Yamaha Raptor 350 ATV Review (Specs and Features)

I know dirt bikes have a special place in our hearts, but Quad bikes or ATVs are another set of automobiles that is perfect for trailing off-roads. All-terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their user-friendliness and dependability on challenging terrain. That is why I have decided to write a review of one of the best ATVs out there. Yup, you guessed right, I will be reviewing the beast— Raptor 350.

Yamaha Raptor 350 Review

The Raptor 350 was designed with riders like you and me in mind. Unlike the other dirt bikes that are solely focused on speed,  The Raptor 350 can run securely on the tracks, and is more steady on the ground.

This article focuses on Raptor 350 top speed, Specs, and Review. We will delve further into its fundamental specifications and determine whether or not these characteristics will be valuable to us in the long run. You may feel overwhelmed with a feature only to discover later that it is inappropriate for your needs.

Yamaha Raptor 350 Specification and Features

1. 4×4 engine

The Raptor 350 comes with a standard four-stroke unit engine, with a single cylinder and a displacement of 348cc. The most appropriate engine for a four-wheeler is a four-stroke one. Four-stroke engines offer many advantages when compared to their two-stroke counterparts.

Components responsible for combustion, intake, exhaust, and compression make up the cylinder. Because it comes with a reservoir, you won’t have to combine the oil and fuel on your own.

Another noteworthy advantage of this engine is that it produces more power while operating at a lower speed. Driving an ATV at a lower rate of revolutions per minute (rpm) will make the engine more efficient. ATVs have a shorter lifespan because of the constant use of higher rpm.

Plus, you enjoy better fuel efficiency. This means your ATV will consume every drop of petrol that you supply it with. In contrast to a two-stroke engine, you won’t be able to do any repairs to this on your own. The compartments are contained within a cylinder system that is hermetically sealed. In a nutshell, the Raptor 350 provides a more steady and reliable engine for challenging terrain.

2. Compression ratio

Given that the maximum ATVs range from 9:1 to 9.5:1, a compression ratio of 9.2:1 is a rather respectable rate. A compression ratio of 9.2:1 is optimal for a relaxed and enjoyable mountain bike session. If you have doubts about the engine’s capabilities, this ratio is enough to clear up any confusion you may have.

The compression ratio allow us know the amount of pressure generated within the chamber whenever the piston moves up and down. When the compression ratio increases, the thrust that is provided also increases. In addition, an increase in the pressure of the thrust causes an earlier ignition of the unit without requiring a significant increase in fuel. That sums up the reasoning behind using a higher compression ratio. Because of this, the racers place a high value on having access to this feature. They believe increasing speed and acceleration is more important than maintaining the engine’s health.

In contrast to a racer, your goal is to make the ATV survive longer while ensuring your safety. The Raptor 350 is designed to provide you with the optimal level of compression ratio thanks to the manufacturing process. This prevents the unit’s lifespan from being shortened due to the overheating and friction caused by a higher compression ratio.

3. Six-Speed Transmission

Transmission is all about getting the most out of your fuel. The more gears a machine has, the more adaptability it possesses. The Raptor 350 has a transmission with six different gears, with the first gear having a ratio of 2.685 and the sixth gear having a ratio of 0.946.

This means you can get more power from this machine while operating at a lower rpm. We have already gone through why the riders might not wish to increase the rpm to get faster. Doing this would require a faster transmission with a higher gear or a speed set overall. You are in luck because the Raptor 350 has got you covered. You can choose any of the six gears that will allow you to go at the desired pace without consuming additional fuel. I believe this is a significant advantage that the Raptor 350 possesses.

4. DC-CDI Ignition

The DC-CDI Ignition used in the Raptor 350 allows for a more rapid increase in voltage. The charging process is significantly faster than that of a conventional inductive system. An AC-CDI ignition has the advantage of being more exact, but a DC-CDI ignition advantage is that it is more precise. Even when the engine is cool, it starts easily and without difficulty.

5. Exterior

The seat’s height is 32 inches above the floor when adjusted to its lowest setting. The dimensions are as follows: 69.7 inches in length, and 43.1 inches in width. You can adjust the height and apply different modes if necessary. You will also benefit from a ground clearance that is 4.5 inches high. In addition, it is air-cooled and has two valves on each cylinder. These are very important details.

The cover on top of the internal steel frame is made of plastic, while the frame itself is made of steel. In the past, the frames came with a blank canvas that the user could customize in any way they saw fit. That was a unique move on the part of the producer. However, it measures 375 pounds in weight which makes it more sturdy but also denser.

6. Tires

Now let’s talk about the design of the wheels. The front tires have rims with dimensions of 21/7-AT10, and the rear tires have rims with dimensions of 20/10-AT12 accordingly. Additionally, the front brakes each contain two discs rather than just one. Some individuals believe that having two-disc brakes on an ATV can make it go faster.

However, that is not the case. Double discs are installed so that the braking process is as smooth as possible for the user. The motion of the ATV can cause the front discs to become overheated if it is operated on for an extended period. Furthermore, the condition of your brakes may be affected.

