I had my mind set on a Raptor...but the DS650 is still very interesting.I think it's the suspension that makes it look so appealing. I heard it just eats up the whoops. Now I am trying to decide which one fits my needs better. It doesn't fit the regular ATV image. It looks much bigger than the Raptor or other sport quads.

What do you Bombadier guys think?
Power? Price to make it really powerful?
Weight/size vs. handling?
Stock suspension good enough?
Ergonomics?
Stock tires?
Tight, rough wood trails?
Jumping?
Mud?

Weight isn't really a big factor for me unless it really affects the ride...I am 5'9" 150 lbs and ride a Scrambler.

 

EXplorer,
I'm with you. I was set on the Raptor but The Ski-Doo salesman is giving me good deal so that made me even more confused! I think the DS-650 looks awesome. It fits me well. I'm not tall but I don't like my knees at my chest either
The lack of reverse bothers me some & I worry about it being to wide to ride on trails.
Have you 'Bomb guys ever hated it for being to wide? I ride 95% trails so I don't want to regret getting one that won't go between all trees.
So help me out guys....
Twist my arm & make me buy it

 

3TV, LMAO thats a good one!

 

3TV...

 

I know in my area you can purchase a 2001 DS650 for $6495.00 with $300.00 worth of accessories. I'm sure that if you can find a 2000 DS650 you'll get even a better deal. Never heard of such a thing with the Raptors....Just keeping it real!!!

j/t
01 Raptor Blk/White (stock)

 

Too Funny!!!

 

Just as a suggestion, do you personally know anyone with these quads? If not, a good dealer will let you test ride both quads, as both are readily available now (atleast here in NW Indiana). You should ride each of them and really think about the type of riding you plan to do! Both are great quads, but each of them excell at different things. Another factor might be if you plan to modify the quad and with what. Do you plan to heavily mod or just a pipe, filter and jets?

These are all questions YOU need to answer for yourself. Go with your "gut" feeling, after evaluating all considered.

Good luck with your choice!

 

I am a Honda guy, and if you are riding in trails, you will want the Raptor. I ride with a Raptor and a DS650, the DS has trouble sometimes with it's width, it can make it through, but the wheels and tires sometimes get some nasty marks on them. If you are trail riding you will want the reverse that the Raptor has.

 

Good dealers that aren't in California anyhow. I do not believe there is ANY dealer of AVTs in CA that will allow you to test ride, unless you've already bought the machine. Test riding seems so necessary, it amazes me how these dealers stay in business without giving people the opportunity.

 

For your weight, I don't think the DS will eat up whoops. I weigh 170lbs and the rearend bounces on me and the frontend is either too stiff or too soft. I am putting aftermarket suspension on my DS. Depending on the type of trails, the stock suspension may be adequate, but the DS doesn't handle like a 400EX or 250R.