I like the Raptor don't get me wrong.

Fact is that if I could have gotten the 05 Raptor for the same price I got my KFX there is a good chance I would have one instead.

But my point was stock-for-stock I don't think an 05 Rappy660 and an 05 Z400 are that different in speed.

I also agree with whoever said they keep the Raptor stuffy from the factory so Joe Blow doesn't kill themselves. Its true that mods do wonders for the Raptor, but they also do wonders for the KFX/Z.

The guys I ran across was running an 01 with mods, and God knows how many hours. I was willing to take that into account because it matters.

But I've ridden both 05 machines stock for stock and they are likely closer than the Raptor owners are willing to admit. The 05 z400s are quite a bit quicker than the 04 models, the power curve is different, it has a mid-range hit the 04 didn't have, not even close.

The Raptor's power is smooth and torque heavy, while the z400 relies on the HP and likes to rev more so they feel different when the run through the gears. But actual speed is so very close we might be talking a tire length at the end of a quarter mile.

And as has been said the handling is not even close, the z400 is much more stable and user friendly. But that's not to say a good rider can't make the Raptor go just as fast.

Like I said I like the Raptor, but I could not see spending a $1000 more on one. And after really getting to know both machines the KFX was better for me. I liked the power delivery better, and the handling and the overall feel. If things had been reversed and the Raptor was $1000 cheaper than the KFX, I'd probably be still riding blue.

I think no matter which one people decide to go with, they will be happy.

 

Well my friend just picked up his 05 z400 and got it out the door for 5500. You know what I could do with the cash I save from buying a KFX/Z over a raptor.....sounds convincing doesnt it....

 

Exactly, If I spent the $1000 I saved on the KFX the thing would be totally sick. My guess is the new Raptor 700 will be in the $6500 range, again making it a tough buy again.