I have a stock 2002 Raptor LE and I'm not 100% happy with it's handling. To me it's too top heavy and tippy feeling. So.... I think I have (2) options:

1) Sell it and get something different.
2) Modify the suspension.

I know the suspension can be widened, add some good aftermarket shocks and it will handle better and that's fine, But my question is "just how much better will it handle"? If it's a huge difference I probably will keep it and upgrade the suspension, but if it's not that big a difference I'd probably just sell it.

Any Raptor owner that's been been here/done this... let me know what you think....

Thanks, Rude Dog

 

"Bump"

 

Bump Again!

"Anyone???? a litle help here........ please..

 

You will spend at least 2000 bucks to get it to handle how you want it to. Front shocks, A-arms, swingarm, and rear shock will need to be updated. I would trade in the raptor and get a YFZ450 if you want something that comes with all that stuff stock. There is only one problem though. This is brand new on the market and untested. Until someone gets one and tests it out there is no telling how it handles.

 

you could make it wider by (1) get an axel thats wider by like +4 inch or(2) get wheel spacers.

 

DunePilot858:

I know about the YFZ450. From rumor to present as I've been following it's release. It is an option for me, but I don't buy the 1st year of anything as rule. Moding the Raptor @ $2,000.00 is still alot cheaper than $7,000+ for a new quad. The question is... how much better will it handle??? ... 30% better than stock, 60%, 70%, 80% Etc?????? If the difference in handling isn't huge I don't want to go there.

Still looking for more comments from Raptor owners..... Come on.... who has moded their Raptor suspension from stock to: "2+ A-arms", a "wider axle" & "aftermarket shocks" and what was the difference...

Thanks, Rude Dog

 

I can tell you that my Banshee was 100% after adding wider A-arms, triple rate front shocks with rezzy, rebuilt the rear shock with a heavier spring and revalved, a plus two swingarm with bearing carrier, and 4 inch wider axle. I used to bottom the shocks out on jumps all the time. When coming off a dune that had a squared off transition it would pack the rear shock sending a jolt up my spine. Now with my new setup I can charge the whoops much faster, it turns much better, it tracks straighter without swapping ends, I can jump as high as I'm willing to dare without bottoming, I no longer pack the rear shock on squared off transitions, and it rides much smoother. All said and done I spent like $2100 for my setup which was at a really good discount. I could have easily spent 2500-3500 depending on what I wanted to do with my quad.