This isn't a which is faster or better thread. My dad is looking at getting a 650DS and we couldn't really find a review of it that doesn't sound like it's is biased. My dad hasn't rode a quad in a little more than 10 years and his last quad was a LT250R. He doesn't plan on racing, just riding trails. He really likes the Raptor 700, but whats the ground clearance of the 650. I'm trying to get him to look at the z400.

What do you all really think about the 650? Do you think the 650 would be to much of a bike for him? Would the z400 or the Raptor be a better choice?


Also about how many miles to a take of gas can a Banshee go. I know that 2 strokes don't get the milage that a 4 stroke will. I'm looking at trading my Warrior for a Banshee or a z400. I would be riding some tight, sometimes rocky trails.

Thanks in advance.

 

If you want to do alot of tight trail riding I would definatly get the z400 over the shee. As far as your dad goes it just really depends on how big of a guy your dad is. If he is a larger guy he will like the room of the DS or Rappy, not to mention they have a pretty good power increase over the Z. They are all good bikes really. He really needs to go test drive all the bikes he can then make a decision.

 

If he is going to look at something big like a DS you should also have him look at the KFX700. It's about the same size and it's good for trails because CVT means no shifting with all the power you may need (or not need) at the times you may need it.

 

The DS and the KFX are both big machines, that aren't exactly the hot ticket for trail riding! These machines are big and heavy.....a world of difference from his old LT. But, if your dad is a huge guy, he may not have many other choices available. The older Raptor is to narrow, a bit top heavy and a little tippy for my taste. Have not ridden the new Raptor yet.

By far, the best all-around machine out there is the Z400. I do however prefer the 400EX over the Z for really tight, slower semi-technical trails. The EX is no powerhouse, but it is a dead solid reliable machine. On rocky trails it is the ticket!

Never found fuel consumption to be an issue with etiher of these machines.

 

The DS has lots of ground clearance, lots of room, a recliner for a seat, and a motor that goes good with mods....my buddy had a raptor and a modded DS with stock shocks, the DS was just all around smoother and it could take hard hits better then the raptor, I will tell you that the raptor had a tough motor...i kept telling him to change his oil after the break in period and it was never changed, never added and the machine still ran...surprising to me

 

You guys all arent listening...this guy aint on the dunes nor racetrack. If your dad is doing trail riding then having the raptor 700 would be the best...Its got a ton a of power. He can easily handle it and its got reverse were the ds doesnt and it weighs alot less. Try riding a DS on tight trails and having to make it through a tight treed section or having to pull it backwards and turn it around.....pain in the azz. On the trails not having reverse is a pain and if you ride trails enough you will wish you had it. Forget the DS all together...you should definitly look at the the z400, trx400ex rappy 700r, and predator 500 as all those machines have reverse. You can increase ground clearence by running 22" tires with 1 tooth front sprocket down and 1 up in the back with the rear swingarm skid also off. On my z It makes a world off diff when you get to a muddy high centered section and your disc can cut through the mud and chain help push you through versus sliding over. Just watch out for rocks.

 

i would go with the Raptor 700, however, from what ive seen you describe on the trails that you'll be riding, i would HIGHLY reocomend a Polaris Outlaw, solid power with IRS

 

Thanks for the responses.

I went today and sat on a Raptor 700, 400EX, a kfx400 and a kfx700. Im going to assume that the z400 would feel the same as the kfx400. Wish I could have test drove some of those, but just from sitting on them I think the kfx400 has the best feel to it. Followed by the kfx700, the Raptor and then the 400EX. My dad is about my size and weight, 6'2" about 275 pounds so I would guess he might feel the same on the bike as I do, but that's just a guess.

I do really think that no matter what decision he makes he'll be satisfied. We both like to ride for the ride.

Thanks again.


P.S. I kind of really wish that I didn't go sit on them today cause now I'm wanting to trade my Warrior in for a kfx400! I guess I am lucky I didnt test drive one, otherwise I might have been out the door with it.

 

I'm about the same size as your dad and I looked at the KFX400 as well as the 700. The 400 felt too small -- like it would be uncomfortable on a full day's ride.

 

i don't see why everyone needs reverse so bad. i ride trails all the time and reverse is no big thing you guys all say you'd wish you would have it but i don't even care about it. if hes a big guy im going to say look into a predator. the z and ex won't pull him around as good and the pred is a little bigger so he'll be more comfortable. but if hes going to want moree machine go with the raptor 660 in my opinion i think its a great machine reverse pently of motor to play with and its not tippy if you lean