Dont worry about your size, i'm about the same if not lighter, and have no problems. what ever you choose you cant go wrong.

 

I used to have a 1990 LT250R and then upgraded to a 2001 DS650. Since having the DS, my Fiance has rode it a couple of more times in the last month or two and now she wants my 2001 so I'm going to buy a second DS650. That should give you a good idea of how much I like the machine. If your concerned about price, do a lot of work to make sure you get the best deal possible. With a 8.25% tax rate here in CA, I'm still going to get one for $6900 OTD on a new 2003. Don't let the dealers who say it can't be done waste your time. (But do leave your phone number so they can call you later OKing the price.) Oh yeah, I liked the DS650 so much, I bought the website.

 

Ok I'm really leaning toward the DS650 now. My best friend is set on getting a raptor. We plan on buying them about the same time. he keeps saying "you get a bombardier, I'll get a raptor. We'll run 'em side by side and see who wins". We are about the same size, 5'7" 150 lbs; who would you put your money on?
One thing I am worried about....I have experience and he has nearly none. I know I will treat the machine with respect and be careful. Any suggestions as to how to get him to learn to ride and respect the machine without damaging his ego? Don't get me wrong; I have faith in him and believe he willl be an awesome rider...perhaps the way to teach is by example...

 

You are right in the best way to teach is by example. In a drag assuming a fair start, the outcome will be down to the distance of the drag in a 100ft, I have often seem raptors win, but anything further and kiss them goodbye. He will learn to respect the machine after he breaks a few things and takes money off that mastercard and it wasn't for performance parts.

 

they have enough power to get repect, my father in-law rides his 240 hp turbo snowmoble, and the stock ds caused him to have a little accident because of the power. oh did i mention he sucks at riding quads.

 

If you lead by example that will be the best way to keep him doing the right thing. Also when you spend time doing maintenace on your machine, invite your buddy to bring his over and you can make sure he does it right. Also it sounds like something only an adult would tell a child to do, but when you buy a new ATV, you get a free enrollment into the ASI ATV safty training class which could help someone who has little to no experience. I took it, it was amusing. I learned a little and kinda taught some of the other people some stuff while I was there which made it more fun. If you can get him to take the course go with him, you'll have a good laughs watching some of the other people screw up. (You could also meet some people that you might want to ride with as well.)

 

Thanks for all the responses. At this moment I'm leaning towards the DS, but I'm not sure. It will probably come down to price. However, I will probably not do any mods so wouldn't you all say the DS would be better in that case? I'm 4-6 months away from buying, so I have time to look around and get more info. thanks again

 

Razorcat, keep in mind you are in a Bombardier forum, so dont lean too hard.

I really like the DS and Raptor,,,,and I was in your shoes a year ago. (I planned to buy a DS or Raptor)

One question:

What kind of riding do you plan to do?


If I had gone with the DS, I would have screwed myself, because I ride %50 tight trails.

 

I imagine I will be doing a lot of trail riding myself. Not many dunes here in arkansas, if any. I want to ride trails, drag in fields, and hit jumps. A dealer here went down to $5400 for an '03 Raptor...I figure that is a pretty good price. If I could afford it now I'd probably buy. Never know though, I haven't negotiated with the bombardier dealer yet.