The Raptor is one bad *** machine, and all this aluminum takes on another level, but between it and the DS, I'd for sure take the DS. I was disappointed in the suspension travel, and that it's as long and high as the DS, yet narrower(less comfort/stability). I like the ground clearance and handles(by the looks of it), though. It will, however, probably smoke anything. With all that said about the Raptor, then looking at the DS, personally the DS650 is by far on top to me so far. Sorry for saying that, but I'm looking straight into the good ****. I'd rather have the stability(as long as it can maneuver in the trails, which, from what I've heard, the DS can), and LONG suspension travel. I also think the DS looks way better(wait till you see the Raptor not so squeaky clean: spy pics), smoother, faster, and cooler. We'll see how things turn out, but as of now, I'd definately take a DS650 between the two. To tell you the truth, the Raptor has boosted my liking for the Bombardier WAY up. I appreciate it more. I like how it sits better, looks, and LOVE all the suspension travel. Just what's on my mind. Yeah, I'd for sure take a DS, even if the 660R smokes it. Yeah, I like the DS.

 

THE RAPTOR WILL BLOW THOSE UGLY FENDERS OFF THE BIG YELLOW SLUG. I THINK THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE DS 650'S NAME. I LIKE ALL MOTORCYCLE COMPANIES, I HAVE HAD MANY BIKES FORM KAWASAKI- YAMAHA. BOMBARDIER HAS NOT PROVED ANYTHING TO ME "YET". I JUST THINK THE DS IS JUST WAY TO BIG AND NOT ALL THAT MUCH POWER. I THINK YAMAHA TAKES FOREVER TO MAKE BIKES BUT THEY MAKE THEM AS GOOD AS THEY GET. IT WILL TAKE MANY YEARS FOR SOMETHING TO BEAT THIS RAPTOR. HOPEFULLY IT DOESNT TAKE ANOTHER 10 YEARS FOR YAMAHA TO MAKE ANOTHER QUAD.

 

Look, the suspension alone gives the Raptor such a disadvantage that it can't "blow" the DS away. People are too caught up in this "newest is best" thing that they can't realize reality. DS can already handle more with a full foot of suspension and 11 inches of clearance. The Raptor WILL be faster, if that's what you mean by "blowing away". The extra bit of width gives the DS stability and comfort. The DS width and weight were the two things that made me a little shakey about it, but as it turns out, it can maneuver so well the width isn't a problem, but I still don't like the weight. There is NO question which looks better, DS 100%, that is, if you prefer "different/futuristic/innovative". I like the Raptor, it's just I'm taking nothing away from Bombardier, don't forget, THEY took it to another level. THEY did. You know what would be a dream? If Bombardier makes the DS 650 of aluminum. Then you're looking at FLAWLESS. That's something Yamaha did for the hi-perf ATV future...aluminum. They showed how light a quad like the Raptor can be. The Raptor IS awesome, IS the FASTEST quad ever, IS unbelievable, but I'm looking through the fog and putting together a puzzle which points to the DS.

 

You know what's pathetic? Come on, man. You haven't even SEEN this machine you're talking so much sh*t about.

 

Uh, "many years" for something to beat the Raptor? You're arguing about two machines and you haven't ridden either one, are you kidding? With any luck we're entering a terrific era for sport ATV's where the bar is raised by competition each year, not once a decade.

 

I had a chance to test drive a DS650... awesome quad. High-performance king in my opinion. Wish it had reverse and another color to choose from.
The Yamaha Raptor looks very, very, tough...The Black/White has me drooling...Until there's a shootout we won't know how it stacks up against the competition, but if the specs. are on the money there's a new champ on the move...

juvenile,
Yamaha has drop one like it was hot....!!

 

I strongly agree with Arizona... It astonishes me the length that people will go to, to display their stupidity. Let’s see…the Raptor was just ANNOUNCED and not even in PRODUCTION YET. All you have in front of you is a specification sheet and still you spout off the “fact” if you will, that the Raptor will “blow away” the DS. Son, keep talking, we’ll still be laughing!

I am not bashing the Raptor at all (unlike most others regarding the DS). I think the black and white Raptor looks sweet! In fact, I wish the DS came with reverse, perhaps they will come out with a kit to convert it? Who knows…I also agree on the fact, I’m a tad bit disappointed regarding its suspension travel.

None the less, perhaps you should take heed of a bit of advice…”If you keep your mouth shut people can only assume you’re an ignoramus…Open it and you’ll prove it.”

 

If you talk to any of the aftermarket chasis companies they will tell you "it's not how much travel you have, but how the suspension is setup, that matters - the geometry of it all, camber, caster, etc." Even with all the suspension travel the DS has, it does not handle perfectly due to the extra weight and the geometry. Probably for tall, heavy set people, the bigger the QUAD is and the more suspension travel it has would be best, but not necessarily for an averaged size guy. I saw one of those videos and it did look like the Raptor might have some stability problems (2 wheeling) due to it being so narrow and fast. During a turn at speed I saw the inside front tire start to come off the ground. The DS is probably more stable since is is much wider. In the video though, the Raptor lookes liked it hauls ***. The DS and Raptor are the same HP so I wouldn't expect them to be that much different in speed, although a few adjustments to the DS may be needed to keep up, like better tires, a 38 tooth rear sprocket, some carb work.

 

With bikes that can do almost 80mph extra width,travel and weight might be nice to have.I do not think anything near 400lb should be jumping around a motoX track any ways.

 

DS650 s..., RAPTOR rules. How do you like that, can you feel it, can you feel it, uh, uh!! Just kidding, would like to see this thing in action and maybe take it for a test ride. Looks pretty cool though. Gt cruiser pulling a Raptor (Jetsons) pretty funny!! Just jelous are we..