I test drove a Z and found the ride to be harsh, I could fell every bump. I don't want to jump or race, I just want to ride trails. I can imagine the raptor handels better but is it a softer ride? I am used to 4x4's I loved the fact I didn't have to stand up to hit a bump, but hated all the body roll. Is the raptor what I am looking for?

 

Just about any sport quad will have a stiff ride. I have a sport and a utility quad and I do stand up for most bumps on my Raptor, that's the nature of riding a sport quad. I think it's a small price to pay for the better handling and power of sport quads. As for your question I own a small ATV shop and in doing so have owned and ridden many quads and I believe the Raptor has one of the best rides for a sport quad[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] I have ridden the Z400 and in my opinion the Raptor does have a cushier ride and doesn't beat me up as much on a long day of riding and again thats just me but I have had a Raptor for my personal quad since they came out in 2001

 

The 2003 Z400 had soft shocks....

But in general, if you want a smoother ride you can
1) Look at heavy UTEs
2) Buy aftermarket shocks (They tune them to what you want)