Thanks all. But for me the weight of the bike is not an issue. I can lift and load my Lakota (over 450#) by myself. Fortunately I have never had to lift it off of me! Power is the issue, I can run with the big dogs and am in love with the rappy - feels like you're riding on pillows. What's the suspension like on the Vforce, YX450 and Suzuki 450? As nice as the rappy? Too bad dealers dont' give demo rides! Maintenance is also not as issue as I either do it myself, or usually once I start one of the guys feels like he has to step in and complete the job for me (I just love the way that works! You get dirty and I'll bring you the beers!)

Hey Recon, how's it goin? Nope, havent' relocated to the desert just yet, still like the trails. I just want more juice at the dunes and even on the trails when giong uphill. Are you and yours going out to Ocotillo Wells anytime soon? If so, and you want some more riding company, please let me know. It's not as far as Glamis and from some of the info I've looked at it seems like a fun place to ride. Is it possible to do the trip in one day - leave from SBDO early AM and return late PM? or is that just too much for one day? Hopefully within the next four to six months I'll finally have my toy hauler or RV so overnights won't be an inconvenience!

 

The weight issue isn't so much a matter of loading the bike, etc., but rather being able to flick the bike around like a little toy when you are riding. You have ridden the Honda 250EX, right? How about a bike with 50 horespower and it is as easy to handle as the little 250? That is what the new 450's give you! But, both have pipey powerbands that make them more of a challenge for tight trail riding. Out in the open desert, my Honda 450 flies!

We are going to Glamis this weekend (18-19th), and either Ocotillo or Rasor Rd. for New Years. (You need a 4wd tow vehicle to get into Rasor.)

 

Definetly the raptor even in atv sport when they had a test on the yfz green sticker i think it was yamaha said that the raptor has a faster top speed by about 4 mph and more low end

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Is there a reason no one has mentioned the DS 650? Especally the Baja edition I DROOL evey time I ride one!!!
Ludacris speed and suspention that smooths out the gnarliest terain at speed.

 

I have several friends with DS's. They are all desert riders......and all their bikes are up for sale! This, like the V-Force, is a bike exclusively for really big guys.

In a world where 350 lbs. is the standard for performance bikes, and 375 lbs. for sport bikes, a whole lot of heavy machines are completely obsolete! There is absolutely no excuse for a sport bike that weighs 500 lbs.!

 

I seem to recall the DS650 win some big race recently. Oh yeah it was the Baja 1000. Not too bad for being completely obsolete.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Hey I am new to the sport and so for what it is worth. I have ridden my buddies Raptor, a TRX 450R, (450 is faster), and the DS Baja edition and by far the DS is the most comfortable and esiest to ride. I also believe the DS has the most travel, and the most ajustable suspention out of the box.
Most of our rideing is done bridal paths and tight trails.
And guys lets not forget she is looking for something to get up the hills faster, is more comfortable, and has a WOW factor. Wouldent this meet kats desire for a bike that rides like its on pillows, haulls a_ _ , and if weight is not an issue, I believe folsom has a great point.
P.S. I don't know if it's true or not but I also thought I heard that some one launced one 129 feet in Conn.

 

Come on, the DS is a huge tank! Great for 6 footers who weigh 250 lbs., but I know katstoy, and she isn't a 6' guy. And now, Bombardier is trying to pass that thing off as a trail bike???

 

The best 1 for you is the 1 that puts the biggest smile on your face, test them all, and go with what you like, (not someone else), after all you are the 1 driving it[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Well, my cousin just bought a Predator 500 and I'll be testing that puppy this weekend! So, does anyone have a DS650 or VForce or Suzuki 450 that I can ride? I went to pick up some parts at the local shop and got the ooh aahs just looking at the new stuff. the VForce seemed really big, any opinons on the Suzuki 450?

Recon, we're going to Stoddard Wells this weekend and AZ for New Years. There's some great trails just outside of Phoenix - the old Butterfield Stagecoach line and the Mormon Battalion Trail. Pretty cool riding with some interesting history lessons along the way. Some friends are going to Dumont one of the first weekends in January, we may join them and will keep you posted. We'll probably try another glamis run in Feb. Where do you camp at Glamis? We usually go to Buttercup as I meet friends from Phoenix. That area also seems very family friendly with no large roving packs of drunken folks.