what common problems do the raptors have are they reliable and durable like the ds or should i look to get another quad for my brother. what has me worried on the raptor is the dual carb beacuse i do all my own maitance work on my bikes and im not sure i will be able to work on this one or should i try getting a 400ex thanks.



jonathan

 

The first year 2001 had tranny issues. The biggest complaints I have heard on the 660 are of course the narrow unstable stance and being a PITA to tune the dual carbs. I was never a big fan of the 660 but I did ride a bone stock 700 this last weekend as was quite impressed. Great ergonomics and feel to the bike. Yamaha did their homework on this one.

 

would i be better off getting a 400ex or is there a bike out there as tough as the ds but smaller and lighter

 

I am just curious as to why it needs to be smaller and lighter?

I think that the raptor is a good machine but I don't like feeling like I am gonna tip over everytime I go around a corner. The new 700's are different but the 660's I personally would not recommend. Although I guess you could spend the money and widen it then you won't have that problem.

Why are you only considering a Raptor or a 400ex Just curious.

 

its for my brother i tried to convince to get a ds650 but he is a little to small for it so he trying to get a smaller quad and im getting tired of letting him barrow my quad. and he knows nothing about quads so the desicion is upto to me. im trying to get him the most reliable and durable quad next to the ds of course.



jonathan

 

I beat the living hell out of mine with no issues and never did I have to tinker with the carbs. Bikes move pretty good with just the typicals. Put plus 2 wheels front and rear and then if you need more get some spacers......

For the money I'd buy a 660 long before a 400ex.

Just my .02

 

Next to the ds650 I would go with Polaris Predator/Outlaw, great suspension, excellent power, & the outlaw has IRS (independent rear suspension) which makes it handle better on trails and rough terrain, with the right aftermarket mod's these thing rock. hope to help, Matt

 

Yeah, but he said LIGHT and RELIABLE, 2 qualities that the Polaris quads are lacking in... Maybe the new KTM powered Outlaw will change that, maybe.

I would tell your brother to get off his butt and do some research. The 660 can be a good choice, just teach him how to lean in the turns and he should be fine. All you guys consistantly crying about the Raptor being to tippy are the same ones that got trikes banned in the 80's[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img]

 

my brother knows how to ride he has had bikes since 90s but he got out of it a while back he can ride my ds better than i can but its time to get another bike. but he doesnt know anything about the current models so thats why i ask.



jonathan

 

Tranny problems in the 01' models.

Head gasket problems when bored to 105mm and up (o-ring the head and you should be fine).

Numerous valve problems when built.

YAMAHA.....that should just about sum it up, [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

PS: I do have a lot of friends who own and run some very fast raptors, Im just giving them some grief. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]