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Kendall
Webb quickly adapted to the Raptor 250,
and he was impressed at how well it
handled compared to the Blaster
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ATVriders.com: Tell us how you would
compare the handling of the Raptor 250 compared
to that of the Blaster 200?
Kendall
Webb: The Suspension
on the Raptor 250 is much better than that of
the Blaster, and the new Raptor was much easier
to handle and turn than the Blaster, and I am
sure the lower center of gravity and smaller
rear tires made a big difference.
ATVriders.com: What about the weight
of the two machines?
Kendall
Webb: From the specs
on the Raptor it is only about 10 pounds less
than the Blaster, but it feels even lighter
on the track. The Raptor gives you a much better
sense of control. When you jump, and I’m
not a big jumper, it is easy to throw around
because of its weight and the shocks on the
Raptor were much better for the impact of the
landing.
ATVriders.com: What about the speed
of the Raptor?
Kendall
Webb: This would be about
the only advantage I would give to the Blaster.
That is sometimes going to also depend on the
rider. With the Blaster being a two-stroke it
was easy to get off the line if you know how
to feather the clutch. I could go to small indoor
races in the winter time and race with the 450’s
on my Blaster and beat them because it would
get off the line faster and they could not pass
me. For a four-stroke machine this Raptor really
takes off fast, like the YFZ. Once you are riding
the Raptor it will be much easier for most riders
because you don’t have to keep it revved
up so high in the corners to get it to take
off. If you are an experienced rider or not
the RPMs will stay up for you on the Raptor.
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Kendall
Webb finished out his racing debut on
the Raptor 250 in 3rd Overall, which
was his first MX race since racing the
Blaster 200
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ATVriders.com: Overall what do you
think about the new Raptor 250 compared to your
riding days on the Blaster?
Kendall
Webb: Although I enjoyed
my days on the Blaster, I think the overall
handling and comfort of the Raptor 250 would
have won me over if they would have been available
when I was riding the Blaster. The Raptor is
much easier to ride and definitely looks better.
This is a great ATV for anyone just wanting
to trail ride or race.
ATVriders.com: Kendall, thank you for
your time and good luck to you in the future.
Kendall
Webb: Thank you and I
had a great time here in California. It was
great to go to the race track just for fun.
We listened in on several conversations amongst
the riders in the pits before during and after
the race and all of the twelve participants
enjoyed this new Raptor 250. From the low-end
torque provided by the quick revving engine,
the five speed transmission (exclusive to its
class), to its light weight and easy to control
quad, the Raptor definitely has the rider in
mind.
It also provides the longest suspension travel
in its class as well as providing the lowest
seat for easier handling. Maintenance is also
easy on the Raptor with all of the grease fittings
and lubrication points being easily accessible.
Both the Raptor 250 and Raptor 250SE were named
the 2008 Consumers Digest Best Buys in the Sport
ATV category for 2008. The Raptor 250 has set
a new standard in the industry for this class
with it being a sport quad from the ground up.
Look to see many of these machines on the trails,
in the sand, and on the race track as Yamaha
has done an outstanding job of replacing the
Blaster with the new Raptor 250. This quad without
a doubt will provide some serious fun for the
ATV enthusiast.
www.yamaha-motor.com
