Ok to start off.. I live in the PA in the Appalachian moutains. Where I ride the trails aren't the most open trails but they've got some room. There's alot of fields also which is why I'm getting a quad with more power that I can crank open in the fields. There's also some tracks in the woods.

I'm new to the world of racing quads so I was just wondering which would be fastest in the trails and which would be more reliable and last the longest. I hear the 450s wear down pretty quick so I was just wondering what the life expectancy of these quads are if they are ran moderatly hard and maitenanced well.

I also hear 450's need oils changes very frequently (every few rides)... is that true?

Some say fuel injection is problem after problem others say they have no trouble.

 

Welcome to the form! You are dealing with a double edge sword in the the choice of bikes you have if you want a race bike the 450 is the way to go but since you said you want one with low maintenance I would go 700 route.

Yes the 450 needs more frequent oil changes than a standard 4 stroke does as these engines have slipper pistons causing fuel blow by getting into the engine oil.

As far as EFI goes I have never heard of any problems with the Raptor from anyone and I will never own another bike without it as riding here in Co at elevations of 12000 ft it makes a huge difference!

My 700 has been the best bike I have ever owned and I love it for my riding style. I guess you need to decide if you want a 450 race bike or a long lasting 700 trail bike.

Don't forget there is the new 09 YFZ450R now has EFI as well!

 

I have ridden 450's and now own a 700, and the 700 is the best quad I have ever sat my rear-end on. I'm not saying that because it's what I have, it's an awesome machine and given your riding terrain, you would not be disappointed with the 700, either.

 

raptor 700 is the shiat for trail riding. as far as the efi it is FLAWLESS! prefrom great, excepts mods very very well. super easy to dyno tune. just like the last 2 guys said best quad i have ever owned. im going 2 be buying another 1 in the next couple months.

 

I like in pennslyvaina too, and i ride my yfz450 everywhere runs great no problems. and about the oil, change it like every 10-25 hours, when ever you feel that it needs to be changed and when it looks very dirty.

 

Its well known that the Raptors are far beter trail bikes than the 450's..Much more lower end torque,reverse and lots of other mods you can do to the Raptor to make it a far better trail bike..The 450's are nice and can ride trails just fine..but they are race bikes better off on a track..The only crappy part Yamaha screwed up on is...The crappy small fuel tank is a pain for trails and baja..

 

The 700r only holds .4 of a gallon more. and its probably worse on gas then the 450. and if gas is an issue get an bigger tank. or get a lower cc quad

 

they dont make bigger tanks on the raptor. to hard to develop from what i hear. just no room. well there is only 1 person that makes tanks and im not sure if he even does it. they are alumium hold either 4 or 5 gal and are not cheap