In order to maintain its lead on Canadian sales charts where high-performance sport ATVs are concerned, Yamaha had to preserve all the key aspects of the latest generation, including power and rider-friendliness, while raising the bar for versatility and functionality even higher.

The 2009 Yamaha Raptor delivers a real visual punch and, more importantly, killer performance.

Several upgrades
Completely redesigned two years ago, the Raptor gets a more effective braking system for 2009. Featuring petal-shaped discs, it's also more durable, fade-free and easier to modulate. Meanwhile, the hybrid design of the chassis (high-tensile steel marries with a cast aluminum frame up front, while the rear frame is die-cast aluminum) makes the king of all Raptors the lightest large-displacement sport ATV out there.

The YZF450R-derived front suspension uses longer double-wishbone A-arms for extended travel and improved overall stability. Plus, the machine receives a friendlier throttle lever, a fully-digital instrument panel and new color choices.

Knock-out
The 2009 Yamaha Raptor delivers a real visual punch and, more importantly, killer performance. In fact, taking off in third gear will catapult you near the 70-kph mark in an instant while creating a dirt storm that stretches almost 30 feet behind the machine. Now that's impressive! Moreover, the transmission proves friendly, precise and solid all around, delivering quick, effortless shifts.

Comfort
The sound of the Raptor is sublime -- loud enough to excite the rider without alerting the entire neighborhood. With a streamlined seat inspired from the brand's dirt bikes, longer footpegs and a more upright riding position than pure sport ATVs, this Yamaha offers above-average comfort. No wonder the Americans call it "The Cadillac of the Dunes."

All these attributes and ergonomics allow the rider to attack bumps, jumps and drifts with confidence, while the larger footpegs with integrated guards enhance safety by keeping the rider's feet away from the rear wheels.

Completely redesigned two years ago, the Raptor gets a more effective braking system for 2009.