I have never owned a sport Quad before and have decided to by a Raptor of some sort. I would like to buy a used 2001 but its sounds like on this forum that alot of people have been having troubles with transmissions (2nd and 3rd gear ratios) clutches and rear axles. It looks like Yamaha has made some changes to the 2002 model that have addressed these problems. I am just scared to buy a brand 2002 Raptor and if I don't like the sport quad thing, that I'll lose my shirt if I try and sell it. I currently have a 2002 650 kawasaki and love it, but I'd like the raptor as a second "toy" quad. Am I looking for headaches and expensive repair bills if I buy a used 2001 Raptor? I am 30 years old and have no intention of racing or jumping this quad; I just want a fun trail machine to play with. I'll probably regret not having the 4X4. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.

 

Try riding a sport quad for a day if you can to see how much you like it. You might like a Wolverine more. The whole point of a Raptor is to run it hard and jump it.

If I were you, I would look at the 400ex too even though it doesn't have reverse. You can easily learn how to get around not having reverse. The 400ex handles very well. has a good suspension for your needs and you can get used one in great shape for under 4k.

 

I'd get the raptor. Take a used one if you can get a sweet deal. You can get them cheap on ebay right now.

 

If I were you I would ride one first before you jump into anything. If you just want something to play around with. Look at the Raptor brother the Warrior. They have awesome reliability and last a long time if taken care of. Great for woods and trails. Has reverse. I have owned mine for 2 1/2 years and still really enjoy getting on blasting off on it. It is the perfect play machine if you don't want to spend a lot of money.

 

I would wait for the 2002 raptor, that is what i have been waiting for. my buddy has the 2001, and the clutch went already. Yamaha has changed 3 items on the new one, gearing, the suspension, and rear axle. I would definitely wait.

 

All I could find on ebay was one 01 blue Raptor for $4,900.00. I wouldn't be afraid to buy used if I could find the right machine. I use my Raptor for trail riding and enduro practice. Chet