just remember diff strokes for diff folks

 

I agree. I can see someone buying a ds or a raptor if they have ridding experience on a dirtbike or something like that but for a very first bike that's crazy.

 

I totally agree with Dollarbilz. Im glad that there are so many different quads out today. Which is better? It depends on what you like. Dont waste your time with this discussion. Sit back and enjoy all the different models and some good racing. Race what you brought. Ive owned them all and some are better at certain things than other. Support your sport not just your brand

 

These guys ride street bikes and not tame ones as mentioned. I think the DS is a super first quad for an individual who has some sense...even if you ain't got any it'll learn ya one way or another real quick. Why waste you money on something a little smaller that'll hurt you just as bad that you'd get bored with? Do you think it was the acceleration speed or the top speed that caused the accident? It appears that it was just bad judgement and again, the same accident could easily of happened on a 400ex. I also think they had a coach who did his best to set a good example and offered sound advice. The DS is my first quad...I used to ride dirt bikes and three wheelers...I'm glad I didn't buy anything less.

 

I ABSOLUTELY, 100% AGEE WITH DOLLAR. I must appologize if it seems like I'm bashing the Rappy. That wasn't my intent, but I could see how you would draw that opinion. As far as the power thing goes, and simply as a comparison, my earlier statement stands. I just want to call a pot a pot. Did Cam bite off more than he can choose? I can't speak for him. He's a great guy that has been on quads before and I have to assume he made an informed decision. Dr. Pepper was a first time rider and he took to it like a duck in water. Cam just had a tougher time. I would have to disagree with those who think that the DS or Raptor is a poor choice for a first time quad rider. What would have been my choice at 6'10" and 300+??? a Scrambler 500? a Z400? I didn't have that choice. The beauty about the new sleds coming out is that they are as docile as a lamb until you require more. I can putt around all day with my 6yr old on his 90, yet smoke guys at comp. What would the alternative for these guys have been. Both 6'plus and both have riding experience.......

Raptors are wonderful sleds and for that matter all the new stuff is just plain awsome. Your choice in the matter is what makes the hobby fun. Each, including the DS, have there shortcomings. My point was that the story brought to light a couple of differences between the two.

I've got some great friends that ride Raptors, and in certain riding conditions, they fair better. To each his/her own, and enjoy the hell out of it. You paid for it! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Jiminok, your point is extremely valid. I personally thing that the "tippy" tendancies of the Raptor only contributed to the big problem. Rider judgement and error. I repeatedly told them to relax and just enjoy..... Cam was a little too concerned with keeping up with DR. Pepper. Thanks for the knodd for trying to give sound advise, I really did try - several times.

Let's hope that Cam gets back on the beast, respects it's potential a little more and gets his 7K of enjoyment. I would hate to lose a good guy from the hobby on one mishap.

 

I concur!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

dont take me wrong i love all bikes but i ride a raptor there will always be opions as to witch bike is the best and the only thing i can come up with is its better too have a bike regardless of brand than too be watching from the sidelines



but there are a few ds riders that i wish there bikes would break down because they are really fast
(the bom) lol

 

The best dough spent so far on my boys Raptor was buying what Rocky Mountain calls Douglas 2x4 offset rims for the front. Added 4" width to the front for dang near free since I needed the rims anyway. I'd do the same for the rear if I'd known before my boy got rear paddles a little bit ago. Even the <$300 Durablue adds 4" to the rear at an affordable price.

If I rode the Rap, I would extend the swingarm as well.....but then again, I'm short for my weight.....

jbt

 

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Great story bigdaddy. You share the luv for DS quads that I & others here do. I have found over the last few years that big guys have a greater luv for the bigger quad & even some smaller guys like the comfort. My son has a rappy & a lot of my friends ride them, but I feel like Im on a small blaster after riding my DS. Glad we have a lot of options when looking for new quads[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]