Hey all you 650 freaks [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img],
I am trying to figure out what sport quad to get. I have narrowed it down to the Raptor versus DS versus a TRX250R. The R is pretty much out of contention, it will need alot of work to get it back in the shape I want it. The Raptor looks a little nicer, and probably performs better on the tighter trailers,and has reverse, but some have had problems with it. The DS650 looks the best so far sizewise (im probably 6'3+ and still growing, and 300lbs.). The looks of it arent exactly great (IMO, but i dont buy stuff based on looks). Powerwise they are both pretty competitive, and can both be modded seriously. The only real concern is its width. I'm looking for experienes from trail riders, like had the width ever been a serious problem, ie not being able to get through a trail. Not knowing what everyone else considers "tight" woods, I dont consider ours to be I can navigate them on a Kind Quad at a decenct cruising speed with no big worry about squeeezing through trees. My other question is how cheap have you been able to get the DS out the door? I have not seen many prices from the SouthEast. Thanks for all replies and for wading through my long post [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

i dont do much if any trail riding with my ds. i can tell you that ive been able to go on just about any trail ive found (mx excluded) it can be a tight squeeze though. i picked mine up for what i think is a heck of a deal 5995 or about 6300 out the door. Up here in seattle they are pretty easy to find in that price range if you look a little.

 

HiTek, you and I must be twins. I'm 6'3" and weigh in at 304 (down from 317 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]) and can tell you that the size alone fits us big guys to a T. I sat on the Raptor and it just felt like a toy to me. The Raptor seems to be a great bike, but for me it just felt like I needed one for each shoe. Even though I mainly ride open desert and sand, I have ridden on some pretty damn tight trails up in the local mountains with a couple sections of pretty wicked rock crawling and stream crossing thrown in for good measure. The only time I ever had a problem with the width of the bike was one instance where I came around a 90 degree up hill turn on a really narrow section and ended up clearing the bolder on the left by about a foot and clipped a tree on the right. My own fault though because the bike would have made it fine if I had been paying attetion. The nice thing about it too is that the DS came out unscathed. Overall though, the width of the bike is a huge blessing rather than a hinderance. The sucker sticks to side hills like glue and will go over, around, or thourgh anything. What can I say, I love my bike.

 

I looked around alot. Most places wanted bewteen 6400 and 7000. Got mine for $5995 plus tax. Had to drive out to the boonies to get it but worth 20 bucks in gas. Also in the trails, i have had no problem. went on a 60 mile trail ride a month ago. only a few times did i have to go around trees on the trail. it was obvious that all the other smaller quads barely sqeezed thru- rubbing on both sides of the trees on each side. no big deal, went around it. just be aware, that you have the widest meanest ride, and it wont fit everywhere.