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Builder Bio

Patrick Saunders, (age 52), is the consummate outdoor sportsman, enthusiast and promoter of ATV Products. He has an extensive mechanical background in product after market design and performance innovation. His past experience in heavy equipment, teaching skilled trades welding and as an added bonus, being a Master Scuba Diver Trainer has instilled in him the desire to reach for more out of the ATV field.

Patrick Saunders brings a broad scope of enthusiasm and experience of riding & exploring the back trails, rivers and streams across this country. Real world outdoor challenges are his ideas of what the ATV/UTV community is all about. Applying himself to building the ultimate off road vehicle platform has driven him to mastermind this 08 Yamaha Raptor 700R Build Project.

"Reason For This Project Build"

Thank You to Fox Racing Shox for getting this project started.

Web Site: http://www.foxracingshox.com

I wanted to build a project ATV bike, using a standard factory installed engine, but with improved off road ride and handling characteristics. I decided that I would try to put together a number of ATV Aftermarket Manufacturers, and see if working side by side we could make it happen.

It was important for me to start with a set of shocks that could attain the type of standards I was looking for. In addition, I needed to have axle strength capable of withstanding the stress and pounding I was sure the bike would take.

It was also necessary that I install superior performance wheels and tires that could handle a variety of different types of bike trails. Performance on sand dunes, rugged dirt and rock trails and on the dyno required three to four sets of different types of tires to meet the different riding applications.

I looked for brakes that had superior stopping power and that could accommodate the challenges that would be part of the riding experience. Vehicle protection was addressed by providing armor type shielding aluminum as well as adding an aesthetic look that would be pleasing to the eye. Next came electronic parts in the form of modules, computers, etc. A top quality battery was used to provide instant starting power and lasting performance. Filters and other air quality products were paid special attention because of the need to provide the highest quality of clean air intake and exhaust.

Lubrication and cooling systems were redesigned especially for this unit. Synthetic racing oil was used for lubrication, while the cooling system used special fans and radiator. Temperature gauges contained in an aluminum housing were used to provide accurate and timely information to the driver.

Seating was designed to provide the driver with more comfort for higher lateral support and high acceleration. A special handle bar and set of grips were added to provide the rider with a safer and manageable steering function. A sturdy, rugged winch was added for safety and those times that the rider may have gone beyond the bikes performance capabilities.

Internal clutching was modified to handle the extra power from the other modifications that were added to the unit.

Trailer selection was based on futuristic designed trailer that was light weight and that could be hauled by any vehicle.

Prime consideration was given to upgrading the bike in everyway possible for performance while at the same time I wanted the unit to be safe and stable while the driver was pushing the Raptor to its higher performance capabilities.

Listed below are all the companies that came together to make this project happen.

Bio & media composition by:

James Pecora

Globe Publishing Group, LLC

Globe Marketing Group, LLC

Author, best selling novel: Dead End

E-mail: james@globepublishing.net

08 Yamaha Raptor 700R Project Build

Specs in PDF:

Click this link to check out the 08 Yamaha Raptor 700R Specifications and Features in PDF form.

Specs:

MSRP*

Engine

Type

Bore x Stroke

Compression Ratio

Carburetion

Ignition

Starting System

Transmission

Drive Train

$7,399 (Team Yamaha Blue/White)

$7,399 (Gray/Red) Our Project ATV

686cc liquid-cooled w/fan, 4-stroke; SOHC, 4 valves

102.0mm x 84.0mm

9.2:1

Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) , 44mm

16-Bit ECU

Electric

5-speed w/reverse; wet multiplate clutch

2WD; sealed O-ring chain, eccentric adjustment

Chassis

Suspension/Front

Suspension/Rear

Brakes/Front

Brakes/Rear

Tires/Front

Tires/Rear


Independent double wishbone w/piggy back High-/Lo-speed compression, rebound and threaded preload adjustment, 9.1-in travel

Cast aluminum swing arm w/rebound, High-/Lo-speed compression and threaded preload adjustment, 10.1-in travel

Dual ventilated hydraulic disc, twin piston

Ventilated hydraulic disc, self adjusting park brake function

AT21 x 7-10 radial

AT20 x 10-9 radial

Dimensions

L x W x H

Seat Height32.0 in

Wheelbase

Ground Clearance

Fuel Capacity

Dry Weight

Other

Lighting

Warranty


72.6 x 46.1 x 44.5 in

32.0 in

50.4 in

4.4 in

2.9 gal

396 lb


 Dual 30W Krypton multi-reflector headlights & 3.9/0.5W LED brakelight

 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty)

Featured Sponsoring Manufacturers Involved in the Raptor Project Build

with included

Product Installations & Reviews

Project brought to you courtesy of Yamaha Motor Company, Zambon's of Escanaba Michigan, ATVPT.com of Escanaba Michigan, and all the Manufactures listed below.

Yamaha Contact Info:

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

6555 Katella Avenue

Cypress, California 90630-5101



Web Site:

@

http://www.yamaha-motor.com

ATVPT Contact Info:

Patrick Saunders / Pres./Senior Editor

All Terrain Vehicle Product Tests

2001 13th Ave. South,

Escanaba, MI 49829

USA

Tel 906-241-3400

E-mail: jps@atvpt.com

Web site: http://www.atvpt.com

Forum: http://www.atvptforum.com

Participating Sponsoring Companies Web Sites:

 Club Plug

www.clubplug.net

CRJ Performance

www.crjperformance.com 

DG Performance

www.dgperf.com

Fox Racing Shox

www.foxracingshox.com

High Roller Products

www.highrollerproducts.com

Hinson Clutch Components

www.hinsonracing.com

K&N Filters

www.knfilters.com 

LET'S GO AERO

www.letsgoaero.com 

 Maxxis International

www.maxxis.com

 ODI Grips

www.odigrips.com

Pro-Tec Performance

www.pro-tecperformance.com 

Pro-Wheel Racing Components

www.prowheelracing.com 

Quad Tech-ATV Products

www.quadtech-atv.com

Quad Works

www.quadworks.com 

 Trail Tech Inc.

www.trailtech.net

Universal Parts Inc.

www.universalpartsinc.com

First Test Ride:

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