Is this the Kid's Section?
My dad, blah blah,im 15 blah blah.
1. Daddy should not have bought you anything over 90 cc because by law you are not old enough.
2. 15 year olds should not be even considering a raptor, it will be the fastest quad on the market, and have more power than banshees. No Way should it happen.
3. If you get hurt/die in an ATV accident your dad/mom can go to jail.
4. This is the reason why there have been NO REAL sport Quads since late 80's. the industry was sued by the government and the families of people who got hurt on them. Thus now all of the warning stickers on your fourwheeler.
5.its just like giving a 15 year old a 660 cc street bike, or a new corvette. NOT a Good IDEA!

The final dimensions are not set in stone according to yamaha the production Raptor may be wider, If not who races with stock A-Arms or Axles any way, I dont care who you are, you'll change something on your ATV. Ride Fast, Ride Hard, Finish First. The rider is the best measure of a 4 wheeler. Build skills, and dont be careless, and you can beat anyone.

 

I guarantee as good as the Raptor looks Yamaha will screw it up somehow!
You just know Yamaha is lying about the weight and it's too narrow!!!!!!
Oh and I forgot the suspension will probably be typical Yamaha crap!!!!!
They should of named it Warrior2!!!!

Rdogg
'99 400EX

 

Honda has got to put the xr650 in a atv frame. I cant see why they wouldnt. I am a honda man all the way but they are gonna have to come out with something. And I wonder what size they are stop at maybe 1200cc will be the limit. Maybe honda will pull a fast one and come out with a 350r 2 stroke quad boy wouldnt that be nice.

 

How can you compare a Banshee or a Warrior to a 400ex. The EX is a 2 year old quad and the outhers are over 12 with fiew changes in that time. Now granted Yamaha should have made some changes to them in that time. BUT at least they made a sport quad when no one else even tried. Yamaha did a damm good job on the Raptor and you can see the good designe in the photos and specs.
Now perhaps it will need some mods for some specific applications. And in that case many companys will be their waiting in line to sell you stuff. But its Yamahas job to make a good all around performer and your job to tune it to how you want it. The same people that complain about the Raptors width complained about the Bombs width also. They strangley enough seem to list 2K worth of mods their 400ex while saying that if you spend 6500.00 on a quad you shouldent need to change anything. Dont get me wrong im not picking on anyone or any brand. See i dont have a #1 brand i buy what ever i like. Why would anyone want to limit themself from a killer product because its a diffrent brand how stupid. Matter of fact the only thing that will make Honda make a better product is the competition from the outher brands.

 

nobody has ridden this thing...so why all the hooo-rahh talk...I too am skeptical..if it turns out to be a good quad, hurray for the sport, but I'll stick to my R

 

Just cause the Raptor "may" be a better machine doesn't matter because if your a better rider than the person on the Raptor your going to win the race. It all depends on the skill of the rider. I ride a recon and habe not ridden with anybody better than me on quads. I have ridden with kids on 400EX.

-Fahey
99 Honda Recon
Soon to buy a 400EX

 

Now come on, Chris... We all know the 90cc limit for anyone younger than 16 is absolutely ridiculous, as was the consent decree of the '80s.

I have posted my feelings on this issue before... It all depends on the kid. Yes, most kids don't have the respect or discipline to handle a big machine, but some do... When I was 14 (8 years riding experience), I bought (yes, I bought) my ATC350X, one of the biggest, baddest machines of it's time. Before I got this unit, I rode an ATC200X. I lost my respect for that machine, was pushing it too hard and had many nasty crashes, luckily the worst I got was some scars and a broken wrist (in most cases the bike got it worse than me). After purchasing my 350X my crashes stopped, yet I was riding faster. The 350X was simply a much more capable machine, and I knew it could really hurt me if I didn't respect it. Can you imagine a rider of 10 years experience (6'0" and 165 lbs) on a TRX90, come on....

Also as far as I know the age limits are not law, they are guidelines set by the CPSC. The CPSC can take issue against manufacturers who's dealers knowingly sell big ATVs to people under these guidelines, but as far there being laws and parents going to jail, they would have to prosecute under something like child endangerment which is pretty wide open for many different circumstances.

I am most definitely with you on keeping morons off of the big machines, I went thru the '80s, I was there, I rode 3-wheelers, my world was devestated. Keep in mind though, morons come in all ages.

I really don't like these new machines coming out with big CC engines, top speeds in the 80s, and little attention given to improving handling, suspension, and weight. I would much rather see more race oriented, good handling, lightweight, 40ish HP bikes. I think the DS650 and Raptor will be great ammo for those looking to close down our sport once again. People just don't seem to have the same respect and constraint for a big, fast, ATV as they do for bigbore bikes. Everyone knows the CR500 is a bada$$, but most also know they can't really properly handle one.

BTW, I also had a Corvette when I was 16 . One big difference though, I worked hard for and on it, it wasn't given to me, same for my bikes.... In case anyone was wondering, I'm 26 now.