Hello, I'm new to this site. I have a 01 Raptor stock and planning on purchasing another quad in May. I like the DS and the Raptor. Don't race but love the dunes and hauling butt. my question is which one to get what is your opinion? Anyone have both and which one they like better? any info is greatly appreciated. COODSTER

 

I dont have a raptor but i love my ds. The ds is a little wider than the raptor and a little more stable. The extra width makes it a little on the twitchy side thouh. It take a little getting used to. I would recomend taking a ds for a ride and see if you are comfertable on it. The raptor has more low end power and is physically a little smaller. I got the ds because it is bigger and more comfertable to ride for long distances.

 

99500, thanks for the reply, I'm leaning twards the Baja DS. the low end if I lower the front sprocket will it help? it did on my raptor no gap between 1st and 2nd. How many teeth on a stock DS? What type of after market pipes can you get for the DS and how much HP gain. And are they going to keep producing the Baja in 02 when I plan on buying. Sorry for all the questions, but I am new to this atv world. Thanks again.

 

I would assume the Baja DS has the same sprockets as the standard DS...16 front and 40 rear. To my knowledge the DS doesn't have the 'gap' between 1st and 2nd that you refer to on the Raptor. If you stay with the stock tire size the stock sprockets are fine unless you like creeping along slow on rough ground. Lots of guys are going to 22" rear tires and a 15 tooth front sprocket. Some are even staying with the 16 tooth front and 22" tires so they have more top end. It all depends on your riding style or preference.

 

The extras on the Baja are bound to trickle down to the regular DS
because they are what the DS needed and what we've been asking for.
I think retro-ing, especially if you've already done some of the mods is practical. But if you're planning on getting a new DS, try and get the Baja, and let's all hope these goodies become regular components on the new and improved allmighty DS.
And that twitchy-ness comes from the insufficiant caster in the
A-arms, not the width. It would be a very simple matter for the factory to change that spec with the stock a-arms. For the rest of us it means buying TimmyBoy or StrongArm uppers. And that's okay.
You should feel the way a DS-650 handles with TimmyBoys and Works Shocks... I am about to front mount a radiator anyway, and I'd love to have a Tachometer. Other than that, I'm glad they didn't come out with anything too radically different and fantastic, like a 6-speed gearbox or Fuel Injection or I.R.S. because then I would have to get one...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

My wife is wanting her own set of wheels next year, if they come out with too many upgrades on the 2002's she may end up with the 2000 and I'll get a new one. I could probably talk her into that, I wish the DS had reverse though, no way she could turn the thing around by her self. You do learn where and where not to stop without it though.

 

2000DS650,

How often would your wife even go riding without you anyhow? Also there is a company in some foreign land making a reverse addition for the DS, if I recall correctly, Knutz was looking into that idea.

 

Hey Thanks, Looking like the Baja DS is going to win my vote. Alot of rocky trails mixed w/sand, some riding on a MX track (for fun) and the dunes. Mainly desert terain in Nevada. How do the DSs handle in yhe air and landings? Raptors are pretty smooth, I think the wife is going to get the Raptor. I would test ride the DS but the dealers dont let you test ride them even w/cash deposit and an agreement that you will buy one of the two quads paid in full. Sighns on the 4wheelers saying "don't touch or sit on" One dealer said he would let me ride a DS but I would have to buy it after riding it. Now is this normal business practice? I know of no one in town to own a DS650 so far. small town, Thanks again.

 

Raptors fly better, just because they are lighter, especially in the front end...I couldn't get a test ride either. After my first ride down a little sand wash I came home and ordered TimmyBoy upper A-arm and XCT's. About the only thing the Baja may need is front shocks. Works steelers are only $335, the better Elkas and TCS are in the $700-$800 range. If the shocks are still the "RydeFX by Arvin" they are crap, with WAY too much rebound dampening, unless they've been revalved for the Baja model. LOL [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]