and what did you honestly think?

 

I had a 2000 400ex,,,and I loved it.
I now have an 02 raptor,,,and love it too.
very similar,,,except for the pppppppooooowwwwwweeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrr......

 

I had a 01 Raptor for three weeks and did not like it. I traded even for a 02 400ex at the yamaha/honda dealer. If I was a young man the Raptor would have been great, however I was looking for something a little easier to ride. The power of the 400ex is more controlled and doesn't hit so hard like the Raptor. The Raptor is very tippy and tougher to trail ride. On tight trails the 400ex is easier to ride.

 

I have a 400ex and a Raptor, my son or wife usually ride the 400ex. I have followed the discussions of both ATV's for quite a while, and to tell you the truth, I can't really tell that the 400ex "handles better" like the Honda owners all swear. That could be because I have swapped the stock tires that the Raptor came with for Maxxis Razr's, and flipped the rear linkage to lower it about an inch. Getting rid of the stock Dunlop radials on the Raptor instantly fixed the "tippy" feeling that people talk about. I enjoy riding the 400ex. It has enough power to have fun, and is pretty light. The lack of reverse in the woods is a downer, but my 2000 400ex also cost a lot less than my Raptor. My Raptor has the basic mods (slip-on mufler, air box mods, rejetted, 12 tooth front sprocket), and the power difference between it and the 400ex is amazing. Some of the experienced people I ride with won't even ride the Raptor because they are too afraid of the power. Even though the power comes on perfectly smoothly, it is just too much for them to handle. I don't think that you would go wrong with either ATV, but I haven't ridden with anyone yet that can keep up with me on the 400ex, but who cares, they are both a blast?

Good luck,
Lorrin

 

The truth The Truth You cant handle the Truth!!! lol Iam just kidding, the 400 handles better on trials, better power slides,very good suspension, The raptor just has more power.

 

You know, I expected to agree with you, but even after putting Elka shocks on the 400ex, none of my friends like the handling of it better than the Raptor. Maybe I'm just more used to the Raptor because I spend more time on it.

Take care,
Lorrin

 

the 400ex is a great trail and mx bike, the raptor is about as good on trails but not so good on mx unless a great deal of money is spent on it, sure the raptor has way more power, but how fun is it when everytime you ride you get whip lash,lol both quads are awsome

 

LOL[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I have a mildly built 400EX and just recently rode a friends stock Raptor. I was a little disappointed. I honestly think my 400 was just as quick if not more so. Definately not the arm jerker I thought a 660 should be. Other than being a little on the stiff side I think it rode OK though.

 

moto93,

I would agree that a stock Raptor and a mildly built 400ex may not be that far apart in power. The Raptor is sold in a very restricted state. Dyno tests have shown that with just a slip-on muffler and air box mods, you can easily see about a 9 or 10 horse power increase. I know that when I did these mods to my 2001 Raptor, is was a whole new quad.

Good luck,
Lorrin