Actually it only took Yamaha's 350 to spank a EX.

 

I think that once the aftermarket gets parts for the Raptor you will see better power output and a fix of what is wrong with the Raptor. A-arms can be had, a +2 axle, swingarm and motor mods. But the biggest drawback I see is the fact that Yamaha STILL didn't give the Raptor enough Rake on the front end for it to handle rough hits at speed. If they had only done this then the Raptor really could have dominated (or had a chance too) in racing. I think lack of rake will wear a rider out in a 2 hour CC race more than a 400EX and also MX racing. TT racing might be the Raptors niche, where the good cornering and smooth strong power will make it zip around a track. For a play bike it is sweet and has reverse reverse. I guess will see what the magazines say when they have their shootout in the next couple of months.

CT250R

 

At least 2 folded control arms that I have seen.

At least 3 bent axles so far...

 

About the only thing the 426 engine and the 660 engine share is their 5v/cyl head design. From that point on, the differences are dramatic. Even though the 660 is over 200cc larger, it's peak power is down by about 5-6hp from a stock 426.

The 400EX is setup to be good all around quad too, MX, woods, dunes, etc. & has proven itself in many forms of racing. Attend any local, state, or national level event and you will no doubt see a large percentage of 400s.

Jealousy isn't the motive behind these posts, 400EX's are still worth almost every dime paid for them & going into it's 3rd year of production, still almost every unit is spoken for as soon as it's delivered. If any one of us truly wanted a Raptor, we could sell our EX's and put down just a tad bit more for a Raptor. Personally if I wanted one, I'd just go down and get one & let the wife ride the 400. As of a couple weeks ago I knew where there was an unspoken for unit. But I am not convinced that the Raptor is the best choice right now, and especially in the future, so I am going to wait & see what develops.

 

Gentleman ....damn grow some nads btween your legs...Go get yourself a 2 stroke if you want top end or top speed.....

 

1 Arm and 2 bent axles.

 

They raced again this time side by side the Raptor took off from it and never looked back it was pathetic, though it was what i expected. I am not sure of the length of the race but he was at least 20 quads lengths ahead of him when the finished, he said he was not even giving it all it had, he is a little scared if it.

 

it was not an MX track it was more like a sprint car track smooth and banked.

 

Actually I am neither a fan of Yamaha or Honda I have no preference I am only saying what I saw. to me racing around a circle or in a straight line is boring. Though i got to admit i took some satisfaction in seeing the EX get beat, you know what though? 2 quds lengths is beating it one quad length is beating it. dont really matter by how far it got beat.

 

They do not share the same head (EDITED), a YZ426 has DOHC Titanium Valved head and only one carb, with a single runner into it. The reason a YZ426 makes 50HP is because it has a 12.5:1 compression ratio.