For the 2004 model year, Yamaha rebadged the Warrior. It is now known as the Raptor 350. Including the name change, Yamaha also improved this machine's look with new bodywork, and handling was also improved by adding lower profle tires.

  However the lower tires resulted in reduced ground clearance. To fix this dilemma on our 2006 Raptor 350, we turned to the Salt Lake City, Utah based Ricochet Company. Ricochet has a complete line of belly pans, A-arm gurads and skid plates for all sport ATV's and Utility Machines.

  For this unit, we ordered up a full length belly pan and swingarm skid plate. To keep the Raptor front end light we opted not to install the A-arm guards they offer. Ricochet sells a complete protection kit with all of these products we listed for $230.

  To install these products we spent about a half an hour with two twelve and thirteen millimeter wrenchse, a ten millimeter T-handle and a five millimeter allen.

  The rear swingarm guard mounted using the stock protector's mounting points and supplied metric hardware.

  The full-length belly pan laid firmly under the bottom frame rails and attached with hook-style fasteners. Since all of the supplied fasteneres were equipped with self-locking nuts, no loctite was required.

  Each plate is constructed of 5051 aluminum. The belly pan and A-arm guards measure 3/16" thick and the swingarm guard is 1/4" thick. The clamps and bolts are high quality as well. Both plates are quality pieces and have a clear anodized finish for that raw but clean look.

  Installation was a snap. Not only does the belly pan protect the engine, it protects the cener section of the frame. In fact, our new belly pan covered up some previous damage in the frame just in front of the engine.

  Out on the trail, the skids provided excellent protection from the rocks, roots and other damages causing elements. After a test through thirty miles of hte roughest, rockiest terrain we could find, both Ricochet products we installed are holding up well with only minor scrapes. Both products seem to glide over obstacles without any fanfare.

  At ony $230 for the entire protection kit, we think these products are definitely worth the small investment. After the test, we are confident the products can provide plenty of protection for the casual rider or racer.