I am a newb and haven't owned a ATV for several years. I had a Yamaha Banshee back in the day and am looking to buy a sport ATV. I loved my Banshee but as I am older would like something with electric start and even possibly reverse. I would say I am partial to Yamaha but open to suggestions.
I have access to 30 acres of wooded trails which is where I would be doing most of my riding. I am 6 ft. 220lb. I have been doing research on the raptor but am not sure about what size would be best for me. It doesn't have to be the baddest thing on the block just fast enough to make me **** myself just a tiny bit Trying to stay around $2500
thanks for the help in advance, Sean

 

Not sure if a used one is within your budget but i own a 2008 DS 450, full rossier exhaust... it embarasses the polaris outlaw, and honda trx.. the yamaha yfz 450 can keep up to me but not quite beat me.. Not sure never raced a raptor 700.

 

Stay away from the 450 "full performance" 450s with the " 450 motocross motors" in them,more maintenance and out of your price range and I,m not even sure they have reverse.

The best "bang for your buck" is the Yamaha 350 Raptor, Honda 400ex or Suzuki QuadSport Z400 .

All have enough "fun factor" with min maintenance (Gas and go)at a good price.

At $2500 you can get a "nice condition" Yamaha 350 Raptor, Honda 400ex or Suzuki QuadSport Z400 or a "rough condition" that has been around the track more then a few times, Yamaha YFZ450, Suzuki R450 or Honda TRX450.

 

ltz 400 would b a great choice. i love mine there fast, have reverse in all years. ex only has o5 an up. not sure bout the raptor. electric start. etc. when i first hoped on mine i about craped my self. and it only has a pipe and filter on it. they run great and r a heck of alot of fun.

 

The 700 raptor would be a good fit, but it will be hard to find one in decent shape and under $2500. I would say your best bet is to go with a Z400. Bonus if you can find a Polaris Outlaw with the 525 or 450 KTM motor. While they are a racing motor they tend to be pretty durable, make great power, and have reverse.

 

The Raptor 700 is the way to go, stay away from the 660, never heard one good thing about them. 450s are for someone who wants a 450, not for someone just looking for any old sport quad. Never met anyone who owns an LTZ400, but I've never heard anything bad about them. Polaris is a real slippery slope, we all know the joke that goes with "Made In The U.S.A", well it applies to Polaris sport quads. Don't get a Predator, Outlaw 450, or Outlaw 525S (straight-axle). If you find an amazing deal on one, then get the Outlaw 525IRS, no shaky Predator handling, no choked-off airbox, maybe the only sport atv Polaris put any thought into, MAYBE.

 

Thanks for the input. I have decided on the Raptor 700. I am just trying to save the money for it now. That is the hard part. $1500 and counting. I am hoping to have the money by fall and catch someone looking to get rid a raptor before winter. Thanks again

 

Just to update. I ended up getting a 400EX. I found a deal on craigslist. Got a 2000 model for $1200. I figure I would have to spend over twice as much to find a 700 raptor and the 400 is fast enough for me. thanks for all the input

 

Congrats. Great price on a great quad.