Hi all, new to the forum. I've been riding quads for about 12 years now and I'm looking to upgrade to a sport quad. I'm kind of tired of not having sufficient power on the sport utility quads. I mainly ride trails with some dirt and gravel roads. I plan on doing some racing as well. I've narrowed it down to two quads. As the title says, which is better, the YFZ450 or the raptor? I have done research and it seems like both machines are pretty equal and have different advantages over each other. I want something that is fun to ride, has plenty of power, and is versatile. I looked at banshees but they are awesome for racing but not so much on the trials because of the two stroke power band. Would love to hear everyone's opinions.
Thanks in advance

 

I like the Raptor same 45hp but unlike the 450 which needs high rpm and the right power band to make it's 45hp the 700 has 45hp across the board and does not work hard to make it's 45hp.

The 700 will take off from stop in 3rd gear no problem , try that with the 450.

The high strung 450 moto cross motor will need a top end rebuild much earlier then the lazy 700.

"There is no replacement for displacement."
Elbert Einstein,

 

I think the Raptor would be a better trail quad too. The YFZ might be a little faster on top end but the extra displacement of the Raptor's 700 engine gives it more torque. The YFZ has to be revved to the moon, the Raptor can lug around a gear too high if you want and still has enough power to get up and go. The Raptor is a little taller and heavier though so the YFZ will probably handle a little better. But as TLC said, it will definitely require less maintenance than any of the 450 class quads. If I were you, I would ride both and then you can decide for yourself which one you like better. One will simply feel better than the other one. In the end its all about personal preference.

 

It's depends on what you like really. I choose a raptor 700 mainly because I ride trials a lot and wanted a reliable sports trial monster that can hang with the 450's on the mx track as well. So far zero complaints all my buddies have 450's and we have a blast toghter except when it's a wide open stretch it then becomes no fun for them because they are eating my dust lol.