Five Yamaha ATVs Named Consumers Digest Best Buys

Consumers Digest has named five Yamaha ATVs to its Best Buys list for 2012 – the Yamaha Grizzly 300, Raptor 700R, Raptor 700R Special Edition, Raptor 250 and Raptor 250R.

The all-new 2012 Grizzly 300 was selected by Consumers Digest for delivering “… the well-known quality of the Grizzly line at a bargain price.” The Grizzly 300 boasts the longest suspension travel length providing the smoothest ride of models in its class. Premium features such as hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels helped the Grizzly 300 rise to the top of the Economy Utility ATV category.

Featuring the best power-to-weight ratio among sport ATVs, the 686cc fuel-injected engine and overall performance of the 2012 Yamaha Raptor 700R impressed the Consumers Digest team in a variety of terrain. Also noted was that the 700R can be customized with a choice of 11 different graphic options at no additional charge, which is an industry first. The 700R Special Edition was selected as a Best Buy for its addition of a wave-type rear disc and unique graphics to the 700R’s design.

Earning its second Best Buy award since 2008, the 2012 Yamaha Raptor 250 was commended for producing the kind of performance that riders might expect from a higher-end model. Consumers Digest cited the Raptor 250’s light weight and low seat height as features that help make it “… a fun machine for riders, regardless of their size.” The 2011 Raptor 250R also received a Best Buy for the addition of upgraded shocks, LED taillight and adjustable front-brake lever to the 250’s construction.

“Yamaha has injected real world value into the all-new Grizzly 300 and offers class-leading performance throughout our Raptor line of sport ATVs, and we couldn’t be more proud to have an impartial, third party like Consumers Digest recognize this with Best Buy awards,” says Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “Receiving a Best Buy is exciting, but earning five Consumers Digest Best Buy nods this year in both utility and sport ATV categories is a unique and exclusive honor that symbolizes Yamaha’s dedication to excellence and leadership in the ATV industry.”