Consumers Digest Names Five Yamaha ATVs to Best Buy List

CYPRESS, Calif., April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., is proud to announce that its Grizzly 300 utility ATV and Raptor 700R, Raptor 700R Special Edition, Raptor 250 and Raptor 250R sport ATVs have been named Consumers Digest Best Buys.  This is the second time the Raptor 250 has received the honor.

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," said 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."

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company's ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

ATVs with engines greater than 90cc are recommended for use only by riders age 16 years and older.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Van Holmes
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. (714) 761-7370
[email protected]

SOURCE Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.