I have a 2003 raptor 660 and i was wondering if any body new how to make it more stable? If i get a new swing arm would it effect my turning radius badly, or would longer a arms help?

 

You can make a Raptor handle MUCH better than stock but it takes $$$. A +2 swingarm really helps keep the rear end under control, the Raptor should have come that way stock IMHO. +2 a-arms are great if you still want to ride trails, +3 if you are going for max width. Shocks make a huge difference, spend the money for zero preload shocks. If you are really serious about making your Raptor handle, a long travel front end will soak up anything you can throw at it but you're looking at $2k + for just the front end. Don't be afraid to spend a little more to get quality components, you'll only cry once.

 

hey thanks for the info, it helps a lot, some one told me to look into wheel spacers and there not real expensive do you think they will help at all? im selling my dirt bike so i should get some money out of that what brand of shocks would you recomend?

 

Wheel spacers are OK but I think they put a lot more stress on the front wheel bearings, the back end is fine. Do yourself a favor and grease the front wheel bearings more often if you do run spacers, my wheel bearings didn't last when I used them.

What kind of shocks depends on how fat your wallet is and whether or not you race. I was impressed with a set of no-sag steelers on a Banshee, made a night and day difference and they weren't very expensive. If you race, you'll want to look at Elka, Pep, or Axis for improved heat management and beefier components.

 

http://alba.buyol.com/Virtual/Virtua...ocess_Mode=ADD

is this what your talking about?

 

is your pro circuit silencer any good?

 

I think it is, it made a big difference but ive never tried any thing else so i cant compare it to anything

 

There is also a lowering kit that lowers the center of gravity, don't know if it's good but just giving you ideas. And with the shocks, if you have a deep pocket, go with shocks with reservoirs, they make your ride as comfortable as you want it, it makes a huge difference.

 

actually the reserviors make only a little difference, the purpose of them is for addtional fluid to keep the overall fluid temperature lower in longer races... desert, XC, motos longer than 20 min, etc.

what makes one shock feel better than another is proper spring rates and valving for you & your riding. zero preload(or self sagging) shocks are great for racers that can use them and are aggressive, but most riders don't want the harsh ride & feel.

wheel spacers are the cheap way to get some width and i've seen many riders do that, they do put additional stress on wheel bearings & ball joints. they also cause more bump steer.

 

there is no cheap way to make any quad more stable. stay far away from wheel spacers and lowing kits. they are very dangerous. both products have a good rep for breaking. like the pontiac ad(wider is better) bite the bullet and go with + 2 a-arms and at least a +2 rear axle. getting new shocks for the wider a-arms is a good idea. i may have to lean towards if you don't ride aggressive you may beable to get away with not getting new shocks. but if you do decide on new shocks it would help if you got zps(zero preload shock) shocks, which would equal to lower ride hight, which eqaul lower cgs (center of gravity) dont take this the wrong way but the raptor is plagued just like the banshee. handles like crap but can be corrected with $$$$$. i hope the info is usefull.