Recent
SxS / UTV & ATV Model Reviews: |
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Last year, we got a chance to ride the all-new Polaris Scrambler XP 850 Sport Utility ATV in Great Falls, Montana. We were immediately impressed by its looks and even more by its ride. Like something from a sci-fi movie, Polaris designed the Polaris Scrambler XP 850 with futuristic styling that feature sharp design lines with cast aluminum accents that truly sets the new Polaris Scrambler XP 850 apart from others in the industry.
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ATVriders.com was invited out to Big Buck, South Carolina to give the new 2015 MXU700i EPS a spin, which was something we were very much looking forward to. Big Buck one of our favorite GNCC courses, and we were also excited to try the new EPS that Kymco has added to their Camo & LE.
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With over 1.5 million units sold since its debut,
the Honda Rancher 420 has quickly become one
of the most popular ATV models in its class.
For 2014, Honda has made some significant changes
to the 2014 Honda Rancher 420 including several
engine modifications and chassis updates.
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We were invited out to Hidden Falls Adventure Park in Marble Falls, TX earlier this year to test out several new units from Polaris including the all-new 2014 Polaris Sportsman ACE and the heavy-duty 2014 Polaris Sportsman WV 850 with non-pneumatic Terrain Armor tires (NPTs)
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The 2015 Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT is Kawasaki’s flagship workhorse UTV that has tons of torque and is versatile enough that it easily goes from working on the farm to taking the entire family out for an adventure. In this review we test the Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT in the vineyards of Paso Robles, California.
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Recently ATVriders.com was invited out to southern California to test drive the new 2015 Can-Am Turbo Charged Maverick 1000 in the famous Glamis Sand Dunes. Having worked with ATVriders.com for many years, I (Shawn Hess) jumped at the opportunity to test drive Can-Am Maverick Turbo.
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Arctic Cat recently invited us out to South Eastern Utah, Utah for two days of riding near the beautiful Bryce Canyon National Park. As one of our favorite locations out west to ride as well as to take landscape and nature photos, we were excited to hear we would get a chance to explore this unique and breath taking area on the new 2015 Arctic Cat Wildcat Sport.
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With over 900,000 Honda Ranchers sold since its introduction in 2000, the Honda Rancher has become the best-selling ATV in Honda’s History. Honda continues to fine tune and add new features to this very popular Honda Rancher Utility ATV. New for 2015, Honda added many additional features to the Honda Rancher lineup with the introduction of the 2015 Honda Rancher DCT w/ IRS.
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For 2015, Yamaha has taken its most popular big bore sport quad, the Raptor 700R, and made some big changes that has not only increased the power of the 686cc torque monster, but also has better fuel economy. The changes to the 2015 Yamaha Raptor 700R are impressive as Yamaha continues the evolution of the Raptor 700R.
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ATVriders.com was recently invited out the Hatfield McCoy Trail system in West Virginia to test ride the all-new 2015 Honda Foreman Rubicon. The Hatfield McCoy Trail system provided a prefect testing ground to get familiar with all the updates that the Honda Foreman Rubicon received.
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In October 2013, Polaris released their all new 2014 Polaris RZR XP4 1000 four seat SxS, and ATVriders.com was lucky enough to get their hands on the Polaris RZR XP4 1000 for a long term review. Over the past seven months, we have tested every aspect of the vehicle’s handling and performance and are ready to provide a long-term review of our findings.
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ATVriders.com and pro motocross racer, Keith Little had the opportunity to test the Can-Am DS450 X MX sport quad. The 2013 Can-Am DS450 lineup features three DS450 models with the standard model along with a cross country (xc) and motocross (mx) versions, and since we had multi-time AMA ATV champion, Keith Little, with us we chose to test out the updated Can-Am DS 450 X mx model.
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New for 2015, Kymco USA has introduced the UXV450i line up of SxS vehicles. Kymco first released their UXV line of UTV vehicles in 2009, and has been making steady progress in developing new units to accommodate its growing budget minded customer base while keeping quality a top priority.
