Okay. I'm looking to get back into some quad riding. Been on bikes for past 6 yrs or so. I chose this forum to join because everyone seems to be pretty friendly and helpful compared to others. I've read a lot of posts on here in last week or so. Anyway, I ride mostly in trevorton pa if anyone knows the area. But like to occasionally hit up breezewood proving grounds. Like I said though. Been on a yz450f and crf250r for years now. I'm 90% leaning toward the raptor 700. Planning on buy new for 2013. But also considering the 450s. Any input from anyone. When I hit the track it's just for fun so I'm not to concerned with the performance so much there. But I am interested in getting into some harescramble style racing possibly. Thanks everyone before hand and I look forward to getting to know some new ppl. Maintenance is not an issue. I have two close friends who are mechanics at local shops for things I can't handle myself. Other wise I enjoy working on my machines myself. Reliability however is. My yz450f (2006) I recorded 140+hours before I needed a single valve adjustment. However my crf250r (2008) needs it every.. Lets say, 20 hrs or so if it doesn't get done it will not kick over and needs pop started. Pain in the a$$. Thank you

 

Open and all suggestions. One thing I'm pretty sure I'm interested in is FI. And not all have to be new. Just thinking of going new or leftover with the raptor if I go that direction..

 

If your going to breezewood (thats an mx track ,right?) -I'd shy away from a nose heavy raptor- and go for a 450.

Harescrambles- i'd shy away from the high setting raptor- you've go to whip around in the woods- where the 450 shines.


So i'd think it would be a decision between 450's.

What kind of money do you have to throw?
Are you planning on upgrading suspension?

 

I can't say money is not an issue...but not my main concern really. Especially if I would go new or leftover from the dealer if I can't quite afford it all in one shot I could finance some. I'm a huge fan of most yamaha's. every "toy" I've owned so far has been a yamaha besides my crf250r. And I haven't been very impressed with it. I'd definitely prefer to stay within yamaha, Suzuki , Honda, and kawi. Suspension may not be able to happen right away but would like to be able to at some point. Unless I come across a used "race ready" machine I like.. Then I don't really have to worry about any upgrading haha.

 

What pops into my mind is a yfz 450r- the fuel injected yfz with the wider a-arms (i think thats the one?)

Then KTM has a lot of sick quads- pretty much "race ready" from the factory.

But with MX & XC riding- aftermarket suspension would be a good thing-

 

Yeah the new yfz-r is real nice. Definitely pricy though. Almost makes me wonder if its worth it. I can get a new yfz (not the r) for $3k less. You can do a lot of work with that money. Differences from what I understand are front supsension, width, stock tires (who cares), carbed instead of efi, and steel instead of titanium valves. Performance wise I think the regular old yfz with some piggyback shocks and a arms may do the trick. Anyone have any input/experience with the trx? Also interested in that. Even the kfx or ltr ( which is not in production anymore to my understanding???) I know I mentioned efi before but it's not needed really. Just something I'd be interested in playing with a little if I went that direction. Thanks for the help so far redneck

 

I think redneck is right a 450 or ktm.

 

the yfz450 is a great 4 wheeler, my friend has had one for 4 years now. he has always rode it hard and frequently and never had any problems they are also i light 4 wheeler which is great for jumping.. the raptors however are pretty heavy in the front end.. also might try looking into the trx 400x or trx 450r, really depends on what brand you like the most, u can always find ups and downs for all brands. but id definetly go with the 400 or 450 rather than the 700