On the other hand, because the Raptor 350 has double discs for protection, you won’t have to worry about this happening to it. If one of the discs gets too hot and loses effectiveness, the other disc will automatically engage and assume control of the braking system, allowing you to brake more smoothly.

Remember that double discs are heavier than single discs and will cause the overall weight of the ATV to increase.

Yamaha Raptor 350 Max Speed

The Raptor 350 can reach a maximum speed of 63 miles per hour (101 kmph). Despite having a 348-cc engine with a bore and stroke measuring 83 and 64.5 mm, respectively, it weighs close to 375 pounds. The amount of weight causes a considerable reduction in the maximum speed. Because of this, lightweight dirt bikes may reach speeds of more than 70–80 mph while having engines with low cc capacity.

You don’t have to go through a bunch of different mods if you ever decide that you want to expand the speed range that this beast is capable of. When it comes to improving speed, there are a few simple strategies that work effectively. And the Raptor 350 is no exception to this rule either.

How To Improve the Speed of Yamaha Raptor 350?

1. Changing the Gear Ratio

It might seem complicated, but trust me, it’s not hard. Changing the gear ratio is as simple as adding or lowering the number of available sprockets in both the front and the back gear. You need to understand how the gear ratio should be changed.

For instance, the front gear has 10 sprockets, while the back gear has 30. (30/10) = 3 will be our gear ratio. We need a higher gear ratio than 3 to get greater speed out of this bike. How can we accomplish this? We must either raise the sprockets on the rear gear or lower the sprockets on the front gear. Experts recommend increasing the rear gear by 2 or 3 sprockets and decreasing the front gear by 1.

Remember that changing the sprocket numbers only affects the speed or acceleration. It has no effect on the engine’s power.

2. Loosening the Speed Limiter

Loosening the speed limiter is an easy way to improve the speed of this quad bike. How do you go about that? You will notice the tight screw next to the thumb throttle. This screw’s primary function is to limit the throttle’s travel distance. As a result, you are not permitted to exceed a set speed restriction. This is for your safety.

You can, however, remove the nut with a suitable screwdriver. The enhanced speed level is determined by how much you loosen it up. The travel distance of the thumb throttle increases dramatically when the nut is removed. The greater the distance it can travel, the higher the rpm.

The abbreviation for revolutions per minute is RPM. It denotes the number of crankshaft rotations per minute of an engine. You get the picture. Higher rpm will result in a faster pace and that is what we are trying to achieve.

3. Use Good Quality Fluid

The use of high-quality fluid is the golden standard for improving an engine’s performance. In addition, the same is true for every other bike. Make sure you are utilizing transmission fluids that have been formulated. Keep in mind that operating the quad at higher rpm for an extended period will result in the engine oil losing its viscosity at a much quicker rate.

This implies that you will need to change the fluid sooner than you originally planned. For instance, the owner’s manual states that the bike, when operated at a reduced rate of speed, can travel for 3000 miles without requiring even a single oil change. If you maintain the same bike but increase the rpm and the speed level, you will need to stop for an oil break every 1000 miles.

The trick is to keep the inner chambers lubricated, and the speed will improve with ease.

Yamaha Raptor 350 Pros and Cons

Pros

• It has better suspension than the other 350 quads.
• The throttle is easier to use and makes you feel in charge.
• The engine doesn’t have as much compression as the fast dirt bikes but you won’t need to worry about overheating.
• The one-cylinder and four-stroke engines have more power at lower rpm.
• The double-disc front brakes make braking smoother.

Cons

• This ATV only offers low-range power. The Raptor 400/600 siblings have a larger engine and more power.
• According to the manufacturer, it is not suited for racing.
• The riders dislike the plastic frame in the front. They tend to become floppy after a while.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Raptor 350 Good for Racing?

It gives the rider a sporty feel. It will be highly dependable on the trail, thanks to the 348cc engine. However, if you want more power and racy thrills, you can always go for the Raptor 400/600/700.

Will Riding the Raptor 350 At Higher RPM Damage the Engine?

No, it won’t. The bike engines are built to handle higher rpm while still running smoothly. However, as you increase the rpm, the engine’s efficiency decreases. This implies you’ll have to change the fluid more frequently than usual.

Is The Raptor 350 The Same as The Warrior 350?

The Raptor 350 and the Warrior 350 are nearly identical. Both engines have the same displacement. This means that whether you choose the Raptor or the Warrior, the top speed is 63 mph. However, some minor changes remain, such as swing arm adjustability or material. The Raptor 350 is said to be less rubbery.

Conclusion on Yamaha Raptor 350 ATV Review

Quads are the best for beginners, and they look so cool! Also, they are usually heavier and grip the surface better. Because of this, you aren’t likely to flip over after trying a stunt.

But I wouldn’t suggest that you use the Raptor 350 aggressively. Don’t forget that this ATV was designed to be used for fun. So, enjoy this beauty on the trails as much as you want, but be a little conservative with the adventures.

We have come to the end of this article about the Raptor 350 top speed, specs, and review. I hope you had fun.