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While many manufacturers have chosen to make their newest Side-by-Side vehicles bigger by adding more passenger capacity and upping the CC’s to the engines, Honda has taken a new approach, showing that bigger is not necessarily better, by introducing the new compact 2015 Honda Pioneer 500.
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| Since replacing its popular Rhino line of UTV’s, Yamaha has been working to expand on the Viking line and has been quite successful in their efforts. For 2015, Yamaha has introduced the new Yamaha Viking VI, with an extra row of seats to accommodate six passengers. |
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| Throughout the years, Kawasaki has continued to innovate and fine-tune their line of ATV & Side-by-Sides. For 2014, Kawasaki stayed true to its past and released the all-new Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT, which has came a long way from the first Kawasaki Mule that was introduced in 1988. |
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| Yamaha held their 12th annual Special Edition Glamis Sand Dunes media ride this week, so we had a chance to put the newly updated 2014 Yamaha YFZ 450R SE to the test in the sand along with the Yamaha Raptor 700R SE. |
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| Polaris introduced the all-new Sportsman ACE. Unlike anything current in the Powersports Industry, Polaris has combined the best of both an ATV and SxS & created the Polaris Sportsman ACE. Purposely designed to bring new consumers into the sport, the Polaris Sportsman ACE mixes both the nimbleness of an ATV like the Polaris Sportsman and the confidence and comfort you get while driving a SxS like the Polaris RZR or Polaris RANGER. |
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| Only four years
after Honda released the Big Red 700 side by side
the obviously full utilitarian machine has been
laid to rest in favor of the more modern, utility
with a sporty feel, the new Honda Pioneer 700. The
2014 Honda Pioneer 700 comes in a two-seat version
along with a first for Honda, a four seat version,
the Pioneer 700-4, which is the least expensive
four seat SxS on the market |
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We take it to the woods of Hedgesville, WV to go hunting with the help of our John Deere RSX 850i Gator armed with a Matthews DXT bow in search of a whitetail deer during bow hunting season.
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In 2009, Yamaha released the YFZ450R, which replaced the original YFZ450. Now, five years later, Yamaha’s championship winning Yamaha YFZ450R has received many upgrades for 2014. |
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| The new 2014 Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 boasts an impressive 85+ horsepower stock, making it the highest horsepower in its class. Starting with the proven Polaris XP 850 single overhead cam engine, Polaris increased bore and the stroke to bump up the displacement. The Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 fuel-injected engine also features a 270-degree offset crankshaft and dual balance shaft to create a very smooth and virtually vibration free ride. |
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In 2011, Can-Am entered the side by side market full speed ahead with the release of the 2011 Can-Am Commander, and for 2013, Can-Am added the option of Dynamic Power Steering to the CanAm Commander line-up. |
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| Since its inception
in 2007, Honda has sold over 1.5 million Honda Rancher
420 Utility ATV units. Over the years, Honda has
improved the Rancher 420 by adding the option of
automatic transmission and electronic fuel injection
that has improved its versatility and dependability
making it one of the best selling ATV models on
the market. |
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Just two years after the debut of the 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750, Kawasaki has already made some significant updates to their four seat Teryx 4 with the recent release of the 2014 Kawasaki Teryx4 800 with increased engine performance and updated suspension. |
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For 2014, the Yamaha Grizzly 700 Utility ATV received several substantial updates including wider front a-arms, longer suspension, engine updates, new tires, and improved EPS settings. |
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We recently attended the 2014 Kawasaki Teryx 800 SxS Media Introduction at the Hatfield McCoy Trail System in West Virginia. This would be a two-day adventure drive covering over 100 miles of rugged terrain in the all-new Kawasaki Teryx 800. |
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Yamaha invited ATVriders.com out to Imperial Sand Dunes in California for the eleventh annual Special Edition Glamis sand dunes ride event, and for 2013, Yamaha once again released both the YFZ450R SE and Raptor 700R SE sport ATV models.
