Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/316425
out in a crowd. These are just a few of the reasons I per- sonally enjoy any time spent on a Yamaha sport quad, but I have found that other duners and sport riders also tend to agree that these things are important to them when picking out a new machine. Yamaha has set the industry standard with these models, and while we don't see much to improve on, they do manage to eek out a few slight upgrades every year, such as the '14 YFZ450R's new "assist and slipper" clutch, which results in a lighter clutch pull and less engine braking while downshifting, and an all-new, lighter suspension package. If you were mulling over your next quad purchase and hadn't quite made a choice yet, it's also definitely worth noting that these quads are now assembled in the good ol' USA at Yamaha's production facility in Newnan, GA. While other companies are looking outside of the country for cheap- er production options, Yamaha is bringing its assembly right here, creating jobs and ensuring hands-on quality control and easier implementation of any necessary changes. DT the 2014 YFZ450R SE looks fast just sitting still. With its ultra low profile and sleek bodylines, it always demands a second look and the SE Edition brings that look a bit quicker with its unique color-way and graphics for 2014. This model features a unique Crimson Red and black color scheme and with its all- black aluminum wheels and black frame, it will definitely stand ENGINE: SOHC, 4 valves, 4-stroke DISPLACEMENT: 686cc FUEL SYSTEM: Yamaha Fuel Injection, 44mm COOLING: Liquid w/fan FUEL CAPACITY: 2.9 gallons TRANSMISSION: Five-speed with reverse, wet multiplate clutch DRIVELINE: 2WD, sealed O-ring chain, eccentric ad- justment FRONT SUSPENSION: Inde- pendent double wishbone, w/piggyback high/lo-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjust- ment, 9.1 inches travel REAR SUSPENSION: Cast aluminum swingarm w/re- bound and threaded preload adjustment, 10.1 inches travel BRAKES: Dual ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston (front); ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston (rear) FRONT TIRES: AT21 x 7-10 REAR TIRES: AT20 x 10-9 WHEELBASE: 50.4 inches LENGTH: 72.6 inches WIDTH: 45.5 inches HEIGHT: 43.9 inches GROUND CLEARANCE: 4.4 inches WET WEIGHT: 422 lbs. COLORS: Metallic Grey/ White, Midnight Blue YAMAHA 700R SE Yamaha's Raptor 700R simply looks wicked on the sand but the best part is that this machine has the performance to go along with its looks. JULY 2014 | DIRT TOYS 45