Hi im looking to buy either a Z400 or raptor 660r. Im 15, 5'8 and i weigh 170 pounds. I dont want to have to do alot of work to it and plan to do some racing along with trail riding. Pritty much so far ive heard that the raptor has a high top speed but is it alot higher and how about accerelation and handeling + suspension.

 

The Z is a great all-around machine. Handling is superb, and the engine is just plain sweet, and with a few mods hops up really well.

The Raptor has great power, but I find it narrow and top heavy. Makes it a little tipsy. If I had one, I would have to widen it to 50", and that would cost big $$$$, so it doesn't make any sense to me.

As with any machine, you take a chance getting the first model year. If you are buying used, don't get an 01 Raptor, because they had transmission porblems. The 03 Z has a reputation for cracking the front shock mounts, but mine is just fine after 3 seasons of hard a$$ desert riding!

 

Top speed the Raptor might be a little higher, but through the gears up until about 70mph or so they are either even or close.

As far as handling it's not even close. The zQuad handles way better, much more stable. And if you get a new z400 you are getting great suspension that you could hobby-race no problem.

 

OO thanks for the input guys. I think now im leaning more towards the Z. DO all years of the Z have liquid cooling, and is it a fairly reliable quad? And where Im at upstate NY ive seen alot of peoople on wolverine 350's and raptor 350s's, how do you think the Z will fair against these, considering I am a fairly expierence rider.

 

OO yea and i hear that the Z400 and KFX 400 are pritty much the same exact machine, but the 03 Z has a reputation of cracking the front shock mounts, does the KFX have the same rep?

 

I was once in the same position as you and I got the raptor. I think that you should do the same. The raptor handles well and aslo has good acceleration and top speed.

 

OO but if i do get a raptor it will end up being a 2001 becuase they are all around 3000-3500 if a Z 2003 or 2004 pritty much if i can get 4000 i will end up with the predator. Predator is what i really want cuz i hear its awesome but cost more then both the Z and Raptor. Can anyone confirm that the Predator is faster then the raptor and handels better. Also is the Z and raptor reliable and i mean the older models.

 

Listen, for racing and the trails the z is better in both. In the trails, the Z is alittle more compact and its easier to throw around because it sits lower then the 660. The 660 sits too high and like the other guys said its tippier and I feel much more comfortable on the z. On the track I like the z more too. The 660 has long gears and there is no use for them on the track because up to 4th gear the z actually accelerates alittle faster then the raptor does stock. My 660 has a slip on pipe and jet kit and mine is stock and it still accelerates faster when my brother and I raced. The z is alot more controlable in the air too. The 660 tends to want to shoot the nose up and is harder to control. The z is a completely better buy for what you want to do. The z's suspension is about the same with the raptors, the raptors might be alittle softer when you get it stock, but on the track the z will blow it away stock to stock or even if the raptor has motor mods. Like the one guy said it needs money to lower it and or widen it and thats a bit of $$$

 

Wow thanks alot for the input. I mad my decision i will be buying a Z400. It is fast and good for trails. I appreciate all your help thanks.

 

If all you want is speed, the Raptor is for you, it will beat the Z no matter what in a straight line (thats if both are stock.)but since you mentioned you could only get a 01 Raptor, just get the Z. The 2001's were nothing but problems, specialy the tranny.