Just bought an '02 Raptor Limited Edition last night. It looks showroom new, with some of the **** still on the tires. I'm going on a trip to the Colorado mountains in two weeks, so I've got a little time to get used to it and get some advice from you guys. Is there anything for free, or almost free, that I should do right away? Airbox stuff?? I've just started doing searches, so any key words or usernames would help. I can't afford to spend much on mods right now, but just looking at it, skid plates would seem to be the best investment before the Colorado trip. I'm looking at this thing sitting beside my Polaris 4x4, and thinking I better be alert for rocks. Would you get full armor, or just A-arms and swingarm? What brand? I welcome any jetting comments from Colorado riders. We'll be staying at South Fork and riding up to maybe ~12,000 ft. There has been a little hidden competition between all the guys that had to go buy a machine for this trip...most wound up with 400cc to 700cc 4x4's. I told them a month ago I was going to make sure and have the fastest...I just hope I don't regret not having the ground clearance. I may be doubling up with the wife on the Polaris. Thanks for any advice.

 

this is my advice, dont buy any a-arm skidplates or any type of protection for your quad, you can make it yourself and is quite easy because all the holes are already on the frame and is pretty simple to modify.
The clearance on the raptor is so/so its ONE of the highest sitting quads with quite a bit clearance for a sport but i dont think ull have many problems with it.....gl!

 

You can get skids for the a arms, chasis, and swingarm for around $200 shipped to your door from rockymountainatv.com

Another mod to look into is a full exhaust system, k&n filter with the pro design plate, and jetting up with no lid. Then the raptor really comes alive. If you are riding in Colorado, it probaly wouldn't hurt to drop 1 tooth on the front sprocket and go to a 12/40 gearing. That will give you some better bottom end compared to the stock gearing. But have fun and be careful...dont' forget your helmet.

 

Good advice on the 12T. I got to ride it a little today...took it on the highway once, and man this thing has some topend!

 

MODS- PIPE KIT.. full if u can. other wise a slip on..
open air box
jetted

you can make your belly skid just take the stock plastic cut out some metal and drill osme holes. looks good when u use dimond plate.. very trick..

12t front sprocket is awsome.. witht he mods on our raptor it will go 75mph with a 12t.. its fast.. be prepared for those unxpected 3rd and 4th gear wheelies when racing your friends.. but a pipe,filter, jets you will notice awome increse.. and you cant go wrong with a GYTR pipe, Noss Adapeter and KN filter, GYTR stage 2 jets.. it will RIP..