Yamaha Raptor 350 Review, Top Speed, Common Problems

From 2004 through 2013, Yamaha Motor Company Limited produced the Yamaha Raptor 350, a four-wheeler. It was advertised as an off-road sport and recreational vehicle.

The Yamaha Raptor 350 finally acquired favor among ATV fans despite its initially modest appeal. Its main attributes included a strong engine and durable construction that made it appropriate for rough terrain.

Despite being retired in 2013, the Yamaha Raptor 350 is still regarded as a prominent model in the ATV market and is fondly recalled by brand enthusiasts.

Yamaha Raptor 350 Specifications

Yamaha Raptor 350 is not as intimidating as its counterparts in the ATV category.

However, it has some great and desirable qualities. It is no wonder the lovers of the reliable machine enjoy it for those recreational rides. Below are the specifications of this quad-wheeler.

yamaha raptor 350

Next Review: Yamaha Raptor 700 Buyer’s Guide, Top Speed, Price, Problems

Engine type and Displacement

It comes in a four-stroke, single-cylinder, and air-cooled SOHC engine. On the other hand, its engine displacement is 348cc. Notably, the four-stroke engine for this 4×4 is a great match.

Additionally, this engine offers more power at lower rpm. This makes it efficient for the Yamaha Raptor 350 ATV. You don’t want to continuously ride your ATV at higher rpm to prevent it from dying faster.

Furthermore, the engine of this ATV ensures that each drop of fuel provided is used. Wouldn’t you want such fuel efficiency?

Suspension and tire specifications

The Yamaha Raptor 350 ATV has front and rear suspensions with wheel travels of 7.87 inches (200mm) and 8.27 inches (210 mm) respectively.

The front suspension of this machine is enclosed in its steel frame and is an independent double wishbone.

On the other hand, the rare suspension has a Swingarm and coil spring shocks. Thus, its suspension comes in handy for road holding and makes it easy to handle.

This means it can easily ride on any surface, thanks to the adjustable shocks that offer firm contact with the ground.

Additionally, the tires on the Yamaha Raptor 350 AVT have rim measurements of AT217-10 for the front gear and AT2010-9 for the rear gear.

Dimensions and weight

If you haven’t interacted with a Yamaha Raptor 350 ATV yet, you may be curious about its dimensions and weight. This quad has an overall length and width of 69.7 inches (1770 mm) and 43.1 inches (1095 mm).

Its overall weight is 375 lbs (170kg). Additionally, since the Raptor machine has double discs which tend to weigh more, the ATV becomes heavier than other machines lacking double discs.

Additionally, the 4-wheeler has a fuel capacity of 2.4 gallons (9.1l).

yamaha raptor 350 side

Brakes

If you own a Yamaha Raptor 350, do you love its engine braking system? Just like the previous and many of the current owners of this machine, you may be in love with this powerful braking system.

It uses a dual hydraulic disc brake which is right-hand-operated. Besides, its engine braking system also comprises one hydraulic disc brake which is operated by the right foot.

Notably, the double discs ensure the braking experience is always smooth. They offer a stopping power you can depend on.

Unfortunately, when you run your four-wheeler for a very long time, the motion in the front discs can cause them to overheat.

On the upside, though, this Raptor 350 works in such a way that in case one disc is overheated, the other one takes control, ensuring your braking process is still smooth.

Next Review: Yamaha YFZ 450R Review, Top Speed, Common Issues

Exterior

The exteriors of the Yamaha Raptor 350 are interesting. What’s more, the body is covered in plastic material, and it has both rear and front fenders.

Nonetheless, the front fenders of the machine have 30-watt headlights. The good thing about the LED lights on the exterior of the quad bike is that you can convert them to your preferred visibility level.

For instance, if you are wheeling late at night you will appreciate the fact that you can enjoy the flexibility of the LED lights.

Interiors

This four-wheeler has an adjustable seat with a height of 32.3 inches (820mm). Notably, when at its lowest position, the seat is 32 inches from the ground, but you can give it a ground clearance of up to 4.5 inches (114mm).

Additionally, if you would like to change the height of the seat, you can do so. Moreover, the seat is low-lying to give you a comfortable ride.

Furthermore, the machine’s internal frame is made of steel with a plastic cover on the top. Back in the day during its production, the manufacturer would leave it as a blank canvas. This, therefore, gave the user room to design it in their own way.

Ignition

The machine uses a DC-CDI ignition that increases the rate of voltage rise and takes less time to charge. Notably, as much as it has an electric start system, you can take advantage of its auxiliary mechanical recoil as a backup.

Remember, the fact that the Raptor 350 uses a DC-CDI ignition rather than the AC-CDI ignition means the level of accuracy of the ignition is high. This means that the engine can start smoothly even when it is cold.

Transmission

This wheeler has a 6-speed transmission. The ratio of the first gear to the sixth gear is 2.685 and 0.946. Thus, you can use the 4-wheeler at a lower rpm but still have more power.

Besides, the fact that there are 6 gears means you choose whichever you want for your ride. Remember, Yamaha Raptor doesn’t use more fuel regardless of the speed you choose.

Yamaha Raptor 350 Specifications Table

SpecificationDetail
Engine TypeSingle-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled
Displacement349 cc
Bore x Stroke88 x 57.2 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:1
Fuel SystemMikuni 33mm carburetor
IgnitionCDI
Starting SystemElectric
Transmission5-speed manual with reverse
Drive TrainChain drive
Front SuspensionIndependent double-wishbone
Rear SuspensionSwingarm with single shock
Front BrakesDual hydraulic disc
Rear BrakesSealed hydraulic drum
Front TiresAT21 x 7-10
Rear TiresAT20 x 10-9
Length76.8 in
Width42.5 in
Height43.1 in
Seat Height31.1 in
Wheelbase50.4 in
Ground Clearance7.1 in
Fuel Capacity2.6 gallons
Wet Weight355 lbs
Specifications Source

Yamaha Raptor 350 Top Speed

It has a top speed of around 60mph, which is considered a great number for a beginner or intermediate user.

