I want a sporty trail quad It dose not matter if it dont have reverse, I know both have there share of probs but from what i under stand both have all the bugs worked out of them.. I also want something that dose not cost lots money to mod... Whats the best bang for the buck? It will be riden on trails mostly , jumps some mud and maybe some dune riding...

Thanks
-Trailrider

 

Anyone??

 

They're both good bikes, I would probably go with a Raptor cause I like reverse[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] But the Predator handles every bit as good as the raptor and feels more stable, the Yamaha acts a little top heavy and squirely. Ride both and see what bargains the dealers will give ya. Good luck.

 

Hopefully some Raptor guys will post. This info is based on seeing my friend ride his raptor on some aggressive trails in Oklahoma.

Compared to the 400ex, he was all over the place. My friend was constantly getting bucked off his raptor on uneven trails and rough ground. It appeared very top heavy and the front really liked to come off the ground. Please base your opinion on accounts from actual raptor owners, but from what I saw- I wouldn't own one for riding trails. It's very likely there are a few mods available to widen and lower the raptor, just don't make it to wide for the trails.

I can't comment on the Predator, as I have no experience with that quad. Based upon the fact that you want to ride trails, jump and play in the sand, you may want to consider one of the 400 models. 400ex, z400 or kfx400. I have the 400ex and enjoy it. It is easy to mod and there are plenty of mods out there. One or both (the z400 and the kfx400) have reverse, a little more horsepower stock than the 400ex, and are decent rides from what I've heard.

Me, I'm waiting on the 450r in January. Just need more speed and bigger air. The kick start may play hell with me on trails, oh well. Good luck on your decision. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Thanks alot guys, I any not planing on buying till next year, So i got lots of time to think about this!!

 

Any other raptor and pred owners, have anymore input???

 

I have had both. I traded my old Troy Le Edition Pred and got the Le Edition Raptor. They both have good features but I like how the Yamaha Rides better. The shocks arent as good but they do the job. The Raptor is faster but more Top Heavy. I ride some trails and mostly at the dunes and the Raptor is way better at the Dunes. Way better hill climber. It gets out of the hole better and everything. I don't know what to say but I have had both and I like the Raptor alot more. Some times I wish I had the Pred when my buddy calls me up and wants to go to the track but thats here and there. My choice get the Raptor or the YFZ450

 

Thanks a lot man for the input.....

 

I have had my 04 Raptor for about 3 weeks and I love it. I ride alot of trails (along with 2 other Rappys) and I love how it rides. You need a little more body english in the turns but once you get used to it it's a fun bike to ride. It's definately all the power I need. We have some hills here in Ohio, not huge but pretty big and I don't have much trouble getting up them at all and I'm still stock. As one of them stated before the shocks could be better but for what I ride it for they do just fine. Reverse has saved me a few times. I've been in the trails with a couple 400EX's and there were times they had to get off and push their bike back to an opening. I don't know if that's a deciding factor for you or not but I wanted a quad with reverse. The only thing I wish was different about the raptor is how low the swingarm sits. I have PRM skids on and hit quite a bit of rocks with my swingarm plate. However I wouldn't trade my toy for anything.

 

Flybub, Thanks for your opinon, I think i am going to go with the Raptor, it has Reverse, good speed, and its an awesome looking ride[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]