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KYMCO has worked very hard over the last decade to develop new ATV and SxS vehicles capable of competing with the industry giants, and with the release of the 2014 KYMCO UXV 700i, they continue their effort to stay competitive in the value priced segment of SxS vehicles. |
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Kawaski
recently planned a trip from Lake Havasu
to the Hualapai Mountain Resort in Arizona.
This trip would prove the true durability
and power of the Kawaski Teryx 4 750 4x4
Side-by-Side. In the course of over 100
miles drivers would experience many different
types of terrain. |
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Through the years Polaris has made numerous updates on the Polaris Sportsman 500, but for 2014 comes the biggest update yet. Replacing the Sportsman 500 is the 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570 Utility ATV that comes with a proven 570cc electronic fuel injected engine and more... |
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Less than a month ago, Polaris announced the new 2014 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 four seat SxS, so Polaris invited the media out to Camp RZR at the Glamis Sand Dunes for Halloween weekend, which is the unofficial kickoff of sand dune season. |
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After much anticipation and many rumors in the social sphere depicting an all-new Polaris RZR, Polaris debuted the 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 SxS / UTV. This all-new high-performance SxS / UTV raised the bar in the SxS / UTV market with its impressive combination of power, suspension and handling. |
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ATVriders.com recently had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the highly anticipated 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 SxS / UTV. Less than a month ago, Polaris debuted the all-new Polaris RZR XP 1000 SxS / UTV at the Polaris Dealers Meeting in Washington, D.C. and to many surprise they had units ready to drive on the other side of the country just a few days later at the Winchester Bay Oregon DuneFest! |
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In 2003, Yamaha changed the face of the performance SxS vehicles with the release of the Yamaha Rhino 660, which quickly grabbed the attention of off-road enthusiast, hunters, and farmers. As sales exploded for the Yamaha Rhino, many other OEMs quickly released rival SxS / UTV models, and just over ten years later, there is a full range of SxS off-road vehicles for consumers to select from to meet their individual needs. |
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Can Am initially introduced the Can-Am Maverick 1000 R SxS in late 2012 with the release of the 101 horsepower sport SxS / UTV. With its ever growing popularity, Can-Am has expanded its line of CanAm Maverick 1000 SxS / UTV models to include the Can-Am Maverick 1000R MAX four seater and Can-Am Maverick 1000R X xc DPS SxS / UTV for the woods. |
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CanAm hasn’t left anything to the imagination with their 2013 line of Can-Am Outlander MAX two up utility ATV models, and for 2013, the Can-Am Outlander MAX comes in the DPS, XT, XT-P and Limited model. These ATV’s are arguably the best two up models produced and we had a chance to get up close and personal with the all-new 2013 Can-Am’s. |
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The Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i utility ATV has always been a well received model, one that has always offered serious power in a user friendly package. The latest offering still boasts some stump pulling grunt that is needed on the trail or around the farm with a smoothness that affords even a new rider the ability to maneuver safely and with confidence. |
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2013 Arctic Cat Wildcat X 1000 SxS / UTV Test Drive Review |
| At a recent 2013 Arctic Cat Wildcat 4 SxS / UTV Media Intro, we got a chance to ride the new 2013 Wildcat X 1000 SxS / UTV in the high desert trails of Randsburg, CA. The Wildcat X 1000 SxS / UTV features 90+ horsepower, painted front & rear bumper, Rapid Response clutch & more.. |
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2013 Arctic Cat Wildcat 4 1000 SxS / UTV Test Drive Review |
| Arctic Cat recently released their latest addition to its SxS lineup, the 2013 Arctic Cat Wildcat 4 1000 HO four seat SxS / UTV. With the popularity of the sport performance Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 HO SxS / UTV, Arctic Cat chose to follow suit with the ever growing SxS market & added a 4 seats. |
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2012 Argo 8x8 750 HDi SxS / UTV Test Drive Review |
| We recently had the chance to ride the Argo 8x8 750 HDi with Tommy Tantillo in Florida.The 2012 Argo 8x8 750 HDi has amazing capabilities. It is able to travel on both land and water. There are no changes that need to be made or adjustments you simply just drive through what’s in front of you. |
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2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 SxS / UTV Test Drive Review |
| Polaris recently invited ATVriders.com out to beautiful Great Falls, Montana to test to all-new 2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 SxS at Bull Run Guest Ranch. Despite it's similar look to the Polaris RANGER 800 the 2013 Polaris RANGER XP 900 SxS is all-new from the ground up. |
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The want for an all in one ATV has seemed to grow throughout the years. Riders want a quad they can work on and play on. KYMCO has introduced the 2012 Maxxier 450i ATV that is tough enough to do the work of a utility, but sleek and sporty enough to blaze trails with your buddies. |
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For this hunting article, we met up with Charger Wiley at Dual Shot Outdoors for what I hoped to be a successful hunt for a nice gobbler. West Virginia spring turkey season was already a few days old when we were offered the incredible opportunity to join in on this hunt.
