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Lavelle Motorworks

UpgradesParts2 min read

The first five upgrades worth doing on a Raptor 700

Before chasing horsepower, spend on the parts that protect the machine and fit it to you. Here's the order we recommend — and why.

Blue Yamaha Raptor 700R with race graphics in a studio

It's tempting to start with an exhaust. The Raptor sounds great with one, but the upgrades that make the biggest difference to how the quad rides, and how long it lasts, usually come first. This is the order we suggest to most new owners.

1. Protection

A full skid plate, nerf bars with heel guards and a solid grab bar cost far less than one cracked frame rail or a crushed foot. If you only buy one thing this season, make it protection.

Browse protection parts →

2. Suspension set up for you

Most Raptors we see have never had the suspension set for the rider on them. Before buying new shocks:

  • Sag: set the sag for your weight.
  • Clickers: adjust them for where you actually ride.

How much you can adjust depends on the model and year. If you're between sizes, or ride mostly dunes or mostly tight trails, a revalve makes a bigger difference than almost anything else on this list.

Suspension parts and setup →

3. Intake, exhaust and fuel — together

Exhaust, intake and fueling work as a system. A slip-on on its own may run fine. But a full system with a high-flow filter usually needs the fueling adjusted to match, or you end up with:

  • popping on deceleration
  • a flat spot off idle
  • an engine running leaner and hotter than it should

Plan these three upgrades as one job.

Intake & fuel · Exhaust

4. Controls that fit you

Handlebar bend and height, a thumb throttle with a shorter throw, and good grips sound like small things. They decide how tired your hands and shoulders are after a full day of riding. Cheap upgrades, big difference.

Controls →

5. Tires for your terrain

No tire does everything well:

  • Sand: paddles.
  • Trail: an all-round knobby.
  • Mud: deep, open lugs.
  • Hard-pack and supermoto setups: road-style tires.

Match the tire to where you ride most and the quad will feel like a different machine.

Wheels & tires →

Not sure where to start? Send us your model, year and how you ride and our team will suggest parts from our inventory that suit your Raptor.

Questions about your Raptor?

Parts, fitment or a full build — send us your model and year and we'll point you the right way.

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White and red Yamaha Raptor 700R parked in front of a yellow wall

Buying3 min read

Buying a used Raptor 700: the checklist we use

Twenty minutes with this list tells you more about a used Raptor than any photo set. Paperwork, cold start, frame, suspension, drivetrain and the test ride.