You saw the title, OK so I am going over a used raptor or a shee, but thought I would give the ds a chance, but I know NOTHING about it, so, FILL ME IN, what kind of power does it have, is that weight REALLY noticable, whats the aftermarket like??, can it wheely easily?, how is it on jumps, EVERYTHING...

Hope to get some replies, thanks,

Mark

 

it would help us if you told us how you ride? My favorite thing about the ds over my raptor is reliblity, that also goes for the shee to. it has more travel, more power stock then both other quads.

 

Depending on where you ride, the weight is greatly offset by the motor. I had a Zilla that would wheelie at the drop of a hat. The DS will not wheelie until you want it too. That is a great plus when you're racing and hill climbing. I can consistently beat raptors because they want to wheelie much easier. It's not that they are any slower but by the time they get the front end back down I can be ahead. I also notice that I am not fatigued nearly as much after riding all day. The suspension is incredible for soaking up rocks and wash-outs. Everything is also a lot beefier than many other bikes (just look at the size of the chain). If you trail ride the power is very smooth and the bike gets very good gas mileage. I also really like that most of the bolts have nuts instead of threading into the frame so that if they are stripped all you have to replace is the bolt. That is just something I've noticed as I do maintenance. Compared to other machines, the DS is a Cadillac ride with Corvette accelaration.

 

First off, I think it jumps awesome and has the smoothest landing of any quad I've ridden and also has by far the best suspension on any stocker. More power than a Raptor and Banshee stock. On high-traction races like on pavement, the DS will smoke both quads. I can't speak by experience in the sand, but that's what they were designed for, and are probably the best dune machines stock for stock.

Yea, what is your riding style and how heavy/tall are you?

If you are over 150, you won't have a single problem controlling the beast. Raptors are small and don't feel good to big guys, or even skinny tall guys, Banshees have uncomfortable seats and have an awful suspension and a too-narrow axle.

The DS is not easy to wheelie with stock gearing if you get bigger tires, but drop to a 15t front, and you shouldn't have a problem lifting her up, although a Raptor wheelies alot easier.

My 0.03$

 

Mark, me again. I have owned all the machines you are talking about, so I hope you dont mine me chiming in here also.

I had a Ds650 Baja, I sold it to a friend, not because of any issues, but rather I needed the funds. I plan on getting another ds probably next year. They are great machines, great suspension, great engine, and just an overall great machine. I have nothing bad to say about them.

I ride sand and desert, and that is where the ds really shines. I ended up with 2 banshees because I had them in my blood and I love them, however I would take another ds in a heartbeat. My only complaint is the weight, bury it in the sand a few time and you are exhuasted.

stock they are pretty quick, and with a few mods can be quicker, however they do get more expensive to mod because of the lack of aftermarket for them.

My friend that purchased the quad from me loves to jump and the baja is very forgiving with its long suspension travel. I cant wait to get another one.

Good luck, it is mind boggling with all the sport quad options.

Bat

 

Alright thanks guys, I will be riding in a gravel pit, I am 15, 6' and 130lbs, we (me and my friends) ride in the pit and have jumps, cimbing the side of the pits and jumping the top, we make all sorts of jumps and have a little track lyed out, with the things I mentioned, also how does the ds compare with the preadator, one of my friends has one, your right bat, there are TOO many sport quads out there, I have just about gone through every atv out there, and still have it down to these 3,

Thanks for putting up with me, anybody else ever have as much trouble as I am, I think the best thing would be to go and ride them all. Later,

Mark

 

its big,heavy,fast, and about the size a a geo metro!!

 

all three are good pit bikes, all have ups and downs what it really comes down to is $. if your straped for cash you can pick up a used shee for cheep but you most likely will get alot of headacks with it. raptors are good if you don't mind working on it after you get home from riding. the ds, if you ride with friends that have narrow quads you'll find your self coming off jump cocked when your friends start to rut them up!

 

being the size you are your goinna have trouble throwing the DS around.. The DS is by far built the best of all the bikes, and in my opinion is the best all round sport quad for anything short of MX,..for Mx id just want something a little lighter.. either a cannondale or 250R..... anyway the DS is definatly right for me, but ive got 6 inches on you and 55lbs, i cant throw the DS around like i can my friends Z400, the DS takes a diff. approach as you have to use the power more instead of just yankin it around......But in the dunes the DS rules, hands downs...

 

jet when it comes to mx the can and 250r are not in the same class as the ds. in the open class most quads are around 450-500lb most people dont know that! the raptor filled with fluid and the ds filled are only about 20lb+- difference, the new ds wet is around 485 and the raptor wet is around 461 and thats if there is only a 20lb weight savings on the new ds! any ways what Im trying to say is the raptor is said to be track worthy and the ds isen't because of its weight? what up with that?