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The John Deere Gator utility vehicle family has been known for their incredible durability as a top work horse for farming and construction, but you know what they say about all work and no play, and the folks at John Deere seem to agree with that philosophy and have introduced a new member to the Gator family in the way of the 2013 John Deere RSX850i SxS / UTV. |
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For 2013, Yamaha announced in June the Special Edition Tactical Black Grizzly 700 EFI EPS Utility ATV and Rhino 700 FI SxS, which feature an all new matte black body and cast aluminum wheels. These new Special Edition models were specifically released with the outdoor shooting enthusiast in mind, so Yamaha invented the media to the Gunsite Academy in Prescott, AZ. |
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Just over two years ago, Can-Am entered the SxS market with the Commander 800 and 1000 SxS / UTV, which is a great all-round SxS, but for 2013, Can-Am has raised the bar in performance with the release of the high performance 2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R and X RS SxS / UTV models. |
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2011 Honda Big Red 700 4x4 MUV / SxS Test Drive Review |
| While many side-by-sides are built for recreation and performance, the Honda Big Red SxS / UTV is marketed as a Multi-Use Vehicle. Honda is known or their reliability and quality machines which makes the Honda Big Red ideal for farm and construction work. |
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2013 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 ATV Special Editon Review |
| ATVriders.com recently had to opportunity to test the 2013 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 ATV Special Edition Utility ATV at the Hatfield McCoy Trail system located in West Virginia with Kawasaki. The Hatfield McCoy trail system is the primer ATV trail system with over 600 miles of trails. |
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2013 Polaris RZR 570 Trail Limited Edition Test Drive Review |
| ATVriders.com
recently attended the 2013 Polaris ATV &
SxS / UTV model intro in Great Falls, Montana at Bull Run Guest Ranch.
There we got to spend sometime in the 2013 Polaris RZR 570 Trail Limited Edition SxS / UTV and truely test out the machine with beatiful scenery. |
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DragonFire Racing's 2013 John Deere Gator RSX 850i SxS / UTV |
| Over seven
months ago, ATVriders.com released a leaked Internet
photo of John Deere’s unreleased Gator RSX
850i SxS / UTV , which was modified by Dragon
Fire Racing. Fortunately, on a trip out to Arizona,
we visited Dragon Fire Racing and discovered the
RSX 850i being prepared to ship out. |
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2013 Yamaha Raptor 700 & 700r ATV Test Ride Review |
| Yamaha
is known for their extensive Sport ATV lineup.
