Hi all,

After riding dirt bikes for many years, I bought a Warrior last year for something new. After riding it for a while I decided it's time to upgrade. I didn't think this would be the case when I bought it but I ride mostly dunes, but I still want a machine that can do trails when needed. On the dunes, I love hill climbing and general fooling around. It seems like we spend most of our time in idiot holes or whooped sand trails. I also would love to do some drag racing and beat up on my buddies with banshees. I also have a friend with a 660 which I have ridden. I liked it but can't compare it to anything besides the warrior, scrambler 400, or banshee.

I have limited my selection to a LTZ 400, Predator, or Raptor 660. My price range is $2000-2500. I have also thought about a 450 but $2500 does not buy a very nice 450.

I have read about these quads to death but it doesn't seem like anybody does quite the same kind of riding as me.

So... what is your input?

 

You're not going to do much "beating up Banshees" with either of these quads but it will be better than racing them with a Warrior! My vote is for the Raptor and here's why:

I'm not sure why you chose the LTZ400, it's not even in the same class with a Raptor or Predator. It is the slowest of the 3, and is not a good choice for racing because those engines will drop a valve in a heartbeat if over-revved. When Suzuki found out about this problem, their fix was to install a premature rev limiter - counter productive for racing!

The Predator is not a bad choice but I personally wouldn't want one because parts are not as plentiful as the Raptor. For instance, we went to the Hatfield-McCoy trails years ago and my buddy took his Predator. His rear hub splines stripped out while out riding and he couldn't find a hub for his Predator locally, but he found plenty of Yamaha hubs. He had to load up and go home, if he had a Yamaha, he could have fixed it and kept riding!

I would be careful with the 2001 Raptor beacause of the transmission troubles and they had a problem with the carbs blowing off of the carb boot. These problems have probably all been fixed by now, though. I have seen '01 Raptors on Craigslist listed as '02 models probably because the owner couldn't sell it truthfully as an '01, so be careful with that also. I would run the VIN # and get a signed bill of sale with the VIN # on it, notorized would be even better.

The Raptor 700 is a MUCH better quad than the 660, I have seen some '06 models listed in my area for $2500. If you could find one in your area that fits your budget that would be a better choice than the 660.

 

Thanks for the input. The reason I was entertaining the LTZ 400 is because I have heard that (stock for stock) it has a way better suspension than the Raptor, and almost as much HP, or at least HP/weight ratio. Obviously not as much torque. But the better handling/suspension would be handy instead of dumping a bunch of money into the Raptor to make it handle better.

Good point with the Predator.

Anything else?

 

Noooooooo. As raptor450 said, the 400 is the slowest of the three you mentioned. Either the Yamaha 700 or Honda 700 will obliterate it. That being said, the 400s, whether it be a Honda, Kawasaki, or Suzuki, are great play quads for tight trail riding yet you can still have fun out in the open or on a track. The 450s are obviously more race oriented and are really fast off the line, and the big boys... 700cc and over are just plain fun everywhere because of all the power they put to the ground. While they are not as nimble on tight trails as the 400s are, they will shine out in the open where you can stretch their legs. Decide on what type of riding you will do the most and base your decision on this.

 

OK. You guys have pretty much convinced me to do a 660. There are definitely not any 700s in my price range around here.

 

Not trying to tell you what to do, but it really is worth the wait to save a little more to get the 700 with fuel injection. You don't have to worry about rejetting. This is a real plus when riding at different altitudes. Plus the 700 is definitely stronger. I have seen 08 Raptors for $3,000. I know its tough, but take your time and be patient and you will find a good deal.

 

I'd agree, save up a little bit more if you can and go for the 700 raptor over the 660. The 700 had the bugs worked out by 08 and it may very well save you money in the long run plus efi is always nice

 

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I ended up getting a 2002 660R for $1800. The least expensive 700 I could find in a 100mi radius was $4000.

The 660 is in great shape and I can't wait to get out and enjoy it!

 

Cool! That's not a bad deal!