Alright I am looking at either getting a Predator or a Raptor. Personally I feel that the Predator is built with better components and is probably the stronger of the two as far as taking abuse. However, I have a few concerns. First of all, I used to ride polaris snowmobiles and they flat out sucked, Polaris would throw a new sled together for next season and it would be stricken with problems. Now, I know that this is a different page in the book but I still have my concerns. I figure with the money I save on the Predator though I will get a three or four year warranty with it. Now my other concerns are according to the magazines the predator is hard to wheelie and it is tuff to get and keep the front end up through the whoops, do you guys find this true? Also how are you guys liking the transmissions are they a pain in the @ss and hard to shift or can you shift them at full throttle easily by simply putting a different oil in them. And one last thing does the plastic bother your knees and are you having any other problems with these first year quads. Thanks I appreciate your complete and HONEST replies, Seth

 

As for your first comment, I love my polaris sleds I have had no problems with them. Second I have been reading some posts and have heard of people having problems with shifting. I only had a little problem shifting when I first got my Predator. I only have about 4 hours on it now and have no trouble shifting, only prob. found was leaking at radiator but minor fix with a wrench. Other than that its a great quad.

 

The Predator does not wheelie like an EX this is true...and a good thing if you are into going fast. You can get front end up at will however as the ol girl has plenty of power. It has a good balance point and can get mine up in 4th with throttle....the whoops are no problem but you must set suspension up. You can get it to come up when you breathe on it good or make it plant and go. The transmission was a little sitcky but after 2 tanks of gas is no problem and feels like every other bike I have ridden. I don't understand Dirt Wheels comments as I can ( and do ) power shift mine in drags. I am 6' 230 and plastic does not bother me at all. I jump and ride hard in every postion and no complaints. Except the plastic vibration and chain noise is driving me nuts at low speeds. The chain noise is getting better and I am going to go over plastic. Let me please note this to you...there is no stock bike that will handle as well, has more plush and adjustable suspension, or is as powerful out of the box. Not just because I own one but to the point I traded an 00 EX and 99 Warrior for it. If you like to go fast this bike is for you.

 

Hey Firehawk,

I kept hearing a rattling sound on my Predator. I thought it was the front tire or something like that. Turns out it was those bolts that hold the front plastic on. Did you make sure they were good and tight? I rode around all day before i figured out what it was. Fixed it, and no more rattle.

Scott

 

 

i got 3 tanks through my pred. and only had a little trouble shifting it the first few times i rode it. It works its self
out. The machine has great power and handling. If you are planning on racing buy a pred over the raptor. Special note - All warranties a void if you race your predator. I have been racing a 400ex for mx. The predator easily beats it around the track. It is alot harder to lift the front end than raptors and 400ex and z400s. The predator still gets through the whoops faster due to its better suspension (if all quads are stock - no after market suspension). No problems with the plastic around the knees either. Both quads are nice and they should be for thier prices. Either quad will make you happy. The raptor just takes more mods to make it as fast as the predator.

 

Pred03, I only rode my Pred for like 2 minutes the first time I ever rode til I found out what that rattleing was. All my front and rear plastic bolts and heel protector bolts were loose. I've had the rattling come back on the front plastic after 300 miles now but tighten up again and away I go.

 

I also had problems with mine shifting when it was brand new. One thing I did was lower the shift lever so it was level with the foot peg, I had to grind the bottom of the lever alittle bit cause it was hitting the frame when you down shifted, but it made it easier to shift. That and give it some time it will get better. Mine also had loose bolts that held the plastic on so be sure to check them.

 

how hard is it to lower the shifter? is this somthing your average DIY'er can do with basic tools?

 

Its not hard at all. Just loosen the bolt on the shifter and pull the shifter off the shaft then slide it back on in a lower postion. It really does help. You will have to grind the bottom of the shifter alittle cause it will hit the frame.