When it comes to entry-level ATVs, customers usually look for two things: Performance and value. Typically, these two desires work against each other because with improved performance comes added expense. Striking a balance between affordability and rider appeal is no easy task. However, in the case of Yamaha's newest offering to the segment, we assure you they've produced a sure winner.
Here, Feature Editor Stover catches some air on the new Raptor 250.
We recently had a chance to spend a day testing the new Raptor 250 on a closed course designed specifically with entry-level riders in mind. The venue reminded us of what a group of teenagers could massage from an unused dirt lot or empty field. Complete with sloped berms, single and double jumps, and even the occasional table top, our test track had everything we expected for a novice rider. Lap after lap, our confidence with the Raptor increased. The combination of best-in-class power-to-weight ratio and suspension travel made our inexperience with 2WD sport quads seem unimportant. We pushed the 249cc air-cooled SOHC four-stroke engine to the limit, taking full advantage of a very broad powerband afforded by the 29mm Mikuni carburetor. Within an hour or so, we felt right at home, as if we'd mastered the machine and without a doubt could hang with much more experienced riders. We'd be so bold as to suggest the Raptor 250 for those with teenagers who may or may not have the best agility and/or coordination. It just feels easy to ride, and with a lowest-in-class seating position (28.7 inches) the tendency to really attack corners is limited only by one's self-confidence. A class-exclusive five-speed manual transmission allows a plethora of ratios for just about any terrain. While a 2.4-gallon fuel tank provides plenty of forward go-time between pit stops, don't go looking for Reverse gear to negate ill maneuvers. Like many sport quads, the Raptor does not feature a Reverse gear, so when little Bobby has to manually correct a mistake, feel confident knowing that the Raptors 313-pound dry weight is quite manageable, even for younger riders.
Specs
General
Vehicle model: 2008 Yamaha Raptor 250
Base price: $3,899
Colors available: Team Yamaha Blue/White, Gray/Red and Black
Engine
Type: Air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; SOHC, two valves
Displacement (cc): 249
Bore x stroke (mm): 74.0 x 58.0
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Carburetion: Mikuni 29mm BSR
Ignition: DC-CDI
Starter: Pushbutton electric
Drivetrain
Type:2WD; sealed O-ring chain, eccentric adjustment
Transmission: Five-speed; wet multiplate clutch
Suspension
Front: Independent double wishbone; five-way preload-adjustable shocks, 7.5-inch travel
Rear: Swing-arm, preload-adjustable, 7.9-inch travel
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic disc
Rear: Hydraulic disc
Tires/Wheels
Front: AT20 x 7-10
Rear: AT19 x 10-9
Dimensions/Capacities
Weight (lb): 313
Ground clearance (in): 3.9
Fuel capacity (gal): 2.4
Seat height (in): 28.7
Wheelbase (in): 43.7
Overall length (in): 64.0
Overall width (in): 42.1
Overall height (in): 40.9
Lighting: Dual 30W Krypton multi-reflector headlights and 21/5W brake light
Warranty: Six-month (Limited Factory Warranty)