Hi

I have been riding quads for 7 - 8 months now and really love it, I currently have a 400EX 2000 model, I will most likely keep this quad for another year and a half, but in the mean time will start invetigating other quads.

I am looking for a quad that has a good turn of pace, good handling and a reverse. I know this starts to point at the Raptor and the LTZ400, the main purpose for the bike will be to ride trails (huge hill climbs,etc.), play around doing tricks and maybe the odd enduro race ( an all rounder, with some spunk). Here in South Africa Enduro riding is really big, you can do a seach on the 'Roof of Africa' or the 'Dakar' to get some insight to what I mean.

My brother is in two mind whether to get a quad or a 2wheeler, but I am convincing him that quads are the way to go. He will also be looking for a bike but has less experience than I have in ride quads, the same criteria as above applies to him.

Please help us SA guys decide what to get.

 

I think you have it narrowed down pretty well with the Raptor or the Z400/KFX400. Considering your criteria needing reverse those are the best bets. 400 will be nimble like your EX, and Raptor is heavier but rides very comfortably and can be made to produce big power.

Cheers,
Shady

 

Which of the two Quads are the most reliable? And what would you do to improve the handling on the Raptor if this is the way I decided to go? I know the Raptor is a bit tippy dew the the High seat height and the narrow rear axle, etc. Would you use spacers at the back only, or would you get a wider axle, or would you do the axle as well as the a-arms and how much wider would you go?

Also which bike is suited best for technical riding?

Here in South Africa Yamaha is really big and is the number one bike Dealers, Honda is currently making a comeback as they pulled out the country a couple of years ago and are now re-establishing themselves. Suzuki are less tried and tested in the quad market here, so the reliability factor is important.

any additional input would be great.

Thanks

 

I think they'd be equally reliable. Don't get an 01 Raptor for tranny concerns although mine's never gone south. The Raptor can be widened in the front by getting Gorilla brand flush mount valve stems and flipping the rims around. This gets you much wider like 5.5". That helped ours. If I were jumping much I would get a wider rear axle rather than spacers.

If I was setting up a Raptor for myself, I would get +2 a arms, wider axle, and good shocks. Might even look into a +2 swingarm on the dirt where you have lots of traction. Good tires would be a must, like XC Holeshots. We ride sand so that doesn't come into play much.

The Z400 though seems to be a better handler and jumper, if you can develop the power you desire with it. For all but dune riding I think a mildly hopped up Z would suffice in the HP department. JMO....

 

Thanks a stack ShadyRascal

The input has been great, I have a friend of mine that has a stock Raptor, he stay on a farm in the Dankensberg Mountain, there is some awesome riding out there. I will be going to visit him in two weekends time, so I will ask him if I can take his Raptor for a ride, my brother will most likely buy the Z400 as he thinks that the HP of the Raptor will be a bit much for him, so I will check it out when he gets it, if he gets it and make a decision from there. I also know the owner of the Yamaha Dealership quite well here of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, so I may be able organize a ride on a modded Raptor.

Thanks again for your input, Stay Cool.

SADude.

 

If you have access to Kawasaki, how about a V Force (kfx 700). It is an automatic, but fast!! It is allways in the exact gear you need and it hillclimbs great! It is also easy to ride. If you are a large guy it will fit like a glove. Check out my pics. (click on camera)

 

Hi

Here in the SA they call they KFX700 the magic carpet as due to its size it give the impression on gliding over everything, you pis on you personnel page look cool. I probably won't go with the V-Force as the weight of the big freaks me out a little as well as it being an auto. I am only 5'9" and 190LBS the the size of the bike is a little scary for me.

But thanks for the input, I enjoyed you personnel page it is nice to learn a little about everyone, I need to get mine up and running.

Cheers

SADude

 

id go with a raptor. cant beat the torque and power in the tight woods. great trail ans sport bike.