I was just wanting to see if anyone else out there is getting their Raptor MX race ready, or has already done so. I just got my extended axle from Durablue, and have my 18x9.5x8 turfs on racing wheels, but haven't put them on yet. I'm working offshore and won't be back in for another week. I am planning on a gearing change, pipe and silencer (unsure of what brand to go with) and am wanting to get +3"=1" a-arms. However, I can't find anyone with them in stock. I've talked to Tim at Timmy Boy, but he says that they are changing their ball joints so you will not have to drill out the spindles and won't have any ready for a little while. I am also going to be ordering TCS fronts and rebuild the rear. I want to see if anyone else is set up, what mods ya'll have and how do they work.

 

Your kidding right? a MX Raptor?. Both times I've taken my Raptor to an MX track...I bent a stock axle..then yesterday with my new Dura-Blue eliminator axle...I snapped that axle in two.

 

Did you ever concider that it might be the rider and not the machine. You are the #1 complainer as far as the raptor. Maybe its time to sell and go back to the honda forum

 

Maybe you ought to get out of second gear.

 

Oh, thats right, you do not have a Raptor....then shut up, until you know what your talking about.

 

I hope the durablue holds up. I just put one on last weekend after bending the stock axel my first time out on the MX track. I do have to say that may things have bent on my raptor over the 3 months that I've owned it that shouldn't have. Don't get me wrong I love it and ride the hell out of it when I can but before my raptor I had a 1985 Honda 125m ATC that I rode just as aggressive for 16 years and it's been bullet proof. I don't think they (Honda, Yamaha, etc....)make quads as solid as they used to. I'm NOT complaining. I've had the time of my life the last 3 months and as long as there are aftermarket replacements to keep me moving I'll be happy!!!

Keep your lid on!

 

Yea, I know what you mean. I have been through 3 stock axles and now one dura-blue. The dura-blue will not bend, just break in two. I love the Raptor and was just getting use to how it jumps...but it looks as if I'll have to retire it from the track and stick with the 400ex there. I may try a titanium axle next. After that I am not sure what to do.

 

Out of curiosity, what kind of jump were you doing when you snapped your durablue? How big? And do you have off set wheels or anything that will add to the stress on the axel? You are the second person I’ve heard of crushing a durablue.

 

As far as stock axles go, I've bent 'em all. TRX 250R's, Quadracers. So, I never judge a quad by the stock products. I've also broken every type of stock swingarm on Honda's and Suzuki's. This is my first Yamaha performance quad, and I haven't bent or broke anything.....yet!! I always replace what I see needs replacing either before or after it gives problems. I will almost bet that the swingarm on the Raptor will give trouble also. I have been having problems with the chain stretching and derailing on me, and I think the round housing type will be the cure. All I'm trying to say is that if you ride seriously hard and fast stuff WILL break. No questions about it. The aftermarket axles tend to break rather than bend because of their hardness. I've done that too on other quads I've owned. So, if you want to play, you gotta pay is all I'm saying. I really like my new Raptor and don't expect it to be bulletproof....and no quad is MX ready off the showroom floor. I take all those things into consideration whenever I purchase a quad, weather it be new or used. So, never bash a machine because of small quirks like a bent axle, because chances are sooner or later it will happen to all of them.

 

Nicely said. “Pay to Play” I’ve got a broken arm to prove it… And I’d do it all over again!