Ok I am getting a new four wheeler and I need your help on what I should get. Basically it is between the kfx 400 and raptor 660, both 2005. I know a lot about the kfx but not about the raptor. I know that the kfx isn't as fast as the raptor which is why I want it more, but I am not willing to sacrafice quality for only a little bit more speed. So how is the quality on a raptor and is there any known flaws? Also handling with the raptor is not an issue for me because I will get wheel spacers....but if I get the wheel spacers will I be putting more stress on the axel or any other parts? Thanks

P.S. I will be doing a lot of trail/wide open field/road riding.

 

The kfx has the handling and track advantage and is a great trail machine. That said, even the upgraded 2005 models arent as fast as a stock raptor. Pipe them both and the raptor widens the gap. As far as wheel spacers go, they arent the best option but they will work as long as you keep the bike relatively close to the ground, no big jumps is all.

For the riding you have specified and your emphasis on speed/power/acceleration, I would recommend the raptor.

 

Anyone else on the topic of wheel spacers? What would be my best option and how much would it be? Basically I just need to know....is the Raptor a reliable well built bike and will sapcers jepordize quality?

 

A friend of mine bent his axle on his raptor,but that was while doing some pretty big jumps.I never had a problem with mine though.Also heard the earlier raptors had some transmission reliability issues.Again,never had a problem with mine.For trails the 400 would be a good choice,but if you race your buddies(like most of us do)the raptor will have a better chance of winning.

 

Thanks guys! Just out of curiosity, how well would I keep up with a Raptor 660 in a field if I had the KFX jetted, a K&N air filter, exhaust, and sprockets (any tooth recomendations would help too) Thanks. Of course this is against a stock raptor.

 

dont really know how well the stock raptor would do against a modded KFX like that, simply b/c I have never ridden a modded KFX however depending on what you want more low end or top end will determine what sprockets to get, for instance, a 12 tooth sprocket has more low end and a 13tooth has more top end

 

Piped z clones were never a problem for my stock raptor. My friend still has a bone stock raptor and he beat a few just recently but we had no idea if any were 05 models.

 

Yea Ill be going to a higher tooth for more topend. I just want something exremely reliabe with great handling that will keep up on top speed with a raptor.

 

I rode my raptor nearly bone stock for two and a half years and I never had any reliability issues. The only thing that gave me any trouble was the chain adjusters on the stock swingarm. I kept my bike well oiled and polished and always gave it a bath after riding, but those adjuster bolts always seized up. Finally one day one of them snapped off. Fortunatley, by the time that chain wore I was replacing the swingarm anyways, but that was the only issue. Stock the power is awesome. It easily beat my cousin's Z400.

Now I ride with a buddy who has a completely stock raptor, my cousin's Z400 that is jetted with a Yosh system. I can take my cousin, but he can hang with me in the woods. On tight motocross tracks and in holeshots I always pull away within the first 30 yards. The stock raptor would beat him in the long run and be just behind me.

My raptor was and continues to be extremely reliable. Though I have had issues with my coolant system, because I have had to replace the thermostat and water pump, but these are only $10 and $30 dollar parts, and are expected to be replaced at some point.

 

So how do you suppose I would fair against your buddies rappy if I had a yosh system, K&N filter, jets, and a new sprocket geared more towards top end. Im not worried about the hole shot or even the first 50 yards for that matter. I really wanna know about top end. I do a lot of road riding and have to elude the law sometimes, so I really need to be able to stick with the pack if we happen to run.