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2011 Yamaha Raptor 250R First Ride Photo Gallery

With 2.4 gallons of fuel available we played most of the day with the thumb throttle maxed out before having to fill up.

Yamaha gives another upgrade option for the more aggressive small-bore riders or entries into the sport ATV market with the 2011 Yamaha Raptor 250R. Read the full details in our 2011 Yamaha Raptor 250R ATV First Ride.

Instead of five-way preload adjustable shocks up front, the 250R gets fully adjustable piggyback units.

But what about riders who want just a little more? Yamaha addresses their needs this model year as well with the 2011 Raptor 250R.

Yamaha had equipped the Raptor with one of its GYTR mufflers ($350) and we found the package to have plenty of smooth power for hauling our nearly 190-pound rider.

Out back is a preload, low-speed compression and rebound adjustable shock that controls the straight axle with 7.9 inches of travel.

We were particularly impressed with the front end’s ability to land off-axis without slamming down and jerking the bars out of the rider’s hands.

We hammered through the gearbox mercilessly and only missed one shift all day. Clutch actuation is smooth and doesn’t have one hint of grabbiness, which is good for newer riders.

Yamaha equipped the 250R with a sleek LED taillight to replace the bulky, red bulb.

The 19-inch rears drift predictably and are solid under braking which is handled proficiently by hydraulic discs.

A seat height of 28.7 inches helps keep weight low and the slender 250R is easy to pitch around.

The engine runs extremely well with plenty of power and solid fueling from the 29mm Mikuni carburetor.

The comfortable seat gets a new cover as well which provides better grip.

The beefed up suspension easily handles the 250R’s light weight and jump landings are its forte.

Ergonomics are comfortable enough for a 5’11” tester and the new gripper seat cover helps hold the rider in place when hanging off either side.

The nerf bars were a nice addition though we used them less than we do on larger ATVs.

Yamaha also installed an adjustable front brake lever – another nod to bigger, faster riders.

Because the 250R retains every ounce of its entry-level features like the friendly engine, adjustable throttle, low seat height and manageable ergonomics, the extra scratch is well worth it.

The extra reservoir allows for greater and more consistent damping of the rebound and high/low-speed compression, while a preload collar adjusts ride height.

Yamaha’s 250R model (MSRP: $5099) is only $500 more than the standard Raptor.

Our test ride had this GYTR front grab bar installed.

The stone reliable 249cc air-cooled engine doesn’t need to be hopped up. In fact, keeping it mellow is part of what makes it a challenge to ride hard.

Sliding is easy with manageable power, smooth clutch, low seat height and comfortable ergos.