Yamaha Raptor 350 Top Speed? 100% Don’t Know Actual

Have you ever wondered just how fast the legendary Yamaha Raptor 350 can really go? Ever since its release back in 2001, ATV enthusiasts have been determined to push the Raptor 350 to its absolute limits and find out the maximum top speed this iconic sport quad is capable of.

In stock form, the Yamaha Raptor 350 is restricted by a throttle limiter and gearing that caps the top speed to around 60 mph or less. However, with some relatively simple modifications like adjusting the limiter screw, changing the sprockets, or installing performance parts, Raptor 350 owners have found ways to get their quads to hit exhilarating speeds of over 80+ mph!

In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wringing out every last drop of speed from the Yamaha Raptor 350 ATV:

• Yamaha Raptor 350 engine, transmission and specs
• Stock top speed from the factory
• How gearing affects top speed potential
• Best modifications for increasing top end
• The fastest reported speeds from modified Raptors
• Tips for staying safe while riding fast

Let’s get started!

An Overview of the Yamaha Raptor 350 Specs

First, a quick rundown of the Yamaha Raptor 350’s factory specifications and powertrain:

• Engine – 348cc air-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke engine producing around 28-33 horsepower
• Transmission – 5-speed manual transmission
• Suspension – Double A-arm suspension in the front and rear with adjustable shocks
• Brakes – Dual hydraulic disc brakes provide strong stopping power
• Dimensions – Compact size with 81 inch wheelbase and 46 inch width
• Weight – Dry weight of around 375 pounds provides a sporty power-to-weight ratio

The Raptor 350’s relatively lightweight design combined with its peppy 348cc engine gives it impressive acceleration and nimble handling for a mid-sized sport ATV.

Yamaha equipped the Raptor 350 with performance-oriented components like fully adjustable suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and grippy tires, enabling riders to carve up trails and attack corners with confidence.

Now let’s look at that crucial top speed figure…

What is the Stock Yamaha Raptor 350 Top Speed From the Factory?

In stock form, the Yamaha Raptor 350 is restricted to a top speed of around 55-60 mph, depending on conditions and the combined weight of the rider and cargo.

Yamaha intentionally limited the top speed in order to comply with ATV industry safety guidelines and regulations. All ATV manufacturers cap their quads below certain speeds for liability reasons and to promote safe operation by younger or inexperienced riders.

On flat ground with a lightweight rider, a bone stock Raptor 350 can hit around 60-63 mph before the rev limiter kicks in. Heavier loads will bring that figure down closer to 55 mph.

While 60 mph may not seem very fast for a high-performance sport ATV, the Raptor 350’s limits are intended to strike a smart balance between fun, capability and safety right off the showroom floor.

Of course, that hasn’t stopped ambitious Raptor 350 owners from finding ways around the stock speed cap…

Does Gearing Affect the Yamaha Raptor 350 Top Speed?

One of the easiest ways to coax a little more top end out of a stock Raptor 350 is by adjusting the gearing.

Installing a larger rear sprocket or a smaller front sprocket allows the engine to rev higher in each gear, increasing the potential top speed. Just keep in mind that acceleration and low-end grunt will be sacrificed in favor of a higher peak speed.

A good starting point is going up 2 teeth on the rear sprocket, which can provide around a 5+ mph increase to the Raptor’s limited velocity, bringing it up to around 65 mph without any other modifications.

More extreme gearing changes like a +4 or +5 tooth rear sprocket will let riders realize the full top speed potentialhidden away by the factory programming. Just be careful not to go too big on the rear sprocket or acceleration will suffer badly.

Proper gearing optimization requires some careful testing and tuning based on the riding terrain. For primarily wide open areas, a focus on max speed makes sense. Tight and technical trails call for more low-end power and quick acceleration out of corners.

What is the Fastest Speed a Modified Yamaha Raptor 350 Can Reach?

Now we get to the good stuff! While the Raptor 350 may be tame in stock form, this ATV has some seriously exciting top speed potential when properly modified and unleashed.

With the right combination of engine, exhaust, and gearing modifications, many Yamaha Raptor 350 owners have recorded top speeds exceeding 80 mph, with some heavily built quads topping 100 mph on radar guns!

Here are some of the most effective ways to increase top speed on a Raptor 350:

• Install a high flow performance air filter like the K&N to improve airflow to the engine. A filter with better flow characteristics than the restricted stock airbox can add 2-3 hp.
• Add an aftermarket exhaust system like those offered by Yoshimura, Pro Circuit or FMF Racing. A full exhaust with quality header and silencer significantly boosts horsepower across the RPM range.
• Optimize gearing with a larger rear sprocket as discussed earlier. Going up a few teeth culminates all power gains into maximum speed.
• Adjust or completely remove the rev limiter to allow higher RPMs. Use an aftermarket CDI ignition or throttle limiter bypass.
• Consider engine modifications like a performance camshaft, head porting, compression increase or big bore kit to gain substantial horsepower over stock.
• Reduce weight by removing unnecessary cargo and accessories. Less weight equals a faster top speed.

