hey guys im getting tired of my scrambler 500. im thinking of getting a black ds, i was wondering what problems you have ran into on your ds's. also do you think i should wait for the 2002? what are you guys paying for your ds's. thanks for the info!

 

Sold both my Scrambler 500's for $5000 each and bought Two 2001 DS650's for $6000 out the door. Best Decision I made. No more broken drive boots, hoses, steering columns, bent rims, changing fluids all the time, and no more eating dust (we are out front now). Do it!

 

Like most of these sport quads, they need a few things to get them dialed in. I think the DS is pretty darn bulletproof. That little bit of extra weight is reflected in its' size and strength. If you are a big guy, 6 ft or over, 190 lbs +, The DS is definetly for you.
Raptors are small, like a 400EX. If you gotta ride in the woods and fit between trees that are more than 46" apart, but less than 51" apart, then don't get a DS. If you want to jump a lot or wheelie a lot, don't get a DS. If you get a DS, DO get upper A-arms right away, don't get a steering stabilizer. Do get front shocks, Works steelers are only $335, add rezzies or piggybacks or get Elkas if you want to spend more. Get rid of the Kenda Dominator tires, a lot of us have XCT's. Big tires for a big quad, more ground clearance, a little higher center of gravity, which you can feel in a hard turn,
but no complaints, too tall for MX.
But, oh the power, the glory, DOHC simply revs better than the single overhead cam rocker arm setup on the Raptor. Two cams are better than one, one carb is better/easier than two.
The Powerslides, Oh, the powerslides. Sand, fireroads, even TRAILS, yes I said trails, as long as the aforementioned tree clearances are within tolerance. I do wish we had reverse, and a six-speed gearbox with a low first gear. You could take a Raptor(which needs a six-speed gearbox and a low first too) and add full A-arms and axle and swing arm and shocks and tires and get a Raptor up to size, for about $3grand..or put one grand into a DS and have The KING!

 

I have to agree with most everything Fourlix has said, but if you do enjoy wheeling a quad and jumping the crap out of a quad - I for one can pick the front end up in almost any situation at will and wheely the hell out of it! ( you will not find this to be the case with a stock pipe or stock carb set up) As for jumping - which is my passion, I have never ridden a better machine that just soaks up the landing like your coming down on 12" mattress - the suspension is where this machine shines! Also I am completely satisfied with the front shocks as are most folks I've talked with. The steering was very touchy at first and I went with a PEP stabilizer I am content with the handling but I think Fourlix has the better set up- so you don't have to spend a lot on extras if you don't want to, it just depends on what you want out of your quad. It is a well designed and well made bike and has killer looks IMO. Good luck with your decision

 

thanks for the info guys! i think im going to wait amonth and get a 2002 though. my scrambler has been nothing but a moneypit i cant stand replacing parts that have worn or broken for no reason.VERY FRUSTRATING!! i like the feel of it but its time for somethin with POWER. the raptor is just too small for me. ive sat on a ds and it feels real good. im not into big jumps but i like to wheelie a little. even my scrambler will do that. im waiting to see the 2002 hope they come out soon!!!!

 

I had a somewhat modded Scrambler 400 4X4. This DS is "'Da Man". The size won't seem so big to you since you are coming from a Polaris. It's the Honda & Yamaha guys that think it's big. The power is awesome & the speed & acceleration make your heart race. And yes like 3TV says Yamaha's own ads lie. To me it wasn't all about being the fasest but that's just another perk. I'm not much of a jumper but the suspension is better than the 400EX's. (which most say is the benchmark). I'm somewhat disappointed in the lack of low end power but it's not something I lose sleep over.
The stability & powerslides are great. It feels so stable you think nothing of throwing the rear end out around almost any corner.
I'm glad I made the switch.

 

I'm not quite sure I would personally sign off on the "quickest thing from 0-70" idea. I have dragraced several DS's on my Raptor on flat sand and dirt and would say speed wise they are mostly neck and neck with a slight nod to the Raptor in most cases. I have beaten my share of DS's and also lost a few races. Despite me weighing 50-100 pounds more than many people I have drag raced in the sand I have yet to loose a race to a DS with similar mods (pipe & airbox) against a rider of equal weight disadvantage. Trust me I'm not ******* on the DS, I think I'm going to get one sooner or later but I honestly don't think it's any faster than the Raptor. It is more stable, and has a nice cushy seat tho [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I have also raced many raptors on my DS and it is usually neck and neck.The raptor is a great machine but the DS has the best suspension and if you go for extended trail rides it is very comfortable.The raptor is very light and nimble and shines on tight trails and in the woods.
Bearman

 

If you've already put this much thought into it, you might as well buy one or you may regreet not buying one for the rest of your life.
Yeah, it's big and heavy, but the power and handling make up for it. Most these other guys complain about it not doing great wheelies. I don't know what they are talking about. I thought my DS was the wheelie king!Except on loose sand, that was the only place I ever had a hard time getting the front end up. It was hard, but not impossible. All I changed was the rear tires- I went to 22" Realators. On hard pack trails/roads I could go into a wheelie starting from a dead stop. And when driving down the trail/road,(hard pack) keep it in 3rd gear, 1/2 to 3/4 throttle, let off the gas, pull back and punch the throttle. Then enjoy the ride. I used to pass my friends going 40 miles an hour doing a wheelie for up to half a mile. -start out small and slow though- (be carefull!) A couple of times I saw Jesus enough that him and I are on a first name basis now. (I also went thru a bunch of shorts last summer. he's cool with that)

 

Hey guys... you mentioned the DS not jumping well and then a few of you say it does.. This is obviously conflicting and I have never ridden one before. I'm used to moded 250r's. And if I'm going to compromise not riding in the really tight woods then I at least want a machine that will make the 30 foot stretch jumps around 5 feet in the air at the dunes.... Any more info on the DS's jumping capabilities would be greatfully appreciated....