I just bought a raptor and I love it so far. This is my 3rd atv but they have been spaced along the past 16 years. My last atv was a blaster that I had about 5 years ago. I live in AL so I will be doing mostly woods riding. There is a few things that I would like to know about the raptor. It feels a little narrow. I am 6'1" and 220lbs. Should I get some wheel spacers or new axle or will I get use to it? Would I have to get new a-arms to make it handle right? It hauls *** but to be honest with 660cc I thought it would be faster! It is plenty fast for now because I am getting use to it and riding in general again but soon I will want a little more power. Where should I get started with this? Exaust and what else? Also what all after market parts do you recomend? Skid plates and a new bumper is what I am thinking of starting off with. Exaust advice would be nice, it does not need to be REAL loud but loud is ok.. Any advice is appriciated!!
Thanks,
Eric

 

Welcome to the club, Eric. First things first. Get a 12 tooth front sprocket. Second, get skid plates up and down the quad, third, get a +4" Lonestar Axcalibur axle. It makes a ton of difference, sliding, stability, etc. I wouldn't worry about the a-arms yet, that's down the road. Next, get an exhaust system, Big Gun is supposed to be good, but loud. Look around. I think I'm gonna get a setup by the name of HMF. Not FMF, HMF. Their whole system is only $349.00. And with that, I'm gonna buy a K&N Dyno Jet Kit. After all of that, then I'll get the a-arms and suspension. Oh yeah, get rid of the stock parking brake, it's huge and it gets in the way. Hope this helps.

 

I am the same size as you and had similar comments at first. I got mine in October. Upping the preload to 4 on the fronts help and I found that after the rear shock broke in, one click less on compression/rebound was fine provided I didn't jump too high. I am probably going to add a +2-3" rear axle when I feel like spending some bucks. A take-off axle from a Banshee supposedly fits (lots of these around in the $100-150 range and they are ~+3"). I want a outerwear'd K&N/GYT-R Aluminum silencer for cool sound and sand-friendly filter cleaning. The power isn't scary, but I still get a surprise every now and then when I don't pay attention to my thumb. When the fuel consumption goes down (mine was a hog for the first 2-3 tanks), then it seems to get a little snappier. I want a swingarm plate and a full chassis plate soon too.

 

Thanks for your advice!! Another thing in your oppion what would you start at? I think skid plates and bumper to protect it. Would you start with exaust or axle? I have to build a trailor. I drive a sports car, I had NO idea I would buy another atv. LOL I saw this in a mag. and said DAMN!! Read the reviews and said got to have one. So I am broke now!! I will have to do the add ons slow.
Thanks,
Eric

 

I will probably go with the swingarm/chassis skids and bumper/grab bar stuff first. GYT-R chassis skid and AC racing (or maybe Armadillo swingarm skid) for the rest. It is still under warranty, and I don't want to upset the apple cart before it is up. Next is a toss-up - axle probably first. I can use some filterskins this summer anyway. I intend to ditch the parking brake soon as it gets in the way of my handguards.

Same as you: I started drooling over a XR400R, then saw the 400EX, then the DS650, then the Cannondale. The early peek at the Raptor brochure the dealer showed me got my money. I don't regret the purchase at all. You need a 2-place snowmobile traler if you carry 2 quads. A cheapie 4X8 self-assembled setup will haul the raptor just fine.