Top speed
Raptor= 76.9 mph
Ds 650 Baja =76.1 mph
Drag race 1/8 of a mile
Bombardier= 8.89 sec
Raptor= 9.28 (March 2002 4-wheel action)
As far as top speed and overall quikness there is very little difference.
When it comes to weight their is a difference. Also from the same source.
Weight w/ one gallon fule
Raptor= 418 lbs
ds 650= 505 lbs
I have owned both machines. I have to say that if all I was going to do is ride the dunes, then I would go with the ds. But unlike other parts of the country, The ds does not fit on 90% of the trais in Idaho. I got tired of the trail just getting good nad the ds was to wide for it.The 23% (4) horse power difference is easily flipped by using the $800 you save on the raptor (Baja sug. ret. $7399 raptor $6499) NAd buying a few goodies. If you look at the new bombardier ad, it isn't on a trail, it is on a flat dirt road, not trail going through the trees. I guess if you trail ride like this then reverse is not to important. good luck

 

musthaveblue, while it is true that the 23% HP difference can be made up with a few mods the fact still remains that dollar for dollar and mod for mod the DS will still turn out more HP and torque. The Rappy does respond better to some mods than the DS. Like a slip on or full exhaust opens it up very well. Where I live where 99% of the trails are wide and when I was in Murphy NC riding trails the DS did great. Reverse is NOT a factor for me being 6'4" and 240Lbs. Next Dirt Wheels showed the opposite 1/8th mile times and top speeds, where the Rappy was a quicker bike and the DS had the top end. Yes the DS is more expensive. Dirt wheels said in order for the Rappy to handle like the DS you'll have to spend over $2k for a longer rear axle and longer a-arms. Still the fact remains I beat Rappys all day every day.

 

Ohhhhh yea, once you get used to the "extra" weight of the DS its not a factor at all. BOTH bikes are good bike it all depends on where you ride, how you ride and the rider.