades definitely make it the ultimate "do it all" machine. I wish I had widened mine with long travel suspension a long time ago. Some of these upgrades are expensive but the safety and fun factor benefits are worth it. If you want to see my full parts list, I keep an up to date list in each video description. If you have any specific questions I do sell a handful of these parts on my website and you can reach out to me on my contact page via email anytime :)

[@Davido50]

Awesome videos Pete! Can't beat those Yamaha sport quads. Great analogy also. *As ya know i own both myself..weve spoken. '10 YFZ450X Bill Ballance edition (4hrs total use) & '21 Raptor 700R-SE (< 5hrs use)* . I really need get some hrs on em in '23. 😀 -Ohio #Maxima #Fox

[@PeteHager]

Thanks man! Hopefully you find the time for more seat time this season 😬🤘

[@350iroc9]

Hey Pete - Can I ask why you decided to swap out your Rossier R4 for the R5 version? Other than tone did you notice any difference in the performance?

[@sydneymatsepe5263]

Ware is this place

[@350iroc9]

@@sydneymatsepe5263 Hey Syd I think you want to ask Pete one row up in the "Add a comment" section as you are replying to my question to him about his exahust change from R4 to R5..

[@PeteHager]

I decided to change from the R4 to the R5 since it was a new product from Rossier at the time. They’re no longer producing the R4 unfortunately. It makes around the same performance overall and is a tad quieter than the R4 was

[@anthonyk6265]

Rappy all day.. with the right modifications it's right up there with the YFZ plus it has reversed and boatloads of more torque

[@ArmyMatt79]

Thanks for comparing both, outstanding video!!!!

[@acetomatocompany]

👍👍 Thanks, very helpful information.