Well not in a drag race, but the DS front suspension is soo stiff, (I weigh 220) it jars you so bad you don't want to even try to keep up.
I got my new DS night before last, and am very impressed with the power and handling, but was expecting great suspension too. I knew the Raptor had crappy front shocks and needed A-arms, but I thought the DS was "ready to Go".
It's not. And yesterday's ride, with my friend Albert riding my H.O. proved that. On the rough stuff the H.O. just cruised on through, where I had to slow down or eat handlebars. I am so sore today, it's like there is no way I could ride this thing all day.
I did find "Works Steeler" shocks, from Shock Connection for $339 and bought them this morning. They will take two weeks to "build". I ordered them "plush" and they allow 30 days for free re-adjustment if they are too soft or too stiff.
So I was hauling a$$ down these fireroads, and looked back to see if Albert on my H.O. was anywhere to be seen. Yeah, he was right behind me. Then I let him go ahead, I could no way keep up. I was just getting too beat up. I could make up some time in the straights and coming out of turns, the power and acceleration are awesome, but the rough stuff slowed me way down, and he didn't even notice.
There is now no question as to whether or not I will keep the Sportsman. My 12 year old loves the DS, maybe we'll part with the EXP...
I still want my cake and eat it too. Polaris
where are you???
Power+Suspension-Weight=Performance

 

I know hoe you feel on the being sore part. When I whent from my scrambler to my 400ex a month ago I hurt in more places than thought concivable. I could hardly walk for a day or two after the first ride. Fortanatly though after a weekend of riding around slowly and just getting used to the sitting position I felt a lot better. The other problem was that the scrambler is not much of a jumper and my legs where not used to constant abuse of landing. Good luck with your DS. They are very nice machines, I had myself convinced that I would have one but they where to much money, So I got the ex and love it.

 

you have to figure out how to get that 650 into the sportsman chassis!!! just imagine-a 650 sportsman 5 speed. call the fabrication shop. lol

 

Just put a Sportsman chaincase/IRS/transaxle in a Raptor. 4x4 wheel independent suspension, inboard disc, Hi/Lo, 5-speed. The Bomabardier's Rotax engine drives on the right side, The Raptor and Sportsman on the left. A short chain drive would replace the Polaris auto clutch. No swing arm to mess with the tension on this short drive chain. My Bud Kas calls this the "Predator".
It is easier to make the Raptor heavier than the Sportsman lighter. So start with a Raptor or a Lonestar frame and whatever motor....A motor without a gearbox could be mated to the Polaris auto clutch as well.