My wife is new to riding, and I rode the Suzuki 400 and the Raptor 350 and I like the 400, I think wife will be ok on 350 but dont want her to outgrow it, does anyone have any experince with this...I have YZF 450...She is not too aggressive, I thought about getting her the YZF 450 but I think its too much for here
Help....KneeDragger

 

The Raptor is an old outdated machine despite the new upgrades. Air cooled is a big minus in my book. Get the Z400. Plenty of zip and can be made to beat your YFZ w/ the proper kit and porting, cough cough.... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Maybe the Raptor 350 is watercooled. I can't remember..

 

Hmm... is this going to be a gift?

If not, you should take her to the dealer to let her ride each one and see what she likes. I guarantee she'll like the z400 better though.

 

The 400 will allow her to ride at a faster pace quicker than the 350[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] I could see her being more comfy on the raptor though depending on her body size and what not.

 

I would go with the Z400. I'm just not a big fan of the Warrior based Raptor 350.

 

The Raptor is based on the old Warrior. I rode a Warrior for years, and at the time it seemed like it was ok, but years later after riding so many other bikes I realize what a miserable machine it was!

The Z is just going to be way more comfortable. It is a bike an adult beginner can handle, but even an experienced rider can have fun on it. The engine is a little pipey (likes to rev), so keep her out of any really slow, technical stuff to start with (it requires a bit of clutch work).

Also, take a look at the Honda 400EX. If you ride a lot of slower trails, I think it is a better pick than the Z (the engine can be lugged down, and ridden slow). The Z is a better pick though for faster trails and fire roads, and wide open terrain.

 

No not a gift just something to ride, I did let her ride both and she liked the Suzuki 400 better but that was only in a parking lot. She is like 5'1 115, I jusr didnt want to get something that would have too much power and that would be waisted....she is not that aggressive...For some reason I am stuck on not haveing mixed ATV's....I already have a YZF 450....maintenance wise and stuff.....Anyone out there mixed own different types of ATVS????? Any wives out here with opinions??