I have seen 2 different issures of ATV Sport that both had radar number for multiple machines. Each time had different numbers, but same machine. It just shows how things change depending on which actualy quad they have, and conditions. I wonder how they will compare when both tested at the same time.

Scooby---Isn't the "2-wheel version" of the DS more powerful in stock form? Just curious.

 

I actually think most reviews have been about the same. ofcource there not going to be exactly the same, but relatively close. They all say it has great power, espeicaially mid and handles like a 400ex, with about the same suspension. I bet when the raptor is released were going to hear alot of diffrent opinions. Heck look at the 400ex, most of its reviews were similar but after it got released some people said it was awesome with great power, while others said it sucked and was too slow. Just goes to show that peoples opinions can differ greatly on the same machine.

Oh and ATV sport regularly radars quads from 0-30, somtimes its on asphault and somtimes its in the sand or on dirt so it varies some.

 

Howdy, I dont often post in here but I keep an eye on it to see what you DS owners are up to.
I am waiting for my Raptor as we speak, I currently own a 500 Scrambler that I bought last Aug after I got tired of waiting for my local dealer to nail down a release date on the DS, I choose the Scrambler because it was the only interesting quad out there besides the DS. The 400 EX did not hold any interest for me because I used to own 3 LT 500's (moment of silence please)
and the 400 seemed like a step backwards. I planed on giving the 500 Scrambler to my wife when the DS came along but she wouldn't wait either, so I got her a Trailblazer. Just when I was getting ready to unload the 500 and get the DS the Raptor rumors started flying around , so I waited some more. When the specs were released, and I saw the reverse, and I made up my mind, the Scrambler had made me NEED reverse.
I think both quads have there strong points and by watching you guys I have decided to spend the 499.99 for the 3 year ext warranty. This is a new model release and is bound to have problems.
Just to clarify something that was said above; the fuel injection on the FX400 has nothing to do with horsepower, as a matter of fact a well set up carb will make more WOT HP. This is not to say that EFI is not better, becasue it is, but just that it will not make more HP by itsself.
See Ya Drew

 

I read the same article . What I was stating is that the raptor isnt all that it was made out to be according to that statement. This is the first test to have some hard data.

I can understand that different conditions can yield different times but a whole second. come on. Alot of people complain about the DS low end and it is still better out of the hole.

 

I agree, that statement was out of line from the review team. One thing is for sure, if the Raptor handles like the 400ex and runs like the DS, it will be awesome!

 

Hey guys what about the fact that these quads being tested are all pre production sample units that I'm sure have seen quite a bit of riding time. And what about the DS having faster 0-30 times? Did they race right next to each other on the same day on the same surface in the same weather conditions? I know it sounds like I'm defending the quad that doesn't exist yet but I'd rather wait to see a head to head comp between all the quads. All prelim numbers don't mean jack to me. Who know's maybe the government will step in and limit the top speeds on quads like they currently do open class sport bikes (ZX-12R). Flame on!

 

Gary,

Since you've decided to toss your cash at Yamaha for a Raptor, I wanted to get your thoughts on one thing that bothers me about this machine: it's width. From what I have read, the Raptor is 3" narrower, than the 400ex in stock form. Which puts it like, 5+ inches less than the DS650. (I don't have any exact measurements, sorry.)
Does the narrow width concern you about the machine's stability? Personally that narrow of a machine sounds almost unsafe - but this is NOT from any experience with the machine only speculation.
One machine that is in full production that I could use in comparison would be the Blaster, which to me, again looks almost unsafe as narrow/tall as it is. Let me know what your thoughts pros/cons about the dimensions of your future toy are. And when you do get it, I'm sure we would all like to hear the TRUTH from a REAL LIVE HUMAN owner as to how it performs, both out of the box and after you do whatever you plan to do with it.

 

Yamaha is going to make a lot off money on the Raptor, especially on the service end. How many people out there are going to be able to adjust both carbs & get it right. The Cannondale with its fuel injection you don't have to worry.

All these posts right now are just speculation. Until these quads are released who really knows? I am sure the Raptor just like the DS-650 will have a few bugs in it on the intial production run.

 

I just got my atv sport, and if you read the plus and minus remarks they have about it, you will see that they said first gear is too tall, they also said slippery rear. Which means if you change the sprocket or get some tires that hook, those times will drop severely. I still can't wait to get mine.

 

Chris, from my experience aboard a 400ex and a Banshee, the Banshee handles corners better with less 2-wheeling and the Banshee is more narrow than the 400ex. How will the Raptor handle? It seems crazy to make a new machine with a huge motor that will not handle. Maybe we will see a new trend of more narrow performance atv's? Has Yamaha dropped the ball and everyone will have to widen them? If so, i'll widen it and enjoy the HP. When they start hitting the dealerships, the real tests will begin.