2012 Yamaha Sport ATV Glamis Ride Photo Gallery

GoPro was on hand to demonstrate the new HD HERO2 which is available for a limited time sales promotion.

We ride the 2012 Yamaha YFZ450R SE and 2012 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE in the Glamis sand dunes. Check out photos of these two class-leading sport ATVs.

We split time between the two sport ATVs and wore ourselves out playing around, racing and going for huge group rides.

A new set of Dunlop tires look very similar to those found on the 2011 model, but are slightly different for better cornering performance.

For 2012 it gets metallic black and yellow bodywork that instantly gives a sinister impression.

The 450R SE is great at sidehilling steep inclines thanks to its wide stance.

Yamaha had a fully decked-out GYTR YFZ-R on hand for us to sample. The highlight was a new CNC ported head assembly which includes billet cams and comes fully assembled.

Yamaha has built a reputation with one of the most competent all-around sport quads ever, and like it does for the 450R, Yamaha offers a full series of Raptor 700R GYTR components.

The 44mm Kayaba shocks up front and 46mm Kayaba out back all get color-matched yellow springs.

We met Yamaha and other members of the media at Glamis for a few days of dune riding with the 2012 Special Edition sport ATVs.

The Raptor gets a digital computer to display basic information and the Special Edition comes with some extra features, including unique black and gold colors and graphics, wave-style rear rake disc and a GYTR front grab bar.

Riders looking for gobs of easily accessible power will be happy with the Raptor 700R.

Camp Chef has an extensive catalog of stoves, ovens, griddles, cookware and accessories that make outdoor eating a true joy.

A thin but relatively comfortable seat allows plenty of room between the rider’s knees when standing and creates space to hang off when needed.

The race-inspired Yamaha is a willing jumper.

It takes very little effort to move through the gearbox, mostly because the rider can be entirely lazy and never really worry about lugging or over-revving.

A fuel injected 449cc dual overhead cam engine uses five valves and churns out usable power across the rpm range. The high-revving mill loves to be wrung out and the dunes are a perfect place to put it to use.

The Raptor 700R is a dune legend.

This brute of an ATV uses a fuel-injected 686cc Single that oozes torque and has become a standard for power, refinement and versatility.

Every ATV rider should experience dune riding at some point.

Tuning Fork engineers also equip the YFZ450R with a 20-inch rear tire and 21-inch front for added versatility and a touch more ground clearance.

The front shocks offer 9.1 inches of travel and are fully adjustable (preload, high/low-speed compression, rebound). Out back is 10.1 inches of travel with a fully adjustable shock that attaches to the top of an aluminum swingarm.