I'm 6'2" and 250 pounds and I love my DS! I can ride all day and not get beaten to death, like he said earlier the seat is like a couch.

 

I'v had both and i traded my ds for the kawi and then i sold it to buy another ds, i had a 03 ds first and now the slightly shorter 05 and i will say the 05 is way more fun to ride, the 04 and 05 are the same, im taller and 250lbs the suspension is way better ont the ds and handles the high speed a bit better fels more stable.

 

daring: you might be a little skinny for the average DS rider, you will be very happy the the 650.

 

Hey there daring,
I had the same delema as you....as my choice came down to just two bikes.... at the time I did not even considder the Raptor as I did not like the feel or performance of my friend has the 01 Raptor... but the new 700s ? ? ? that may require some re-considderation ? just so many improvements to ignore.
I have seen some pretty fast KFX's but am more of a manual shift guy (Whish they gave you the option) once I sat on the DS my mind was made up.
I am not that big of a guy...as I am only 5'8" 200 lbs. but am vary happy with my choice.
I think almost all the bikes out there can be enhanced for more performance but its the basic ergonomics and comfort that cinched the deal for me. I have made a few mods for the sand dunes but they were not needed just helped make it an even better bike.
Good luck on your choice ...
I would really reccomend that you sit on one and do a test ride....

 

Yes, I am a little "skinny" for the ATV Racing world. Everybody rest now, there is no challenger here. I am nearing 40 and feel the need to sew that wilder oat than what a utility quad gives me. I have a Honda Rincon 650 and it suites most of the trail riding need I have for touring, camping, hunting here in TX. I've noticed you fellows have many MODS on your machines for speed. If you go to Highlifter.com you'll notice they are big on the MODS for mud. I'm not a mudder although the Rincong does offer that opportunity and it is fun.

It seems their aren't as many BOMB buyers in TX like there is for the western states. I see many of the new TXR 450, YFZ 450, and Raptors. I don't see a DS 650 very often. I'm going to a dealer to get a better look today.

 

Daring which dealer are you going to look at them?

 

Country Joe Glass: I'm headed to North Texas Yamaha in Lewisville, TX. I should be there in 15 min. Where do you suggest? Do you recommend anyone?

 

Daring, there is Richardson Motorsports (972-231-4833) in Richardson, TX. It's about 20 miles from the Denton/Lewisville area.