NEW MODELS: 2021 YAMAHA YFZ450s & RAPTOR 700s

On Jun 24, 2021

Sport, race and big-bore fun By the staff of Dirt Wheels

The YFZ450R is the only current-year, 450-class, high-performance sport ATV you can buy in 2021. Unfortunately, due to the emissions standards set forth by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Yamaha is no longer offering the YFZ450R for sale in California.

This winter Yamaha finally announced its YFZ450 and Raptor 700 lineups. Both models return with new colorways in base and special-edition versions. Unfortunately, the 2021 YFZ450 cannot be sold in California. As for the Raptor base, 700R and 700R SE, there are California CARB-compliant models and 49 state models being produced. They are all built in Yamaha’s U.S. factory in Newnan, Georgia.

2021 YAMAHA YFZ450R

According to Yamaha, the YFZ450R is the most technologically advanced sport ATV on the market today, with a quick-revving, 449cc, fuel-injected engine and a titanium five-valve cylinder head delivering abundant power throughout the mid- to top end, after the YFZ’s signature massive torque feeling right off idle.

It’s motocross-ready, and the weld-less professional-caliber frame is designed from lightweight aluminum with a tension-steel bottom frame allowing the engine to sit lower for excellent mass centralization. Suspension components and settings further reduce weight while providing light, sharp handling and rider comfort.

Comfort and convenience are further enhanced with an assist-and-slipper clutch, reducing clutch lever effort for less fatigue while also increasing clutch plate pressure and reducing engine braking for faster cornering, particularly while downshifting. Further improving lap times, the YFZ450R’s ergonomic bodywork allows the rider increased room to shift their weight in the corners and leverage the race-inspired padded seat to maximize traction and momentum. Riders can easily remove the no-tool body panels, quickly accessing key service areas without the need to remove the battery or other components.

2021 YAMAHA RAPTOR 700

Again, Yamaha states the Raptor 700’s power, combined with an advanced, lightweight hybrid steel and aluminum frame, controlled-fill aluminum sub-frame, and cast-aluminum swingarm, results in a durable, rigid structure, offering a premier power-to-weight ratio while beating the competition as the lightest ATV in its class. Superior handling enhances the Raptor 700 lineup’s incredible experience, smoothing out trail and braking bumps on account of the 9.1-inch front and 10.1-inch rear suspension travel.

Rider-friendly features, such as a thick, plush seat, dual counterbalancers, electric start and a reverse gear bring comfort and convenience to all-day adventures on standard Raptor 700 models. Suspension on Raptor 700R models is upgraded with high- and low-speed compression and rebound adjustability. In addition, Raptor 700R SE versions are further enhanced with a GYTR front grab bar, GYTR footwells (select models), and unique color and graphic kits.

**There are 49-state and California-specific CARB models for the Raptors: a Raptor 700, a Raptor 700R and three different Raptor 700R SEs. Only the CARB-compliant Raptors can be sold in California.**

**2021 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE black/yellow: $9499.**

**2021 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE white/Team Blue (CA model): $9499.**

**2021 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE white/Metallic Black: $9499.**

COLORS AND PRICES

For 2021 the YFZ450R is available in Team Yamaha Blue for $9299 MSRP, with Special Edition (SE) models, featuring an added Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) front grab bar, in white or Yamaha Black for $9699 MSRP.

The 2021 Raptor 700 is available in Armor Grey for $8299 MSRP and the Team Yamaha Blue Raptor 700R is available for $8899 MSRP. Raptor 700R SE versions are available in either a white/Metallic Black or Yamaha Black/yellow for $9499 MSRP. CARB-compliant California-specific Raptor 700 models start at $8299 MSRP and are available in all color options, plus an additional Raptor 700R SE in a white/Team Yamaha Blue color scheme.