I’m new to sports quads, but recently purchased the below specked Raptor. I have no riding buddies with sport quads, all utilities. There is a track less than 10 miles from my house that allows ATV’s and is open during daylight hours for a $10 a day charge, with a honor system drop box in place for payment. It is maintained very well and gets a lot of activity from the dirt bikes. I’ve only stopped by and checked it out during weekdays, when no one was riding, but in passing, I’ve never seen ATV’s running so I currently have no source for local information and advice. This track is the main reason I bought the quad (settled on the Raptor because I got a good deal on it). Several thoughts that I would appreciate the veterans addressing:

How well will this machine fare on the track, with “casual” competition, mostly very modestly modified stockers, such as the EX, Z, and the new 450’s.

I’ve read up on the jetting, thought it could be improved upon, started screwing with it, and ended up back where I began. The spot I just can’t get right is at about 2/3 throttle, which gives me a brief “dead” spot. I’ve adjusted the c-clip on the needle valves but the original setting seems to be the best. I believe I’m fine, but how do I know? I have little experience, don’t know what to expect, and have nothing to compare to or drag race. I wish I could ride/race a stock Raptor so that I would have a gauge of some sort. Is there any rules of thumb I might could use to evaluate my set up to know if its performing up to its potential. When I first rode the bike, I recorded a top speed of 77.9 MPH on flat ground with the lowest of the runs at 77.1 MPH, all recorded with a GPS. When I finished screwing with the carb and set it back to where it was when it ran the 77.9 MPH, I’m only getting 74 MPH. I have very little experience with GPS units as well so I don’t know if the variance is in the bike or GPS. Thoughts……

 

The a arms, shocks, and axle will at least make the raptor respectable on the track. But I wont fool you, these things are not meant to fly. You are also going to be down on power from the 450 atvs but will have the edge over the 400's.

Just get out there and practice. Make sure to keep adjusting your shocks to get the best setup for that track. You would also benefit from some new tires. The holeshot fronts are fine but the mudshark rears do not belong on the track. Gearing will be crucial as well.

 

Maddog speaks the truth. Get the shocks dialed in to you.
You have an "OK" machine. Go practice and have fun!
As for mph, you'll be doing about 30- 35 on the track, so who cares.Gear down. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Hey Roads...you have the exact same suspension as I have, front and back. I'm not much of a MX racer, but as far as racing in the desert, that suspension is top notch. My Raptor feels like a Cadillac and handles the rough stuff really well. I'm thinking about switching to Elka's pretty soon.

If it rides this good on Works Triple Rates, I can't wait to see how well it does with Elka's.

I've raced the Alba arms for two years now, smacked into rocks, tumbled, fumbled, bumbled and occasionally cartwheeled. The Alba's are still straight and true with just cosmetic damage from the rocks. I'm very impressed with these A-Arms...I'm positive you'll agree.....[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

The only thing I didn't like from Alba is the Pro-Racer Tie-Rods I bought with the A-Arms. They tend to bend easily, and with each blow from the hammer to straighten them out, they just seem to get weaker...I'm shopping for a better Tie-Rod.....[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

The setup you've got will give you a good handle out on the track. Replacing the swingarm and rear shock should be your next concern, as far as handling goes. Maddog is right, you'll also have to replace those rear tires.

There are all sorts of little things you could do to improve your handling, such as tie-rods and a steering stem, different bars, etc. But you will be fine. I raced a stock raptor for a season and had no major handling issues.

I disagree with maddog on the power issue. While it would be wise for you to gear down, I don't see you being down on power. I race a Z400, TRX450 and YFZ on my private track and eat them up powering out of corners and accelerating in the straights.

You will fair well against your "casual" competition. Just make sure you dial your quad in for each track and you'll be fine. Just remember, it also depends on fitness and ability. Where do you stand?

 

i would also look to drop any weight u can
such as those skids