Dude, with an offer like that, I will make time.LOL I am having a hard time trying to decide if I want to bring the Demon or not. If I have to to get my goodies then I will for sure. That would be a real good time to go riding for a bit. I am really curious to see how that 465 runs as well. I have been looking at the calander and am really thinking of a few trips your way to hit some of those dunes. Not sure but I will keep all informed if I do.

 

So how does the baja stand up to the raptor?

 

shiznit, They are both nice bikes. I am not going to bash either one. They are just different.

The raptor is kind of small feeling for me. I am a big guy and the Ds fits much nicer. The raptors powerband is solid from idle all the way up to the top of the band. The raptor is a wheelie king and kind of feels unstable sometimes. The raptor suspension is not on the same level as the baja.

The raptor feels tall and skinny and would still be my choice for woods type riding. It is narrower and shorter than the ds.

I am a duner at heart and the Baja is a much better choice for me. It is a dream to ride. It turns easier, slides better and is much more in control than the raptor. The powerband on the Ds is reminiscent of the banshee I used to have. It comes on about 4000 rpm and hits hard all the way up to the rev limiter. The rev limiter is my only complaint, they raised it on the baja, but only by about 200 rpm. That is not enough. It needs to be set at like 8500 rpm and that would be pretty much right on. This bike in my opinion is the 4 stroke king of the dunes, for overall riding. As with any bike they can be built to any performance level you want. I have not done a heads up race with them in the sand, but on the dirt they were pretty much dead even. The raptor is however moddified and until this weekend the baja has been stock.

They are different bikes and hard to compare. They both have their strong points, but in the sand and desert I give my choice to the Baja. For woods or mx type stuff I think the raptor would be a better choice.

I hope that answers your questions
Bat

 

Give me a heads up when ever you come down in Feb Bat. My Raptor is +5 front and rear. Would like to hear your input if you'd like to try mine. I know I could never ride a stock width Raptor again w/ any confidence.