Hey guys, I'm looking for some input.

I had a 2000 Honda 400EX for the past 3 years. I'm currently 19 as of today and am 6'2 and probably 165 lbs. I'm looking for something that has a little more grunt than my EX; it seemed to wind out so quick. It'd get to 5th gear so quick and that'd be it (on the flats). I want one that when going in 3rd or 4th gear can pick the tires up and keeps gaining in 5th gear. I plan on putting on a pipe and some paddles and that is about it. The YZF is too much money and I want reverse when I have to get it on the trailer/around the garage, etc. I'm just looking to have some fun at the Silver Lake Dunes in MI. (nothing too big if you have been there).

I read pretty much every post pertaining (sp?) to this question on the previous 49 pages minus a few, I'm just not convinced yet.

Thanks for your input,
Matt

 

Happy Birthday [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] but either one could do well..

 

Thanks [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Not to bash(and please do not start bashing), but just on a performance level, is the 400 and the raptor on a pretty even playing field? I guess that is the main question. Since I will be in wide open areas/hills, this is key.

Thanks again,
Matt

 

A piped raptor will eat a piped z. The z is a great machine, the raptor just has a lot more engine and torque.

My raptor is great at the dunes. The only 4 stroke that beat my piped raptor were other raptors down at the beach at silver lake last year.

 

Got prices today... Any opinions on them would be appreciated.

2004 YZF - 6366 OTD (Tax and all that good stuff... on the truck)
2004 YZF LTD - 6688 OTD
2004 'Shee - 5522 OTD
2004 'Shee LTD 5628 OTD
Didn't ask about a raptor... but will be in between those two. I would say 5700 OTD consider the MSRP is the same as the banshee.

I sat on the YZF, it felt extremely small the and seat was well, a brick. I'm sure it's just something to get used to, but it sure did feel small. (6'2"). The Banshee felt great. The handlebars are higher and the seat is soft. I'm not sure about having to rebuild the motor often/mixing gas.

Thanks again,
Matt

 

If you're going to be riding in wide open areas then go with the Raptor, it is better suited for the dunes than a Z. But the Z does handle incredibly and has great power if you would like to spend a little less.