Might be leaning towards DSX

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Hey guys/gals. First post, just joined to get some hopefully unbiased opinions.
Just racking my brain on what I want to get.

The Story:
I currently have an 04 Predator 500 which I like, but it's time to move on. The Predator is fine for speed and short rides, but the last couple of rides I have gone on are about 80-100 mile jaunts through Forest type riding. Rocky trails and rutted roads while still trying to maintain speed.
By the Middle of the ride, I'm DONE.........My arms hurt, my hands hurt, my butt hurts from sitting, my legs hurt from standing. It's just not enjoyable.

Just went to the Dunes a month ago and after 2 hours of hard dune riding, I was done for the rest of the weekend, my body was toast.

Granted, i'm out of shape being 6'2" and 295lbs. but it shouldn't be this bad.

I know a guy with an 05 DS650 X and he does not have this problem.

I have not ridden his DS yet, but will after Christmas. He says that the DS is really comfy with the suspension travel and comfy seat.

I was done with my Predator after last weeks ride and was thinking UTE quad, but i'm going back and forth between a DS and like a Sportsman UTE quad.

I need help.

I ride the dunes, and being that I live in AZ, lot's of river bottoms and Rocky/Rutted trails.

IS the DS that Comfortable? I know they are AT LEAST as fast if not FASTER stock than my Predator. That's cool. I have never been a brand basher.

Since I'm a big guy the little Small Block, High Revving 450's are NOT FOR ME, TOO SMALL. I need a UTE or a BIG BLOCK ride.

ANY AND ALL OPINIONS BETWEEN CHOOSING A DS VS. UTE QUAD ARE APPRECIATED AND RESPECTED.

Thanks,

 

The seat height on the DS is higher than the Predator, so your going to fit on a DS better. Everyone says that DS is more for the bigger guys. I ride in the desert where there are huge rocks that jump out at you on the trail and the DS will take out a tire before you ever crash. I also ride at the dunes where having the grunt of the DS makes it a perfect duner. My brother and my dad have Utes and the thing I just cant get over is the automatic trans. Its like your just killing that engine to move the quad. I guess I am just used to my direct solid gears with the DS. If you ride long distances think of the Baja Races that the DS650 has won, that should reassure your thoughts. The predator was built for other reasons more like MX style, not desert racing or dunes. The DS has nice soft suspension. The other thing is I cant get past the look of a Ute .....its like getting a mini van. My boys wouldnt think a van is cool either.

 

Don't do it man, don't do it!!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Haha.....But the Preds gotta go. Great for short rides, but not comfortable for the long rides.
Hey Webopper - Check out these links to the Parts i'm selling just in case you need anything.

http://www.predatorowners.com/index....7&posthist=-24

http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/t...TOPIC_ID=17593

 

Yea, I caught that yesterday, I may hit you up on a couple of things you had there too.

Seriously though, if you do go with a DS, the guys here are some of the best. They know their bikes and how to make them run and run well...Just don't ask them for advise on Yamaha's...LOL [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Well I have 2 and no regrets, after being on the DS my buddies Rapter feels like a toy. He too, has crossed over and has two Rapters for sale.

 

I owned 7 quads this year and i started with a 03ds and i ended with a 05 dsx i had a 04 kfx700 a 03 ltz416 a custome 1000cc machine and a raptor and a quadzilla and my favorite one is the ds it rides great and i do a lot of long rides, i rode 5 straight days in the hatfield mccoy trails all day long and i didnt get sore at all. the 05 is better than the 03 it pulls way better wheelies, my friend has a 05 pred and i like ridding the ds way better, it is the best for bigger guys we dont fit on all those other little quads very good. My honest opinion for you type of riding is you wont be dissapointed with a dsx and the fit and finish is so nice and heavy duty.

 

I like to call the DS the cadillac of all sport quads. The suspension is great, esp for the bigger fellas.

 

Thanks Everyone..............I'm getting excited, especially since I got someone interested in my Predator. Seems as if the DS is Best for Big Boys.

I will try and ride a DS soon on some rough stuff just to see how comfy it is.

PS--Let your friends know a 2004 Predator is for sale.

 

AZPredator,

I am a new (06) DS owner and ride here in Az in the type of terrain you are talking about, and can tell you with out a doubt that it is the best machine for this type of riding. I still own a Banshee and have ridden that after the DS and there is no comparison! The DS is so much more refined. The suspension IMO is the best part of this machine. It soaks up the Az desert like you are on blacktop! My .02.