BigMike

I'm looking for a late model Yamaha Raptor 700, YZF 450, or a newer Honda 400EX. I have heard that all of the past Raptor evils have corrected in the new 700's. Has anybody ridden both to compare? Has anybody ever compared the Raptor 700 to the YZF 450? Looking for a cash deal at the right price. Close to Tampa would be a bonus. Any opinions on these quads would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

buck183

I race MX and ride the dunes heavily. That being said I prefer the YFZ myself.

Not a big fan of the EX. Great bike but underpowered for my taste.

If I was a trail rider or someone that liked to cruise and take it easy with the convenience of reverse the Rappy would be my choice. They still feel top heavy for my taste. Just and opinion and we all have them.

Take a look at the quad forums. No different than OSO when it comes to boating. Plenty of info to be had on all these rides.

Buck

HiPerf2000

iTrader: (2)

450 is the best out of the 3 you mentioned. i've ridden them all.

BigMike

So the YZF 450 does not have reverse? Thanks for the replies. What should I expect to pay for a 1 or 2 year old YZF or Raptor? Are there any dealers on the board? Is the Raptor 350 way underpowered? I weigh in at a featherlike 235 pounds and do not want to be short on power.

Comanche3Six

Raptor is fuel injected...a plus

buck183

I've always been a Yamaha man. That being said, yes it's underpowered IMO. I'd take the EX over the 350 Rappy.

Buck

scottie150

If you want reverse, awesome suspension and great overall performance look at the Suzuki LTZ400. If you want the bad boy on the block check out the new LTR 450- it is currently the one to beat. I sell Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha and Suzuki consistantly out performs and you get more bang for your buck. Just my .02.

Scott

BigMike

Scottie150,

Thanks for the heads-up. What would be considered a good deal on a late model Raptor 700?

Thanks,
Mike

Wobble

The Honda is a good nimble trail riding bike, I have only riden the 400ex once, but it is a lot like the 300ex I have had since 1992.

Cant speak to the others, but my Honda has thousands of miles on it and still runs strong. It has been abused in everyway possible including numerous submersions.

Honda or Yamaha are hard to beat for durability IMO

bghert

Off the subject anyone with a Raptor 660 ever replaced the starter gear. I have mine torn apart but it seems there is a special tool to remove the gear. Any help is appreciated. Bike is a 2003 660r.