With the rev limiter adjusted or defeated, strategic engine mods and ideal gearing, many modified Raptor 350s have eclipsed the 80 mph mark. Some riders have reported GPS verified speeds over 90 mph!

One YouTube video claims to show a Raptor 350 hitting an indicated 107 mph on the speedometer. While not independently verified, it shows the huge performance potential of the Raptor 350 platform.

Just remember, just because a modified Raptor 350 can reach insane speeds over 100 mph, does not mean it’s necessarily safe to do so! Ride within your limits…

How Much Faster is a Yamaha Raptor 350 Compared to Other Sport ATVs?

To help provide context around the Raptor 350’s speed capabilities, here’s a quick comparison versus some other popular sport ATV models:

• Yamaha Raptor 250: The smaller 250cc Raptor variant tops out around 55 mph stock due to its less powerful engine. With mods, it can reach 70+ mph. The Raptor 350 has 25% more engine displacement for added speed potential.
• Honda TRX400EX: The Honda 400EX’s peak speed is very close to a stock Raptor 350, around 58-65 mph depending on conditions. With both models optimized, the Raptor 350 can achieve slightly higher top speeds.
• Suzuki Ozark 250: This recreational utility quad has a top speed of only around 45 mph. The Raptor 350 is in a different league in terms of high-performance and speed capabilities.
• Yamaha YFZ450: Yamaha’s 450cc sport ATV is faster than the Raptor 350 in stock form, with a top speed around 70 mph. However, when both are modified, the YFZ450 and Raptor 350 can reach similar maximum speeds in the 80+ mph range.

So while the Raptor 350 gives up some top end compared to large 500+cc sport quads, it can more than hold its own in terms of speed against rivals in the 400cc class and smaller utility-oriented ATVs.

Few machines can match the Raptor 350’s combination of compact size, agile handling and incredible modified speed potential.

Tips for Safely Riding a Yamaha Raptor 350 at High Speeds

If you do plan on finding the limits of your Raptor 350’s top speed, it’s absolutely crucial to keep safety as your top priority.

Speeding on an ATV greatly elevates the risks of crashes and rollovers. Riding at the edge of your machine’s capabilities requires your full attention and respect.

Here are some tips to ensure you’re riding as safely as possible when pushing the speed envelope:

• Get Proper Riding Instruction – Develop fundamental riding skills first before worrying about speed. Take a hands-on safety training course to improve technique.
• Wear Protective Gear – Always wear a DOT certified helmet, goggles, gloves and boots when riding to help prevent injury in a crash.
• Size Matters – Large, heavy riders will be more prone to stability issues at speed. Keep combined weight reasonable.
• Mind the Conditions – Only reach top speed in wide open areas free of obstacles, preferably on flat dirt or pavement. Avoid slick/loose surfaces.
• Inspect Your Machine – Check tire pressure/wear, controls, fluid levels, chain tension and all other systems to identify maintenance issues before riding fast.
• Start Slow – Carefully work your way up to top speed incrementally to get a feel for the machine’s handling. Sudden full throttle bursts can destabilize the ATV.
• Use Throttle Control – Smoothly roll on and off the gas to avoid bucking or wheelies, especially over bumps. Gradual throttle adjustments aid stability.
• Avoid Abrupt Moves – Sudden braking, acceleration or turning can cause loss of traction and control. All inputs should be progressive, not abrupt.
• Watch for Warning Signs – If the front end feels light or the bars twitch at speed, instability is settling in. Ease off the throttle if this occurs.

By using good judgment and following basic precautions, you can explore the Yamaha Raptor 350’s speed potential as safely as possible. But remember, you can have just as much fun without pushing the limit!

Conclusion: How Fast Can a Yamaha Raptor 350 Really Go?

While restricted to 60 mph in stock form, a modified Yamaha Raptor 350 is capable of exceeding speeds of 80+ mph in the right conditions. With extensive engine work and gearing changes, some Raptors have reportedly topped 100 mph after defeating the factory speed limiter.

But just because these impressive speeds are achievable does not mean they are necessarily wise. High-speed riding dramatically increases the risks involved with ATV use. Focus on developing riding skills and operating within your and your machine’s limits, not on simply achieving maximum speed.

The Yamaha Raptor 350 will provide huge grins whether cruising trails at 30 mph or stretching its legs on a straight open stretch. This legendary sport ATV has the performance capability to thrill riders of all experience levels. Through responsible operation and regular maintenance, your Raptor 350 can deliver many miles of family-friendly fun or white-knuckle speed depending on how you choose to ride it.