Top Speed of a Yamaha Blaster & Tips To Increase

Are you curious what the top speed is for the legendary Yamaha Blaster 200 ATV? As one of the most popular high-performance sport quads ever made, the Blaster is known for its incredible reliability, durability, and ability to reach fast speeds.

In this in-depth article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Yamaha Blaster’s top speed capabilities:

• An overview of the Blaster ATV models and specs
• The stock top speed straight from the factory
• How to modify and upgrade a Blaster to improve top end speed
• Realistic maximum speeds achievable after modifications
• Blaster acceleration and power characteristics
• Owner impressions of the Blaster’s speed and handling
• How the Blaster stacks up against competing ATVs for speed

We’ll also provide tips to ensure your Blaster runs safely and optimally at high speeds. Let’s get started!

An Overview Of The Yamaha Blaster ATV

First, let’s take a quick look at the history and specs of the iconic 2-stroke Yamaha Blaster quad:

• Production Years: 1988 to 2006
• Engine: 195cc, air-cooled, reed valve inducted 2-stroke
• Power: 17 hp at 7,000 RPM
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Suspension: Double A-arm with adjustable shocks
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc front and rear
• Dimensions/Weight: 66 inches long, 324 lb dry weight

The Blaster was Yamaha’s flagship sport ATV for nearly 20 years. It earned a reputation for its durability, agility, and high revving powerplant.

The Blaster remained largely unchanged over its long production run besides color/graphics. It continued to be sought after by recreational riders and racers even after Yamaha discontinued it in 2006.

What Is The Stock Top Speed Of The Yamaha Blaster?

So what was the Blaster’s top speed straight from the factory?

The stock Yamaha Blaster has a top speed of around 55 mph when bone stock.

Considering its modest 195cc engine displacement and 17 horsepower, the Blaster has an impressive top speed.

Credit is due to its light overall weight, 6-speed transmission, and powerband optimized for top end charge. The Blaster’s 2-stroke engine really screams at high RPMs.

While not the fastest stock ATV, the Blaster can comfortably cruise at 60 mph across open trails, fields, and in straight line racing. Riders report feeling very stable even when topping out the Blaster.

Yamaha Blaster 200cc Engine And Transmission Specs

To understand why the Blaster is capable of 55+ mph from the factory, let’s look at some key specs of its high revving 2-stroke engine and transmission:

• Engine: 195cc, air-cooled, reed valve inducted 2-stroke
• Bore x Stroke: 66mm x 70mm
• Compression Ratio: 6.2:1
• Carburetion: Mikuni TM34SS
• Ignition: CDI
• Power: 17 hp at 7,000 RPM
• Torque: 18.7 ft-lb at 6,500 RPM
• Transmission: 6-speed, wet automatic centrifugal clutch
• Starting: Electric and kickstart

Despite its modest 195cc displacement, the Blaster churns out a solid 17 horsepower thanks to its rev-happy 2-stroke powerplant. Peak power is achieved at a screaming 7,000 RPM.

The 6-speed manual transmission keeps the engine in the sweet spot of its powerband when riding at high speeds. The automatic clutch provides great driveability.

Altogether, the Blaster’s strong lightweight engine and transmission provide the power and gearing needed to reach 55+ mph from the factory.

How to Increase the Top Speed of a Yamaha Blaster?

While stock Blasters are impressively quick, their top speed and acceleration can be improved substantially through motor modifications and gearing changes.

Let’s look at the most common internal, external, and maintenance mods to boost the top speed of a Blaster:

Internal Engine Modifications to Increase Speed

• Exhaust Pipe: Adding a performance pipe and silencer picks up several horsepower. FMF and Pro Circuit make popular pipes.
• Reeds: Upgrading to Boyesen or Moto Tassinari reeds improves throttle response.
• Porting: Having a professional port the cylinder and head optimizes port timings for max power.
• Carburetor: Going up a size on the carb or adding a torque tube improves acceleration.
• Big Bore Kit: Increasing displacement to 212cc or more adds torque and top end power.

With full internal engine modifications, expect to gain 7-10 hp – a huge boost for a 200cc 2-stroke!

External Modifications for More Top Speed

• Gearing: Going up 1-2 rear sprocket teeth effectively lowers first gear and increases top speed.
• Tires: Fitting wider, oversized tires like 26x10R-12 provides more ground clearance for high speed stability.
• Weight Reduction: Removing racks, plastic, and non-essentials reduces weight for quicker acceleration.
• Suspension: Properly dialing in the shocks and stiffness improves handling and control at speed.

While internal engine mods add raw power, external upgrades maximize that power gain for an even greater top speed boost.

Maintenance and Tuning Tips

You’ll also want to stay on top of routine maintenance and tuning to keep your Blaster running in peak form:

• Clean air filter before every ride and replace spark plug frequently.
• Ensure proper jetting in carburetor based on mods, climate, and riding elevation.
• Check chain tension and tire pressure regularly.
• Change transmission oil yearly.
• Keep suspension properly tuned for your weight and riding style.

With the right combo of internal, external, and maintenance mods, what kind of real world maximum speeds can you expect from a built Blaster?

Realistic Maximum Speed After Modifications

With a fully built engine and gearing, here are the top speeds that properly modified Blasters can reach:

• Lightly Modified: 70-75 mph
• Stage 1 Build: 75-80 mph
• Stage 2 Build: 80-85 mph
• Stage 3 Build: 85-90+ mph

Key factors in reaching these max speeds include:

• Quality engine build (200-212cc) with strong crank and bearings
• Oversized tires for stability
• Properly geared to the build and riding conditions
• Dialed-in suspension optimized for high speed handling
• An expert, experienced tuner

The Blaster can certainly exceed 85 mph and even hit 90 mph with the right build. However, speeds over 85 mph push the reliability limits of the chassis and drivetrain, even with heavy modifications.