The Yamaha Raptor 700 sport ATV has been the number
one selling sport ATV on the market for years,
and its large displacement engine, smooth comfortable
ride. For model Year 2013 Yamaha offers two versions the Raptor 700 & 700R Sport ATV. |
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Beau Baron's TurnKey UTV Polaris RZR XP 900 Race Review |
| After just missing out on the WORCS SxS / UTV championship when I was pushed
into a Joshua Tree at Racetown 395 by a lapped
racer and which nearly totaled the Polaris RZR XP
900. Beau Baron requested help from TurnKey UTV to bring his Polaris RZR XP 900 back to life. |
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2011 John Deere Gator 825i XUV / SxS Long Term Drive Review |
| John Deere
has the long-standing reputation of providing
quality, durable products that are built to last
and get the job done. With quality in mind, John Deere Gator released their 2011 John Deere Gator 825i XUV / SxS. We put the 2011 John Deere Gator 825i XUV / SxS to test on the farm in Marlyand. |
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National
Guard/Coastal Racing Polaris RZR XP 900 UTV
Race Test |
| On a resent trip
out west, ATVriders.com web developer & contributor Jeff M. Vanasdal was asked to get behind
the wheel of Scott Kiger’s Coastal Racing
/ Polaris RZR XP 900 SxS for his first
ever WORCS event! This article tells the story of racing a SxS in the WORCS Racing Series first hand. |
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2012
KYMCO UXV 500i UTV / SxS Test Drive Review |
| Just about every major off-road manufacturer now has a Side-by-Side vehicle with an average sticker price of $11,000.00+, which puts them out of the budget range for many potential buyers, but Kymco has solved that problem by producing 2012 KYMCO UXV 500i SxS / UTV. |
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2012
Yamaha YFZ450 Sport ATV Test Ride / Review |
| With the economic
downturn in 2008, Yamaha came up with a solution to the problem
and help out their loyal consumers by re-introducing
the original Yamaha YFZ450 sport ATV to their 2012 line
up, with a few changes to help keep costs down for
the customer. |
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2012
Polaris RZR XP 4 900 SxS / UTV Test Drive Review |
| In January 2010, Polaris announced
the first four seat high performance SxS with
the release of the 2011 RZR 4 800 Polaris, and
now just two years later, they have raised the
bar once again with the release of the all-new
2012 Polaris RZR XP 4 900, and the “Liquid
Silver” Limited Edition XP 4 900 model. |
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We met up with former Pro GNCC ATV Racer, Brandon Sturdivant in the West Virginia Mountains to go black bear hunting. We brought along our Can-Am Commander 1000 XT to help in the hunt.
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2012
Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 HO SxS / UTV Test Ride
Review |
| In the competitive
market of Side-by-Sides, manufacturers are going
all out to best one another by continuously improving
on their products and adding new features, but
occasionally a new unit comes out that is a completely
different animal from all the rest, with the 2012 Arctic Cat Wildcat
1000 SxS / UTV |
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2012
KYMCO MXU 500I 4x4 IRS Utility ATV Test Ride Review |
| The growing genre
of sport utility ATV’s has many manufacturers
putting out various models & versions of these
vehicles in order to broaden their consumer
base Kymco has filled a void
for the budget minded consumer, who is looking
for quality at an affordable price with
the Kymco MXU 500I Utility ATV. |
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2012
CanAm Commander 1000 Limited SxS / UTV Test Ride
Review |
| The
competitive world of the SxS / UTV market has
been increasingly growing & sending manufacturers
into a frenzy with upgrades and more power in
order to be top dog. Can-Am has already raised the bar
and set a new standard with its release of the
2012 Can-Am Commander 1000 Limited |
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2011 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE & YFZ450R SE ATV Glamis Ride |
| Annually, Yamaha releases Special Edition sport ATV models, and for 2011, they released a Raptor 700R SE in June, followed by the YFZ450R SE in November, and once again, these Yamaha Special Edition models are well worth the wait with a great mix of styling and additional accessories. |
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2011
Yamaha Raptor 125 Sport ATV Test Ride Review |
| Yamaha is
known for putting out “first in its class”
machines, and trying to fulfill the needs of its
loyal customers . Based on the Yamaha’s Raptor 250 design, the 2012 Yamaha Raptor 125 ATV was designed to fill a void in the youth and entry level sport quad genre that had previously been left to the Taiwan and Chinese manufacturers. |
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2010 Yamaha YFZ450R SE & Raptor 700R SE ATV Ride Review |
| Yamaha kicked off 2010 with their annual Special Edition Sport ATV ride at the Imperial Sand Dunes in California, which has become one of the most anticipated ride events of the year for those lucky enough to attend. There we had a chance to test ride the 2010 Yamaha YFZ450R & Raptor 700R SE |
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