I will be purchasing a new quad in a couple months, but I am having a hard time deciding which bike to buy. I am about 190 lbs and will be only riding in the dunes. I am leaning towards a Raptor right now, but I would like to hear what some other people have to say.
Also a question for Raptor owners, does adding a complete exhaust system and rejetting really add 10 to 13 horses? Thanks for your time.

 

Personally, I love my Predator. It's very stable, good power, great handling, the no bump steer is awesome. Plus it's made in the USA. What more could you want???

Scott

 

You might want to consider the DS650 Baja as well, for all-around Dune riding, it's tough to beat, especially for larger riders. I've ridden all of the bikes you're considering, to make a long story short, the Raptors' a blast to ride, lots of torque, revs out great, but not the most confidence inspiring handling, plan on extended a-arms and a longer rear axle to get the most out of it. The LT-Z400 has great handling, it's very easy to throw around, with no hidden surprises. You have to rev it pretty hard to get good power, plan on replacing the rear axle if your'e doing a lot of jumping, we haven't had any problems with ours, but my son only weighs about 100 lbs, you are a lot bigger, and I've heard some stories about weak axles. The Predator kind of bridges the gap between the Raptor and the LT-Z, good overall power, but not the low end grunt of the raptor, excellent overall handling, but not as flickable as the LT-Z. I think the Predator does have the best overall suspension of the three, just plan on spending some time getting it dialed in, the suspension setting out of the box are way off. As far as overall quality and reliability, earlier Raptors had some transmission issues, I've already mentioned the LT-Z axle problems, the Predators out there seem to be holding up fairly well, but it's probably too early to tell, keep in mind it is a first year model.

 

my bro has a Z400 its so cool i cant wait till im 14 so i can get a Z400 im 10 now i got a 250ex but thats not the point i think any of them are great its all up to you.

 

If all your doing is the dunes then a Raptor would be the best of the three. I have a Z400 and I love it at the dunes but, it's not as good as a Raptor for sheer power. If you want the king of the dune roost then the Banshee is the undisputed leader.

If you decide to do other stuff, trails, track, etc. then the Z is a great all-around bike.

MX

 

whats up with u and american stuff, id rather have foreign from my experiances...

 

You keep buying foreign. Then one day you'll be able to go over there and work, too. If you have a choice in the matter, always buy American. Good for the economy, for the workers, and good for you too.

 

HEY DUNNER 2003 WHY DONT YOU CONSIDER THE KFX700 I KNOW ITS KNEW BUT IT WILL BE THE FASTES FOUR SROKE ON THE MARKET. AND NON OF THOS QUADS YOUR CONSIDERING WILL SOUND AS GOOD AS THE 700.

 

I understand Zuk will soon be "made" in America. The are putting up shop in Georgia.

 

Yes I guess your right. BUT foreign things are made better IMO... well from what I have experianced...

Oh yeah, Bush is bad for the economy too!