I am the proud owner of a 2005 Kawasaki KFX700. I bought it in the fall and it has about 80 hours on it. I love the fact that is has endless torque and tons of power. I love the CVT trans because it lets me go a lot faster in the woods.

However I have come to the realization a few months later that I really should get something smaller and more nimble. It's great in the trails but it sucks for MX. Getting something else is going to end up costing me a lot of money but I ride every weekend and this thing is kicking my ***.

Basically I am looking for a sport quad that matches the following criteria:
At least as powerful if not more powerful than my 700
Somewhat comfortable for a bigger guy (6-3, 220)
Decent (doesn't have to be great) at both trails and MX
Good jumper
Lightweight
Mild mannered when riding slow (for following my kid on his CRF80 which I only do for maybe 10 minutes a weekend)
Reverse is not required

I was thinking of a 450R, YFZ, or Raptor 700.

The Predator and Raptor 660 are off my list. From what I've read they suffer some of the same problems that my 700 does (big, heavy, tippy).

I have taken the 400 class out of the running because I have a feeling they won't have all the power I want. If you have ridden both a Kawie 700 and a 400ex or Z400 and can convince me that they have similar power then maybe I will reconsider a 400.

Also if you have suggestions on a dirtbike to get I will take those too.

 

Your best option is the Raptor 700 IMO. Good luck trying to get a 400 series quad with similar power though that V-twin 700 is a beast.

You might want to look for a DS650 Viper, they are about 40 lbs lighter then the Baja version and a guy could possibly trim a bit more weight off of it and the power is comparable to a stock KFX with better suspension and a more comfortable ride, you can do jumping with it.

 

Raptor 700

It doesnt feel tipsy at all to me like people complain about on the 660. It has plenty of power and at 396lbs it doesnt weigh much more than the 400 class quads.

 

Out of the three you listed, the Raptor would fit the bill the best. You still get open class style torque on the bottom and 450 level HP on top. The 450's don't really like lugging around on the trails under say, 10MPH. They will do it, and can be modded to do it better, but they really aren't designed for that. BTW, I got some very limited seat time on a new Quadracer, and it is a pretty well polished package right off the showroom floor. Might be worth a look.

 

I'm going through the same thing. I haven't decided if I want to spring for a 450 or save a few bucks and live with less power and get a 400.

 

I think the DS650 is a great quad. However, like the KFX700 it's a little to heavy for the MX track.
I would suggest any of the 450's. Second choice would be the Raptor. Only because he said he want's to ride MX.

 

Personally, I'll take HANDLING OVER POWER any time, and the huge 700 just doesn't handle! I have several buddies (all big tall guys) who have the 700's, so I have ridden them before, and it's NOT a pleasent experience. Not surprised you want something more nimble. This is a market segment (quads for the tall) that has been neglected by the manufacturers.

Most tall guys find the 450's to be to cramped. You might find the Raptor 660 to be ok (to narrow and tippy for my taste). I have not ridden the new Raptor 700, but it seems downsized from the older Raptor.

 

They addressed alot of the 660 complaints when the developed the 700

660= 72L X 43.3W X 45.3H seat height 33.9 weight 398lbs

700= 72.6L X 46.1W X 44.5H seat height 32 weight 396lbs

As can see its shorter, wider, and lighter. I had some concerns about the 700 but after doing some research and now owning one I feel its a great choice

 

How does the power of the 700 compare to your 400s, and the 450? I too would like to get an opinion of someone who has ridden all three.

 

We went riding with a guy on a kfx700. My brother let him try his yfz, and when he came back he was shocked. He took it out for another ride because he loved it. But the yfz definetely does not like riding slow. My other brother is 6'4" and 220lbs, and he loves my z. In fact he has a 400ex, but I keep my z at his house and he always rides that instead of his. He likes it better for giving his son rides because of the easier clutch, and he likes it better for solo riding because of the difference in power. If you do get a 400, it would be the best choice. But I can't give you a comparison because I have not ridden the kfx700. But I would say it's a great all around quad that you can run with the 450's on the trail (but not the wide open areas) and still play with the kid. It's very nimble and easy to jump.