I have three fourwheelers and am seriously thinking about getting a bike simply because you can go fast and have awsome suspension for much less than on a quad. So I was wondering if anyone has seen races between a rator and 426. Dirtwheels said the Raptor was faster but I'd like to hear it from more people. I'll still get a bike but just wondering if I could beet a Raptor thenks for any replies.

 

I own a 00 WR400F and a Raptor, and can tell you that in a drag race they are pretty close, with the slight edge going to the Raptor(Depending on traction). Top end a quad will not keep with a 400 or a 426. My WR will do almost 100MPH and will do it very quickly. A quad has a lot more drag to overcome at high speed. Bikes climb a lot better also it seems. On the down side a bike requires a lot more maintenance, and they require a bit more riding technique. My wife loves her Raptor, but I mostly ride the bike.

 

What kind of maintanence do bikes need more than fourwheelers

 

I raced with a friend's 400YZF. He left me in the dust. Maybe if I had better tires (like holeshots), I would have been closer. With a top speed thought gearing, a 4wheeler can be as fast as a bike, but will lack acceleration. A bike is MUCH MORE precise and alert than a quad. When I rode his bike, I could go anywhere, see a rock, brrrap, the front wheel lift, and the rock is behind.
Although the bikeis faster, there's no way it can be more fun than the quad (at least here in Quebec). We have no (or so) MX tracks, only trails and sandpits. While we were having fun hillclimbing/roosting, my pal sitted and watched us. If you have an MX track close to you, then the bike will be great.
Maintenance isn't more than a sport quad. Chain tightening, air filter cleaning (I noticed the shee needed an each ride air filter cleaning -that's why I got a K&N-)...and that's about it. Valve adjustment once in a while. I don't think of more maintenance to do on a bike compared to a quad...I'd rather say that a quad is more fragile than a bike. On an MX, you fall, except the handlebar, everything else is pretty much protected...on a quad...you see. On a quad, you also have like 129 803 bushings, 124 grease zerks...

 

I dont know what Dirt Wheels was smoking when they said that. I have seen a race between a 426 and a Raptor, and let me tell you it aint even close. The Raptor didnt hang with it anywhere, by the time both the quad and the bike were topped out the 426 had the Raptor by about 75ft or more. The 426 is a VERY strong bike, and its engine is way more hopped up than the Raptor engine. I wish that the Raptor had about 45hp from the factory.

 

Maintenance depends on the bike. If you buy a 2 stroke you will be cleaning power valves and replacing rings like nobody's business to keep them in top running order. A 4 stroke is much better, but you have to change oil quite frequently. You have more clutch maintenance, more suspension and fork maintenance, and then there is the fact that when you dump it, you do bang them up a little.(notice how I said WHEN you dump it)Radiators get damaged easily.You go through tires pretty quick.Chains and sprockets wear quite a bit also. Quads have the same problems, just not so frequently.
The good part is that you have a machine that is extemely high tech compared to a quad,even a new quad. They have AWESOME suspension, and the power gets better every year. Bike parts are cheaper than Quad parts usually. When it is time to get new plastic you can get it for around 100 bucks.(fenders, side panels,radiator shrouds).
Bikes are a lot of fun just different. I would see if you could borrow one from somebody, or buy a used one before you put down a ton of money for a new one.(A new YZ426 is 6 grand)
Good luck on your decision.