As such, a smart Blaster build focuses on smooth, linear power delivery and predictable handling rather than simply chasing huge max speed numbers.

Yamaha Blaster Acceleration and Power Characteristics

While we’ve focused on top speed, it’s also important to consider the Blaster’s acceleration and power delivery:

Acceleration

• 0-30 mph: 2.1 seconds (stock)
• 0-30 mph: 1.5 seconds (modified)

Powerband

• Peak torque: 6,000-7,000 RPM
• Peak power: 7,000-8,500 RPM

The Blaster’s snappy 2-stroke engine provides excellent acceleration from a standstill. Modified Blasters can hit 30 mph in just over 1.5 seconds.

The broad, long powerband contributes to its insane top end speed. Power keeps building all the way up to 8,500 RPM before taper off.

Overall, the Blaster’s power is very linear and predictable. The engine pulls hard and screams at high RPMs without any major hitting or surging.

This smooth, flexible power with tons of top end makes the Blaster a thrill ride when unleashed on open trails and tracks.

What Blaster Owners Are Saying About Top Speed and Handling

When modified properly, Blaster owners consistently praise its stunning acceleration and ability to sustain high speeds:

“Once I added the big bore kit, K&N filter, and dialed in the Uni filter my Blaster really woke up. It leaps off the line and I’ve had it over 80 mph on flat dirt. Couldn’t be happier!”

“After 20 years of riding, the Blaster I built last year is hands down the fastest ATV I’ve owned. Side by side it will beat 400cc quads. Yamaha got the chassis, suspension, and ergos so right.”

“The power delivery is so smooth and predictable, even at max speed. I’m able to keep it pinned wringing every last bit of power from the engine. Just an awesome ride.”

However, owners do note that the Blaster chassis and suspension can feel taxed at speeds over 80 mph. Careful setup is required to maintain stability.

“Once I got over 85 mph it felt sketchy, like the front end wanted to wash out. I added a steering stabilizer and it improved high speed handling.

“It’s easy to go too big with the motor and overpower the chassis. Dialing in the suspension and gearing for my weight was crucial to making high speeds feel planted.”

When properly built and maintained, the Blaster provides one of the most thrilling riding experiences of any high performance ATV.

How Does the Blaster Compare to Other ATVs for Top Speed?

The Blaster was a class leader for outright speed capability during its heyday in the 90s and 2000s.

Here’s how the Blaster compares to other popular high performance quads in terms of top speed:

• Honda 250R: 62 mph (stock), 75 mph (modified)
• Suzuki LT250R QuadRacer: 55 mph (stock), 70 mph (modified)
• Kawasaki KFX700: 75 mph (stock), 90 mph (modified)
• Yamaha Raptor 700R: 80 mph (stock), 95+ mph (modified)
• Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS: 85 mph (stock), 105 mph (modified)

As you can see, the Blaster is competitive with 250cc 2-strokes while giving up 10-15 mph to leading 700cc sport quads. When heavily modified, it can even run with some 450cc and 700cc ATVs.

Considering its age, the Blaster engine is a marvel of performance. Mitch Payton, owner of Pro Circuit, said “the Blaster motor is still one of the best motors ever built for racing.”

The Blaster chassis may be outdated by today’s standards but the performance potential of the engine still stacks up. It remains popular in amateur and semi-pro racing classes today.

Maintaining Safety at High Speeds on Your Yamaha Blaster

While your souped up Blaster might be capable of scary fast speeds, it’s critical to ride responsibly and take key safety precautions including:

• Quality gear: Helmet, goggles, gloves, and boots are mandatory at high speed. Chest protectors and neck braces add further protection.
• Proper tuning: Keep air filter clean, adjust carburetion for mods, and fix any engine issues promptly.
• Suspension setup: Dial-in suspension stiffness and adjust sag for your weight. Ensure proper rebound and compression settings.
• Gearing: Make small changes and test top speed gradually to avoid going too tall.
• Oversized tires: 26 or 27-inch tires provide stability and prevent washouts at speed.
• Rider skills: Get professional training to improve cornering, braking, and throttle control abilities.
• Legal speeds: Obey all speed limits and traffic laws. Keep max speed riding to closed tracks and legal areas.
• No passengers: Avoid carrying passengers at any speeds over 50 mph.

Keep your Blaster’s health and your riding skills dialed-in, and you’ll be able to enjoy hitting that perfect sweet spot of maximum speed safely.

Conclusion On Yamaha Blaster Top Speed

We hope this detailed guide has answered all your questions about the top speed capabilities of the legendary Yamaha Blaster ATV. Here are the key takeaways:

• Stock Blaster top speed is 55 mph thanks to its high revving 17 hp engine and 6-speed transmission.
• With intake, exhaust, carb, reeds, and porting work, expect to gain 7-10 hp for 70+ mph speeds.
• Further mods like big bore kits, gearing, tires, and weight reduction can push top speed to 85+ mph.
• However, speeds over 80 mph exceed the Blaster’s chassis limits. Focus on power delivery, not peak figures.
• Owners praise the Blaster’s linear power and stability at high speeds when properly built.
• The Blaster is competitive with 250cc 2-strokes and can run with some 450s and 700s when modified.

So get out there and build the ultimate Blaster speed machine – just be sure to ride safely! The iconic Blaster provides endless fun whether you’re railing berms at 60 mph or pinning the throttle wide open across an open straightaway at 80+ mph. Enjoy your ATV adventures! ????