I'm looking to buy a quad here soon and these are the three quads I'm looking at most. I mostly do dune riding and tree shots and things like that. Occasionally some trail riding but not much. I'm 5'10 140 pounds

 

Have you ever ridden a 2-stroke? They ARE a different breed that require a different style of riding when compared to 4-stokes. I have spent time riding the three quads you mentioned, and really like the Banshee and the TRX400. If most of your riding will be in the dunes as you stated, the Banshee will do well there. It has its kick in the midrange to top end and does not like to be lugged around. One thing to keep in mind regarding the Banshee is if you doing any modding, multiply it by 2. It will also drink gas like it is going out of style. The TRX400 is better suited to trail riding and does not mind being lugged around. Plus, it has reverse and electric start. I would not even consider the Raptor 660, but instead would spend a bit more for the 700. If the Raptor were a 700, it would be my choice. Make sure you carefully inspect and ride them all, then decide which is the BEST machine for YOU. Good luck.

 

Not sure what that's about if you read these Owner reviews . Vehicle Reviews for 2003 Yamaha 660R Raptor I know the only one to worry about is the first year 2001 due to a tranny issue that has been corrected in 2002.

No Sport ATVs where I live but there are plenty of 660 Grizzlies and the motors sure are reliable.
I would think a 660 Raptor sure would get to the top of a dunes much quicker then a 400ex with its hp and bottom end torque advantage.

If the 700 Raptor is way better than a 660 it must be a chassis thing since the 660 and 686 have almost the same HP. 43hp vs 47hp I think.

 

It is not that I do not like the Raptor 660. As stated, I would rather pay more for a Raptor 700. The 700 IS considerably better than the 660. If you have not ridden them then there is no way you can appreciate the difference. You can read all you want, but nothing can replace actually trying one out. There was no mention of the TRX400 being a better dunner than the 660. There is no question which would have the advantage in the dunes.

 

The problem most had with the 660 (myself included) was that it was top heavy. The 700 still is to some degree but the ergonomics, rider position and center of gravity were all improved on the 700. Not to mention it got EFI, a better chassis and a upgraded suspension with extended travel. The 660 was reliable though, with the exception of the first year trans issues.

Like nacho said, if you have driven them both, there is no question about which is the better machine.

For the op- If you are mechanically inclined, Then the banshee is no doubt the best choice of the 3 you mentioned for the dunes. The motor has by far the most potential and it's still fairly cheap to rebuild despite the twin cylinder. Banshees are finiky though so if your not one who likes to work on their machine often then it may not be for you.

The 400ex is a great trail machine. It handles as good as any ATV out there and has a nice tourqey but low revving powerband. They last forever if taken care of as well.

 

Well he just mentioned which one of "these" particular 3 ATVS with the 700 Raptor not even in the mix since its obvious he is looking at used, because the 660 and Banshee has not been around for a good while.

Be like me telling him don't bother with the 400ex but get the 450r or 700xx instead.

Out of "his stated choice options" and without me telling him to get a 1000 Renegade, the 660 sure sounds more appealing then the 400ex.
The Banshee is great if your a mechanic, but its like riding a hand grenade with the pin slowly vibrating out.

 

Banshee for dunes, 400ex for trails. I am not a huge fan of the 660 in stock form. If you widen it out and add some decent front shocks then it would be a good middle ground between the other 2 though. I agree that the 700 is a significant step, maybe 2, ahead of the 660. They have been around a while now, and may be worth stretching your budget a bit to grab one.

 

I've seen a couple 450s in my budget which I'm also looking at now. I have ridden a 2 stroke, my dad has a banshee and I also like working on it. I'm mostly leaning towards another banshee or a 450 since there are some in my budget.

 

Wow! Unbelievable! The suggestion (which can be taken or thrown in the trash) was if the 660 was a consideration it would be worthwhile to invest in a Raptor 700 instead. Sorry creecher for suggesting anything other than what you mentioned in your original post. I had no idea this would become a pissing contest. Like I said, ride them all and choose the one you like best.

 

Here is his post Subject.

"raptor 660 vs. banshee vs. 400ex"

My pick is a 660 out of those if its not a 2001.

If we can throw out our own recommendations, then my pick is a good used 525 KTM or even a 1000 Renegade.

I never rode up a dune or even seen one but I would imagine a crazy 4wd would go up one quite well.