I know this question has been beaten down before, but, I'm 6'1 @ 255lbs and looking at these 2 quads. I like the raptor for it's size and power but the reliability is still a big ? in my mind. I'm also concerned with the size of the 400ex, will it be alittle to cramped for me? As far as power goes I believe the 660 has it, but I would go with a 440rcr kit if I got the 400ex and also believe it would then be on par with the raptor. Please don't get into a pissing match over this, I'm just looking for the best quad for the money and the most reliable. I'm not into brand bashing. I ride in Massachusetts, so I'm mostly hitting trails and open sand pits. I love to top out the machine any chance I get.

 

for size i dont think the raptor is that much bigger, i guess it probably sits taller,i am about 6'2" and it is pretty comfortable for me,if you like wide open top speed i would really say go for the raptor, but i have never ridden an ex with the 440 kit, but i am about your size and the raptor works great for me, does the 440 kit affect reliability at all? is there a kit for the raptor?, other than the 721 kit in the mag

 

You will probably be comfortable on either. The Raptor is just a tad larger though.
Regardless of the crap you read on this forum, the 440 kit lowers reliability considerably.

 

OK, start with the basics:
Reliability. The 400ex has been out for 3 years and is relatively bulletproof. Mine has been great. My Raptor has also been great, but it is only 8 months old. From the responses in this forum I would have to say the 400ex is more reliable.
Size. The Raptor feels better for a larger rider. After riding the Raptor and then jumping on the 400ex, it definately feels smaller. But a handle bar change on the ex may reduce that feeling.
Power. The Raptor comes with a ton of power stock. The 400 definately feels weak on more open trails. The 400 gets a major boost from a 440 kit and you also include an exhaust (in order to take advantage of the kit). If you also put an exhaust on the Raptor and line the two machines up, I would feel pretty confident that the Raptor would win. (Given the modifications were done properly, jetting, etc..)
The 400 is cheaper, but lacks reverse.

The first modification to the Raptor should be a wider axle as it will make the machine slide predictably and make it feel a little more planted. Without more body english it feels tippier than the 400.

Overall, my machine of choice is the Raptor. The 400 is not a bad machine to have in the garage, but the one which get's pulled out more often is the Raptor.

RM

 

"i'm just looking for the best quad for the money and the most reliable." 400EX "i'm mostly hitting trails and open sand pits" 400EX.

Now had you said..."i want a machine i'm going to grow into and not out of" Raptor "i'm mostly hitting jumps and scary whoop sections" Raptor. Even better "i like it when i go so fast i make a mess in my pants". Raptor

 

Thanks for the reply's!!! That's pretty funny 660rNH, LOL, I think you hit the nail on the head. I would also agree that any engine work done to any quad usually takes away from reliability. I could get a new 01' 400ex out he door for $4900. That's pretty attractive to me considering I gotta pay msrp for a raptor with what I think we all can agree on has more power, but, may have some problems. Such as, carbs blowing off, weak axles, and a clutch/tranny problem. I'm just alittle nervous after reading this and many other popular forums that if I spen d $6500 on a machine, I should get an extended warranty(just in case). I realize every new production quad has there problems, it just seems there are to many common denominators for the raptor? I really like the raptor, but you have to admit these forums are filled with issues.