If you're scouring the utilized market for a big-bore sport quad, the raptor 660 vs 700 comparison is likely the particular first thing you're looking at. These two machines represent a huge chunk of Yamaha's history, and they're still some of the most popular ATVs you'll see out on the dunes or even striking the trails nowadays. While they look pretty similar from a glance, right after under the plastics are actually pretty massive, and choosing the particular wrong you can indicate the difference in between spending your weekend riding or investing it hunched more than a workbench with a group of wrenches.
The Old Guard: Why Individuals Still Love the 660
The Yamaha Raptor 660R hit the picture back in 2001 plus basically reset what people expected from a sport quad. Before the 660, if you wanted large power, you were usually taking a look at a Banshee or perhaps a huge utility machine that felt like the tank. The 660 brought a substantial 660cc liquid-cooled engine into a chassis that was actually meant for jumping plus carving corners.
One thing that will makes the 660 unique is the five-valve cylinder head. With the time, Yamaha was all about that tech. This breathed well plus gave the quad a ton associated with midrange grunt. However, it also meant a person had dual carburetors. If you've actually tried to sync dual carbs with an old quad, you understand it can be a bit of a headache. When they're dialed within, the 660 comes across as being raw and mechanised. It's got the personality that a few modern fuel-injected bicycles just lack.
But let's become honest, the 660 wasn't perfect. The early models (specifically 2001) had several notorious transmission problems where second gear would basically quit the ghost. Yamaha fixed most associated with that in the later years (2002–2005), but the 660 always felt a little "tippy. " It had a slim stance along with a higher center of gravity, which made it the bit of a handful in restricted, fast corners in case you weren't comfortable hanging your body from the side.
The Evolution: Exactly what the Raptor 700 Changed
Whenever Yamaha dropped the particular Raptor 700 in 2006, they didn't just bore away the old motor and call this per day. They quite much went back to the drawing panel. The biggest change—and the one that usually finishes the raptor 660 vs 700 debate for many people—was the leap to Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).
If you've ever spent an early morning in the cold cold trying to coax a carbureted 660 to existence, the 700 comes across as being like a high-class car. You simply hit the switch, and it idles perfectly every period, regardless of whether you're at sea level or even 5, 000 ft up in the particular mountains. No jetting kits, no choke, no drama.
The 700 also relocated to a four-valve head, which usually actually wound up being more efficient plus easier to work on. But the true "secret sauce" has been the frame. Yamaha switched to the hybrid design using a cast-aluminum subframe and a metal front section. This made the 700 lighter, stiffer, plus lowered the center of gravity considerably. It handles way better than the 660 ever did. It feels grown, wider, and very much more forgiving when you're pushing it hard through a switch.
Power Delivery and Trail Manners
When you're actually out on the dirt, the way these two bikes deliver energy is noticeably various. The 660 seems a little more like a good old-school muscle vehicle. It's got a hit to it, and because of these carbs, the throttle response can feel a bit even more "on or off" depending on how it's tuned. It's a blast to trip, but it can be tiring if you're doing a lengthy day on specialized trails.
The 700, on the other hand, is usually the king associated with torque. It's obtained power everywhere. You can lug it within a higher gear and it'll just draw you up a hill without worrying. The EFI the actual power delivery extremely smooth. It's less "stuttery" at reduced speeds, which makes it a far greater device for technical woods riding where you're feathering the clutch i465 black and seeking to pick a line by means of rocks or origins.
Don't get me wrong, both of these types of quads are quick enough to truly get you in to trouble. They each top out someplace in the 70–75 mph range in stock form, however the 700 gets generally there with a great deal less vibrating and screaming from the engine. It simply feels more sophisticated.
Reliability and Common Headaches
If you're looking at buying one of those used today, reliability is most likely your biggest concern. Since the 660 is older, you're naturally going to deal with more "old bike" problems. Issues like perished plastic intake boots, damaged bushings, and exhausted shocks are common.
One specific thing to consider on the 660 could be the one-way starter clutch system. It's a notorious failure point. In case you hear an awful grinding or re-writing sound when a person hit the beginning switch, that's likely exactly what it is. It's a fixable issue, but it's an extra expense a person need to matter in.
The 700 is definitely generally considered probably the most bulletproof sport quads ever made. Individuals have been known to run this stuff for years with nothing but oil modifications and air filter cleanings. That said, they aren't invincible. The particular fuel pumps can occasionally go away when the quad rests with old fuel for too long, and similar to top of the line machine, if the prior owner didn't change the oil, the very best end will ultimately pay the cost.
Which A single Wins the Value Fight?
This is how the raptor 660 vs 700 choice gets tricky. Because the 700 is objectively better in almost every type, it holds the value incredibly properly. You might find a decent 660 for $2, 500 to $3, 500 depending on your area. A 700 in similar condition is probably heading to start at $4, 500 and move up from generally there, specifically for the more recent versions with the particular better piggyback shock absorbers.
Could be the 700 worth the extra $1, 500 or $2, 000? In my opinion, indeed. If you plan on keeping the particular bike for more than a season, the lack associated with carburetor maintenance only is worth a few hundred bucks of the sanity. Plus, typically the aftermarket support for your 700 is insane. Whether you would like to create a 100-horsepower drag monster or even a long-travel desert racer, the components are everywhere.
The 660 still has plenty of parts available, but you'll find that will many manufacturers have got stopped developing brand-new stuff for it, focusing instead upon the 700 and the YFZ450R.
Final Thoughts: Making the Selection
If you're on the strict budget and you're portable with a set associated with tools, the Raptor 660 is a ton of quad for the money. It's still a powerhouse that will will outrun nearly all 400cc bikes with out breaking a sweat. It has a traditional look and also a mechanised feel that's actually rewarding when almost everything is running right.
However, if you can stretch out your finances, the Raptor 700 is the particular superior machine. It's more comfortable, this handles better, as well as the fuel injection causes it to be a "get in and go" quad. You spend less time tweaking plus more time riding.
At the end of the day, whether you go using the 660 or even the 700, you're getting probably the most well-known engines in the ATV world. Just make sure a person check the framework for cracks and listen for any weird knocks within the engine before you hand over your money. Both devices are made to consider a beating, but they still require a little love in order to place them screaming throughout the finish series.