Anybody get there october ATV Sport? I was reading the article on the new raptor and noticed they have posted some 0-30 times for it.

Well if you go back to your april issue of ATV Sport you will notice that the DS is a full second faster than the raptor 0-30. The article also states "The strange thing is, the initial hit doesnt feel as strong as the DS, and our radar numbers back that up.

Now lets hear some of that sh__ talking. Its going to get interesting! I think I hear someone canceling a order at the yamaha dealer. Bring it on!!!

 

I feel a flame post coming...

 

That is true...but after the 0-30 time...the Raptor has better numbers. So what does this mean? I'll just assume that the Raptor overall is about the same performance-wise overall. How does it feel for the DS guy's and the soon-to-be Raptor guys to be down on power compared to the Banshee? That is what the same ATV SPORT mag said in it's closing statement about the Raptor. It really pisses me off reading all of the different reviews of the Raptor. This is the first time that I have noticed so many different reviews of the same ATV. It seems like all the review teams are worried about is keeping everyone happy in the ATV industry. The same closing statement that I mentioned earlier says that the Raptor is powerful and nice, but if you want more power, the Banshee is available (in my wording). Also, earlier in the commentary, the top speed could not be achieved (could only hit 65). They dodged that one! What the H$$$ is going on! Did'nt Yamaha state that the Raptor is a performance step-up from the Banshee and would smoke everything in a 100 and 200 yard race? All we need in the next review is the 400ex jumping it out of the hole so everyone in the ATV industry will have a warm and fuzzy feeling about their ATV sales.

00 400ex (gone)
01 Raptor (soon, and don't wanna hear from ATV mag puppets doing what they are told to keep advertisement cash)

 

You mean, as in "Will too!" "Will not!" "Will too!" "Will not!" Continuing into personal attacks, profanity, and moderator action?

But the Raptor hasn't even been released to the public! Will posters argue so fiercely about a quad yet unborn?

Tree Farmer

 

I have a lot of respect for this mag. like you said Gary it sounds like all the others are blowing smoke.

The raptor beating the DS like the DS beats the 400 EX is a pretty strong statement(no offense). Im just glad to hear that the Raptor stock isnt as bad as they made it out to be. Im going to look forward to racing a few. Like I have said before a lot depends on the rider. Im not the best by far but Ill sure get my share of waxin some.

If they do out run me than the aftermarket wars begin.

 

Until the Raptor is released its all speculation. I do believe this will be the best sport bike Yamaha has ever released, but the best ever? Time will tell.

In my opinion, I believe the Cannondale will be the true challenger to the DS-650 as the king of the sport quads. The reason is the horsepower developed from the fuel injection.

The Raptors will be on the show room floors real soon.

 

Well I have to hand it to all of you, I'm surprised no one has started a flame post yet. I appreciate that!

Anyhow, It wouldn't surprise me that the Raptor may have a better short distance acceleration than the DS. The Raptor is roughly 50lbs lighter and has less rotating mass at the crank. Which results in a quick revving big bore quad with an insane redline.

I thought the Raptor wouldn’t be “that” quick off the line due to it’s light crank mass (which usually means less torque) but it looks as if it holds it’s own.

Of course in my opinion the DS is setup very poorly from the factory. In regards to jetting, air intake, and exhaust.

I just finished reading a review from Dirt Wheels (I believe) whom gave it a 3 out of 5 star rating for comfort. That’s unfortunate, because being a large guy, that’s one key feature I was looking for. Not to mention, power to launch myself along with the quad up and over many hills & jumps. Which by the sounds of it, the Raptor has plenty of.

Also to my surprise, they said the Raptor would make a better trail machine whereas the DS makes for a better racer. Not sure how they came across that thought, but it’s their opinion.

I’m glad Yamaha finally came out with their own revolutionary design. I’m sure most of you (like me) are getting tired of the Banshee.

I’m also happy that I finally have some competition. The only thing that I’m afraid of is…considering the Banshee’s popularity and plethora of aftermarket parts will manufacturers show us DS owners some love too??

I can only wait to see that ad in Dirt Wheels now…”00 Bombardier DS650 Big Bore 1000cc kit”

 

If you will do your magazine research....you will find that it is stated that the Raptor felt like it would out-run the DS like the DS out-runs the 400ex (I can get you the mag name and page # if you would like). Did you think I was making that up? Did you feel that the ATV SPORT test was excellent? It did'nt appear to you that they were trying to not step on any corporate toes?

 

The mags used to say that the 400ex is a better racer and the DS is a better dune machine (since the DS is larger and more heavy). Now the DS is a racer and no mention to the 400ex. What's up with that? If one goes through the different mag tests, he will find the initial test showed 3 stars for the seat comfort and a later test said the seat was comfortable. Bottom line is nothing will be proven until the dealers start getting the Raptor's in and someone that is not a corporate ATV puppet rides it.

 

Food for thought:

F650(421lbs): 0-60 in 5.22sec stock
0-60 in 4.62sec RW STG 2

Numbers according to Motorcycle Consumer News, 5/99