I had a 99 warrior fully done up. bored .40 over high comp pistons. new cams overbored exhaust and intake with titanium valves and hd springs. sealed battery, ac racing protection, renthal bars, +2 eliminator axle, razrII's all around, twist throttle, oversized carb, and racing gas.
unfortunately it was stolen last week just before our riding season on the east coast...ive prayed for testicular cancer on the scumbag that stole it...i hope my prayers will be answered.

so ive been looking at new bikes this week. the obvious choices, yfz450, trx450, 400z and a raptor. most of my riding is trails and hillclimbs. ive ridin the yzf and it feels a bit weird...it seems that the bar location makes you sit lower on the bike like a rice rocket. ive never riden the z or the 450r. the raptor seems a bit tall for tight cornering on trails but i like the power and the unlimited mods...the yfz looked like it would get destroyed on east coast trails...rocks and all....
so i would like to hear ppls opinions on what would best suit needs.
what kinda power can i get out of a z...
money is not a real issue on my decision...

any help would be appreciated..thanks guys and dont forget.....LETS RIP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

bump

 

Sorry to hear about your machine being stolen from you.

There is really no universal answer for this question. The yfz does have a different kind of riding postion than most are used to. Its designed for mx racing and likes to be ridden hard. You can extend the steering stem and change the bars, lower the pegs and get a thicker seat. This will make it a little more trail oriented. It really is at home on the track, but can be a great xc/hs racer.

The honda 450r is kind of the bastard child of the yfz and the 400ex. It makes the transition with a few more recreational tendencies than the yfz but more power and better suspension than the ex. This bike would be more for the trail minded race machine owner. It has a more relaxed riding postition than the yfz but still maintains a racer profile and handling.

The Raptor is kind of in its own class. It has power very similar to the banshee and ds650, but is built for trails, not dunes like the others. That is the cause of the skinnier profile and somewhat higher ride height. A quick fix is to flip the rear suspension linkage and get a new set of rear tires. This dramatically helps the stability and ease in throwing the rear end around. While this has the highest top speed of the group, the 450 bikes will get there faster with better acceleration. As you stated, the performance possibilities are endless. Up to 14hp with a pipe and filter. Another 6 or so with a mild cam and piston. All the way up to the 770 Powroll kit pushing huge hp numbers down the track.

The z has been considered the ultimate trail machine. It has reverse, liquid cooling, a powerful dohc engine, and great handling charachteristics. However, you do sacrafice power. This bike will need a 440 kit to run with stock 450's and lightly modded raptors. With all the mods to your warrior, you were probably close to or above the power being put out by a z. At least you could have taken a 400ex.

It really comes down to preferences and riding styles and types. If you are going to be a racer the yfz is in your future. If you want a trail cruiser the z or trx may be a good choice. If you like the idea of power potential then there is the raptor. A few minutes on the seat of these machines can make a world of difference so if you can get the chance to ride one at a dealer or a local riding area then you will be much happier and sure of your purchase.

 

thanks for the reply. i agree with you on all points. i am almost positive that i will get bored with the 400z real quick and then have to dump $$$ for the 440 kit and some other things...i sat on the yfz this weekend and it is more of a racing bike, not what i am really looking for...i like the raptor with all its potential but we have the tipping issue, because i do ride hard and fast...what do you mean by flipping the linkage? i know what you mean but how does this benefit the stability?
i also figured if i am going to look at the trx450 might as well get the yfz and see what happens...my dealer sympathised with me and gave me the yfz for 6900 otd...
then i thought about the predator..hmmm
any thought on that.
keep in mind my areas of riding are trails and hillclimbs..not sand hills but dirt..you know PA, northern NY.

thanks maddogg

 

Flipping the rear linkage on the raptor lowers the ride height 1-2 inches unloaded. This lowers the cog and makes a noticeable difference in ride quality without reducing funtionality as the front lowering kits do. The Raptor is taller than other machines, but once you are used to it the ride feels like second nature. Its narrower stance is also a benefit in tight trails. No busted tie rods because you clipped that tree.

The predator is a great machine as well. It is about on par with the power of the raptor due to its 500cc dohc engine. It is a larger machine than the 400 class but is designed for mx and hs/xc use. It has a unique front end design to reduce bump steer and good front suspension. This machine would do well on the trail as well. No reverse, but thats a preference issue anyway.

 

Have you considered the KFX-700 (V-Force). I hear they are a real blast to ride, a bit heavy though. Anyway, just a thought, something you might consider.