All,

I've posted this same question on other sites, but this site seems to have more depth, so it is worth one more shot:

I have an Outlander 800. It is the first quad I've ever owned and I am in awe of it. The power and the sound of the big engine with the big gun pipe makes me very happy. It also seems well made with attention to detail.

I am:

6'6"
350 pounds (but shrinking)

I'm looking to add a sport quad to my collection to ride in the dunes and desert. I'd prefer to figure out how to do wheelies, smaller jumps, power slides, etc. on a rig that is smaller than my 800. Since I have grown used to the power and the torque of the Outlander, I'd like something that is comparable. Seems yoru sport quad should feel "sportier" than your 4x4.

Since I already have the Outlander, the Renegade seems redundant. I think I'm still between the DS and the Raptor 700. I lean toward the DS because it feels much bigger and better made when I sit on them. Most people at the dealership try to steer me toward the Raptor because it is a slightly bigger engine, makes more HP and after market parts are more available.

I don't need to win a drag race, but I want to feel the power and accelleration. I am not afraid to sink a few thosand in to after market parts. I'm sure after market suspension will be a must (I put Elkas on my Outlander and it made a huge difference). I'm thinking I'd do a Ron Wood stage 2 right off the bat.

Any thoughts on the 650 vs. the Raptor would be appreciated. Also, suggestions on mods.

Thanks.

 

At 6'6" the DS is a much better fit.I am 6'4" and even though i own a Raptor i prefer to ride my DS most of the time.Stock for stock the DS is at least comparable to the Raptor .Mods for a DS can get expensive but you could start with a pipe ,carb, CDI and ported intake and probably be very happy with the power it would add.The above mentioned mods from the right source could outperform the RW stage II.This forum and its members are a great source of information to tap into and they will help you with your decision.

 

For your your size I would get the DS. You can make them sick fast. KMS turbo, HPR 730 bigbore. The list goes on and on.... I own both brands of quads and the DS would just fit you better. Glad you like your Outlander. Thats one bad a$$ 4x4.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Buy the DS you will be mad if you don't......Then call Glenn @ On-Dunes and as Glenn always writes call me at 253 217 5310. He will put a grin from ear to ear [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]. Bit if you want to have fun and not be set back 10K get ahold of Mr.Meaner.....I think he has just what you need taking room in his garage...and at a steal of a deal for what it is.....ohh and then call Glenn and sink another couple G's into it and you will never look back....well you will but that will be to see just how far that Craptor is behind you.......Just my Nickle, quarter and two pennies....,,,

Tom

 

I think you have all provided some valuable info, but you are talking in code when it comes to mods. Can you get a little more specific with recommendations here? Also, would turbo mean a ton more maintainence? I'm no mechanic. Is Ron Wood NOT the way to go?

Thanks. I'm going with the DS.

 

Don't go turbo or big bore if you aren't into maint. Not saying these can't be reliable. . . bla bla bla. . . just trying to read between the lines and sounds to me like if you do anything you should stay more towards bolt-ons (pipe / air filter / CDI, etc.)

I've seen guys your size ride the DS and it can take-it. Look through the manual and adjust the rear shock before you take her out. You'll want it stiffened up a bit. Probably need to adjust the fronts stiffer too so she doesn't nose dive and throw you off when you are coming down a dune.

Ron Wood makes some of the best (there are others too) parts for the DS. They specialize in bolt-on parts and you can go up from there but, again. . . get it. . . ride it and then decide what you want to do. You aren't going to be beating any 16 year old 120# kids on YFZ's in a drag race. . . let's not fool ourselves.

Do some research on the 700 Raptor for subframes. I think I've heard there are some issues and with your "Big Boy" stature, this could become a real issue.

Glad to hear you are leaning towards the DS. I think at the end of the day you'll be very happy with it.

 

I'd go after market suspension right off the bat like I did on the Outty.

Thanks.

 

I own a Raptor and a Bomber. After owning my bomber I don't even ride my raptor anymore I have my kids ride it. You get used to the suspention and the handeling on the bomber and when I get back on the raptor it seems like a unstable little toy don't get me wrong the raptors are nice but in my opinion they are not in the same league as a bomber.
As for mods if I were you I would go with the.
1. ron woods CDI
2. 46 Lectron carb and ported intake manifold
3. Yoshimira slip on pipe
4. K&N air filter
5. Sidewinder 520 chain conversion and geared to the tire size you will be running.
You do these simple but very affective mods to a Bomber you will get big gains and your maintenance will remain very low.
Hope this helps.

 

I'm 6'5" and 350 and the DS is the only bike for riders our size. I sat on a Raptor and it felt lke a toy. The DS is a beast. Every other bike my knees feel like they will hit the bars.

 

I'm 6-8" tall, 270#, the DS is the only quad I fit on.
The new raptor 700 is a nice bike, and it takes a full stage two ds mod (piston, cam, carb, pipe) to keep up with them, but I rode the new 700r and although nice with plenty of power it is still undersized for my height, the front fenders are in the way of my knees and the ergos from seat to pegs to bars just don't fit me, I am stuck with the DS being the only bike to fit me, but regardless I am thrilled with my DS and love it lots!