I've had my DS for a year now. I love it. I have modded it so it suits me JUST RIGHT. . . . . .Now what. . .I've never had a quad longer than a year, and many for much less. Still, none rang my chimes the way the DS does. But I have been jumping a little more lately, and even with Works shocks, which makes the DS land even better than the Raptor with Works shocks, it doesn't have the flight manners of these lighter quads. I jumped a 400EX on our backyard track last week and was amazed at the in-flight manueuverability and ease which a lightweight quad has.
...I sold our Grizzly 660 after only 6 months, B-o-r-i-n-g.
....I think a Suzuki Z-400 could be next, AND I can keep my yellow riding gear!

 

I have to agree with 3tv, my dealer has a speed sitting in front of his shop and it looks great. And I think with all the cool features it would be my next choice.

I have to wonder how the electronics and aluminum frame will hold up after time, guess we will see.

I have never had a quad longer than a year also, but the ds is a great machine. I plan to buy something else just to have a back up and for a change once in a while, but the camper has to come first. I cant take much more camping in a tent at the dunes, Got Sand...........yes, in my hair in my pants, in my sleeping bag, in my truck, in my..........................

you get the picture.

Anyway, I think those z400's will be sweet.

Bat

 

If I wasn't 6'-8" tall (so I'd fit on anything), and wanted the in flight manueverability you speak of for track usage, I have to say I'd build my own custom 250R with a Roll Design chassis and all the cool stuff available for them. They undoubtedly can't be beat in that kind of handling dept. I have to say I'm sick of seeing only 'R's in the videos, but they sure would be fun in the air if I fit on them.
Since I'm such a Hightower, my next quad project will be my own custom 'Zilla, with the length, width, and power needed for my 235 pounds, totally tweeked for sand only, lots of chrome that will never see mud.
Of course I'll always keep my DS, its the best all around quad I could ever hope for.
And then again, I'm talking building, not buying....

 

get a 465ex, they are way faster than cannondales.

 

3TV - is that your Baja? If so, how do you like those Geckos?
If the Baja a-arm geometry truly has the necesary caster angle people look for in aftermarket a-arms, I wonder how much they cost from the dealer? I'll have to check into that.

 

I think if i cold build any quad it would be a KTM 540 2-stroke or the 520 four stroke, simular to the ones in the magazines this month. I am still in love with that VOR 530 though. What a bad A$$ quad!!!! But I love my DS and until something better comes along nothing will change here.

 

If cash is'nt a concern.....get a C-dale Moto....you get the width and stability you are accustomed too in a light weight package. Thats it!

 

I would say get either the new Suzuki or the Speed if you want to keep the yellow outfit, which I don't blame you, that stuff is expensive. I wouldn't get a 465EX. Since then you have to get a 400EX then mod it and you still won't have liquid cooling, aluminum frame, and EFI, and all the other cool stuff on the C-dale.