Hopefully I will be looking for a new sport bike in the next couple of months and these are the two Im giving the most consideration to. My question is which handles better? I know power is different on each one and how it comes on, but how do they compare in handling on the trails, mx track, and general dirt pit type riding. I have had my 03 raptor since Feb 03 and like the power but will agree with people on its issues with narrow stance and high CG. I ride mostly trails and play in the dirtpits and on a local mx track so that is what I must consider with handling.
I would appreciate honest constructive opinions preferably from people who have had saddle time on both machines.

Thanks in advance.

dirthead

 

Bump.

No one has any input.....strange, people on here are usually very opinionated.

 

Although the 700 handles miles better than a 660, it still won't match a 450R in that department. The 700 has a better ride but when you push these two the 450R is going to be better. Putting YFZ shocks on the 700 might bring it a little closer but the 450R will still be lighter and more agile.

 

It might be tough to find people that have ridden both and can make a fair comparison. I can only compare the 660 to the 450R, and it's definitely a big difference in favor of the Honda. I hated the stock suspension on the 660.

ATV Rider has a nice open class comparison that favors the 700 over the pred, ds and kawi 700, but no 450's were compared. Last year they did a comparison of the 450R, YFZ, pred and LTZ400, and the Honda came out on top. You can read it on their website. It was mostly an "off road" comparison, which is the best way to do it IMO. I have yet to see a comparison of all lthe 450's, the pred, 700 and ds together. It would be a great article.

 

any of the 450's will handle better than the raptor, but the new 700 even though i havent ridden one yet should handle a lot better than the 660.

 

I have ridden the 700r and maybe it's because I'm used to my 450r, but I didn't really like the feel of the Raptor.
It felt too big to me. I couldn't throw it around like I can my 450r.
The power delivery on it is awesome though.
I will stick to my Honda, it handles better than anything I've ridden.