Have any of you thought about this? that v-twin would be sick, the raptor will take a huge hit if the v-twin comes out in a sport quad w/ a clutch. that thing would accelerate crazy, i don't want to start a flame, but i think if it had even decent handling it would kill the raptor.

 

If the V-Twin is faster, and handles like chit, people will buy it. Why you ask, just because what do most "weekend warriors" want to do with there machine? Beat there buddies, thats what. Why do you think people buy so many Yamaha's today, because they are fast, not as fast as C-Dale but still, and Honda is just too damn slow. Oh hey, ever notice Honda's "saying"(whats the proper word?)"Performancec First" I find that to be a bunch of bull. Well enough ranting for now.

 

upon the arrival of the 650 v-twin if i were yamaha i would drop the raptor and introduce a yz450 quad w/ an aluminum frame...but that won't happen.

 

All the mags are saying that Kawasaki is leaning towards making their 650 sport bike an automatic. It's already setup for it, and they think that is what the public wants.

 

Let's see whats up with the supposed YZF450 first, then if that makes it, who knows, maybe a quad is next. I don't think I would buy a YZF in a quad chassis over a C-Dale because of Yamaha's bad customer service, and I think would prefer an American made quad. Damn, I just realized between here and the Cannondale forum, I have made about 10 posts in the last 15 minutes.

 

I think the reason Kawie thinks the rumored quad should be an automatic is based on sales. The reason I say this is basically the closest thing to a new sprt quad is the Lakota Sport, which must be doing ok, so if they use an Auto clutch in a big bore engine, it should sell even better, right? I think they should have 2 versions, a full on race quad with 6 speed manual, and the Auto with all the trail riders in mind.

 

we're not talking auto clutch here, fully auto-2 centrifugal clutches- no gears to stir-heavy, it was compared to a scrambler, i personally would never own another fully automatic "sport quad", thats why i just sold the tank (scram) in the first place, i couldn't believe that when i read it could possibly be an automatic, its gonna be too heavy as it is

im not sure what that motor weighs but im gonna figure that when it does come out its gonna be around the 500lb. mark, im not sure on that but it seams like its going to be heavy.

 

Have you rode a Prairie 650? Wow, What power!! It will give a Raptor a heckuva drag race!! Imagine that much power on a sport quad chassis. Don't knock it until you ride a Prairie 650. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

im not knocking it, it is probably one of the most powerful utility quads ive ever rode, however i went back and re-read that article, rumor is v-twin=fully automatic, 400cc 4stroke=manual clutch-manual shift,


does anybody know what that v-twin weighs its gotta be more than a couple of pounds, now if they mated that motor up to a 5 spd. and kept total weight under 430 lbs. dry, with 12in. of suspension travel,

1. it would cost way to damn much for my wallet!!

2. but wouldnt it be a kick @$$ quad!!

 

I got the lakota, first any thing with a out clutch, I have become faster in the woods than ever before, I have not been up against any of the bigger quads yet but as far as 350 and below I without doubt out pull them every were.
I also did some MX this winter and faired very well, even against the bigger quads, But MX is very much rider, and this all with a woods set up.
Before you knock me let the woods series start and I'll give you a good review.
I only post this because the semi auto and autos are getting pretty popular, but like you I lean towards the clutch type 650, but I will not nock the auto untill I see it.
I will be very interested in the kawi and waiting patiently.
As far as clutch verses semi auto, there seems to be a slight difference and how fast you can shift, the clutch is a bit faster, but as far as feathering the clutch I have not had a problem, so far I carry more low end tourque and you can feather the semi auto with your foot.
Don't bash me here, I've ridden with a clutch for many years, I just wanted to let you fellers know that the semi auto takes a little getting use to but it doesn't hurt ya like you would figure.
One more note is, the semi auto has no slippage at all, I have had slippage and clutch adjustment problums before with a clutch, you know like when your speed shifting the first instants the clutch slips a touch, the semi auto slips none.
So don't be scared of semi autos and autos coming out, give them a chance, just like I read a moment ago, we all like to win, and realy don't care how we do it!!!!!