A buddy of mine wants to get a new raptor, now 2001's are going for 5800. Should he wait for the 2002's ? What are the improvements for 2002.
If this has already been posted, please direct me to the post, sorry I don't read the Yamaha posts very much, I just want to help a friend.

 

If you can get a late production 2001 at $5800.00 I would go for it. If you wait for a 2002 you will pay full price. Mine was made in april, 01 and have had no problems. I am keeping mine stock and is ridden on trails and old strip mine areas. Nothing has come loose or fallen off.

 

If he's going to race motorcross, he should probably get the 2002 to take advantage of the revised gear ratios. For anything else I'd snap up the 2001, as long as it had a high serial number, say 10,000+. Another improvment on the '02 was a rear shockthat you could actually adjust, but for $300 he could do a TCS conversion and still be ahead. I've had mine since March with no problems, and when I'm at the Silver Lake Dunes it gets ridden HARD. Also if he goes Yamaha financing he might get a better deal on the 2001. I just picked up a '02 TTR-90 and got no finance charges or payments due till March, 2002 (Then you go to the bank and get a loan).

 

All new ggear ratios wider axles better suspension (front + rear)Better looks (my opinion!!! B/C of the shocks) they are yellow instead of white goe with the fender colors!!!

 

Plus 2001 had problems with the engines!!!
They fixed it for 2002
go to [L]=http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/products.asp?lid=1&lc=atv&rdir=1[/L]

 

I'd go with the 2001 model and save a bunch of money. I'm sure that some people have had problems as any production vehicles will but I think there's been a lot of people are just stirring the pot.

I also have to dispute the other reply about going with a model with a serial number higher than 10,000. Mine is 00575, I bought it in Sept. last year and have had no problems whatsoever. It's been in the mud, sand, water, & mx tracks.

The whole gearing thing can be quickly fixed by changing the front sprocket for about $15.00. I changed mine and it made a world of difference for wood/trail riding.

 

I agree with racer_x. There machines something is bound to go wrong given time. Its a matter Of time before we see the first help, I have a problem with 02 Raptor. I like my gearing but I ride lots of good trails and rock roads.

 

Have had one problem with mine. Waterpump was dripping coolet(not much). Dealer replaced pump. Valves were adjusted at 31 hrs as the dealer recommended. On my 2001 Raptor build quality is better than the 1999 Honda 300ex that I had before Raptor. I am going to ride mine and have fun and and if I still like the Raptor I am getting a new 03 or 04.

 

I have one VERY BIG PROBLEM with ALL Raptors! They kick my butt in a drag race! Thats no good!

 

lol, thats funny hylton400exbut thats a good thing for us!!!