Lurch,

Please accept my apology. I am a bit immature and over-zealous. I do have a 2000 Wolverine in my garage. I also am building a CT240 Blaster at the moment. Hell, I love Yamahas man! But they should have put the 426 in the new quad, because I'm gonna dust this bloated whale.
Nothin' but love my brutha --RT

 

Wow! I sure am glad you boys got all of that out of your systems. I was begining to wonder what kind of forum this was.
I my self am looking forward to seeing the results of the shoot out between the 400ex and the Raptor. I own an extremly modified 400 and think that Yamaha might just have a great bike on the way out, and if you boys did you homework, you would know that it acually does weigh in under 400 pounds.

WOMEN RIDERS RULE!!!

 

I find it really funny how people just blast into the Raptor, when it hasn't even been released yet. Then they compare it to backwards technology like the 400EX, which is nothing but a detuned xr 400 motor, put into a late 80's style frame.

But I'm sure you guys will say the 250r style frame is the best. I wonder why Honda didn't put their minds together and try to improve upon that design. Tell me, is the 88 or 89 CR frame as good as the 2000 frame? I'm sure I don't have to answer that one for you.

Look at Cannondale, at least they have the guts to try something new. And Yamaha has put a lot of thought into this design, so I can't see it handling poorly.

I'm gonna wait a year or 2 before I buy a new quad. By then there should be a large choice of ultra modern performance quads to choose from.

87 Banshee
99 Banshee

 

Actually Samson, the 1987 CR250 is considered one of the best all around dirtbikes of all time.... Do a little research before blasting.

Personally I like the way the EX handles a little better than the 250R's I have ridden, it seems more forgiving, more natural, more precise....

I do agree with you on the Cannondale though, and I am sure Yamaha did put a lot of thought into the design of the new Raptor, but it looks to me like they had a design goal of being able to say it weighs in at less than 400lbs.

To accomplish this, they did a couple of things: They used lots of aluminum, which is good.... but from the specs it looks like they used short suspension components (control arms, swingarm, and axle). If the specs on the website are correct, it looks like it will be quite a handful to ride agressively. It's narrower than a 300EX, 2" taller seat height than a 400EX, has a high mounted 3.3gal gas tank, and high mounted radiator full of coolant. All this adds up to a top heavy beast. Ever wonder why the Cannondale has the gas tank under the seat and both the C-Dale and 250R have the radiator mounted low?

Time will tell, and if those specs are incorrect, maybe it will turn out to be a well balanced bike... You folks may blast me for saying this, but physics are physics. No amount of Voodoo is going to make it handle like a wider, lower CG, lighter bike. Go Cannondale!

 

You have to remember, the Yamaha guys are excited. They haven't had a new sport quad in over 10 years. Yeah the banshee is fast in the sand, but its design is dated, along with its other numerous design flaws.

 

TRX440,this is one of them old fat guy's with no skills well as you say you may rule the RACE track but bring that beast to the hills and I'll teach you a thing or two.Just because I don't ride in your domain doesn't make me any less rider than you.Lurch is one fine guy,you'll not see him bash anyones ride or anyone.He'll speak his piece and if you don't agree he'll try to see it your way.Sorry about this but just got here late and didn't like what I saw.Get that rascal on the ground then tell it like it is,as Lurch said if you ain't rode it how you going to report it,talk is cheap.Ok now I feel better thanks. CM

 

Come on guys... I'm quite certain the new Yamaha will handle with a few mods/adjustments. I have a 400EX and love it... this new Yamaha is a totally different quad. I foresee racing much like the days of Corvettes versus Porshes. Yamaha will have the straight line speed... the 400EX quicker in the corners. The winner will probably be the best driver (not the ATV).

If Yamaha, Cannondale, Bombardier, and Honda didn't push each other, the sport ATV market would be boring.

 

I have a Yamaha Wolverine and I out run honda's every weekend. on the street, in the mud, on the trail, and every were else I see a honda. Maybe honda should thick of making some new and faster 4wheelers so they will quit getting smoked by Yamaha's.

 

And I thought Crack was only a problem in our inner-cities. TeamCovert, I got a Wolverine in my garage too and it only can go as fast as my wife will ride it. But it is the FASTEST way to haul a tent and a cooler full of be.. Gatorade. Just teasin', but how is it you ended up in a neighborhood full of ATC 70's and Trail 50's? still teasin'

 

Hey Covert! I "THICK" you need to go back to grammer school.