This is an impressive speed for its class. Why? You can enjoy those memorable ride experiences with your family and friends.

It is no wonder this is a recreational quad-wheeler. However, this top speed is lesser compared to the more powerful version YFZ 450R ATV that can go up to 70-80mph.

Yamaha Raptor has an engine that weighs 375 pounds, and this reduces its speed capability. However, you can make some tweaks and tricks in this model to improve the speed. For instance, you may loosen the speed limiter.

yamaha raptor top speed

Yamaha Raptor 350 Price

So, how much does it cost? The price of a Yamaha Raptor 350 ATV can range from anywhere between $4,999 and $5,599.

Yamaha Raptor 350 Common Problems

You may enjoy its reliability among other great qualities. However, this does not mean it lacks a share of its problems.

Below are some of the common problems associated with the Yamaha Raptor 350, and various ways of fixing them;

Difficulty in Starting the Machine

If you are experiencing this challenge with your Yamaha Raptor 350, it could be an indication for you to check your carburetor and change or adjust your valves.

Unfortunately, knowing whether your carburetor or valves needs some work and be tricky.

The good news, though, is that there is a test you can perform quickly to fix the problem or be sure of the issue.

You may need to turn the Yamaha raptor 350’s petcock to reserve and check whether or not the fuel flows. If there is fuel flowing, it means the tank has some plugged screen.

Electronic and Engine Problems

What happens when you go extra hard on your quad machine? You may leave it with some real issues.

On the other hand, the more you enjoy your ride in the Yamaha Raptor, the more wear and tear catches up with it, and in no time, you have problems with the engine and so on.

If you have ever been in such a situation, you definitely know how frustrating it gets.

Moreover, when you notice your machine with such dysfunction, you may be clueless about the real cause of the problem. So, how do you handle such issues? You may take the following steps to rectify the situation;

  • Confirm if the quad has a spark in case it doesn’t start. You may need to change your spark plug.
  • Clean the carburetor.
  • Check the fuel flow to ensure it is not stale nor will it clog fuel filters.
  • Trickle-charge your battery
  • A dry and wet compression check goes a long way.
  • Re-hone the cylinder.

Weak Frames

Other than the two problems mentioned earlier, your Yamaha Raptor 350 may have weak frames, especially at the front. After all, they are made of plastic.

Therefore, they get floppy quickly. Notably, the issue can be worse if you bought second-hand 4-wheelers.

After all, some previous owners may not have taken good care of the wheelers when they were in their possession.

Therefore, before you purchase a Yamaha raptor, a second-hand one at that, ensure the previous owner didn’t wreck it so much. How can you tell? Have a look at the front frame. Is it broken?

Alternatively, you can check the sub-frame. If you find out it is crooked or bent, just know your vehicle wasn’t maintained so well. Therefore, weak frames are an indication that you need to negotiate the pricing more.

Yamaha Raptor 350 Is Best Suited For

The Yamaha Raptor 350 ATV is a beast of its kind. Despite not being as fierce as some of its counterparts, there are areas it excels. It is best for the following;

  • Fun rides; If you want to spend the day or night on those long recreational and sporty rides, the Yamaha Raptor 350 is the go-to four wheelers for a comfortable ride.
  • The Yamaha 350 is best for stability. Unlike the other fierce dirt bikes, majorly focusing on speed, the Yamaha Raptor 350 is more stable on the terrain.
  • Off-road trails; The Yamaha 350 ATV is stable, reliable and easy to handle on rough terrains, and safe to ride on tracks, thanks to its strong engine.

Yamaha Raptor 350 Review Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yamaha raptor 350 Similar to Yamaha Warrior 350?

These two machines are pretty much the same since they have some similar features. For instance, they have the same engine displacement. However, they are different in some aspects too.

Is the Raptor 350 Good?

Yamaha Raptor 350 is great for memorable rides. This glorified warrior is definitely a good quad. Notably, younger riders can have an amazing experience with it. This is a good quad; from its design to its performance.

Does a Raptor 350 Have 6 gears?

The Yamaha Raptor 350 has 6 gears, meaning you can choose the speed to ride in.

Does a Yamaha Raptor have a reverse?

Yamaha Raptor comes with reverse gear.

How Much Should I Pay For a Yamaha Raptor 350?

If you want to enjoy the experience of riding a Yamaha Raptor 350 ATV and decide to get yourself one, be prepared to pay anywhere between $4,999 and $5,599. On the other hand, a Yamaha Raptor 125 can cost $3,499 whereas a Yamaha Warrior 350 can cost $4,849.

Where to Buy Yamaha Raptor 350

You can own a Yamaha Raptor 350 by buying it from an online trader. Alternatively, you can purchase your Yamaha Raptor 350 from a previous owner.

However, ensure you get the best deals in either case. Notably, your extent of bargain can depend on how well the quad was maintained and taken care of by the previous owner.

Conclusion

A Yamaha Raptor 350 ATV is a beast. This four-wheeler has some amazing specifications. If you want to buy a quad-wheeler, Yamaha Raptor 350 AVT is a top pick.

This machine is reliable, has a smooth braking system, can go through various terrains, trails, and tracks, and has better suspension than most quad-wheelers.

As you buy this machine, take good care of it so it can serve you well.