I can't decide which one I should get. Who has either one? Could you give me some performance opinions. If I buy a 250r, would I have to restore the engine. How much will it cost? And also, i heard the raptor uses up way to much gas, does it? Please give me comments on either machine. THANX!!!

 

I truely like the Raptor, however I feel the power-to-weight ratio and powerband of the "R" is more exciting. If you like being your own mechanic and have spare cash (over the cost of the Raptor) buy a "R" and rebuild it. If you're not mechanically oriented then by all means buy the Raptor! The Raptor is an awesome NEW quad....do you really want an awesome OLD quad? No, I have not ridden a mighty RAPTOR, but I sure love my two stroke!!!

 

Raptor

 

wow you have a lot of mods on that thing..

But back to the question.

Do you want a reliable still under warranty quad?

Or a quad that can(i'm not saying it will) give you a lot of trouble and can be fron 14 to 11 years old?

The 250R is an awesome quad. If you have the cash to keep it going.

 

I have 2 R's at my house. Both have almost 50hp, fast and reliable. Neither costs that much to maintain. I don't get all this junk about a 2 stroke being expensive, they're not! Besides, you want to do a new top-end (cylinder hone, piston and rings) and are willing to turn a wrench on it you're only out $150! Can't touch a 4 stroke for that.
Neither of my R's cost nearly as much as a Raptor. Yeah, I've sunk some money into them, but even with what mods I have I'm still way under what a Raptor costs, and still under what a new 400EX costs. I mean, a new pipe for my R was $165, new silencer was $115. Made a major difference in power for less than $300. Can't do that with a 4 stroke.
If you want instant power when you hit the throttle and a machine that can out corner anything out there, get an R.
If you have money to burn, can't tell a 14mm wrench from a 7/16", then get a 4 stroke. The Raptor is an awesome machine. You'll have warranty for at least 6 months so you won't have to work on it for at least that long.

 

I Own a R. I've ridden a Raptor.They are two completley different bikes.
stock vs. stock suspension-Raptor hands down.That should be expected after at least 12 years of technology advancements.
Motor Performance-The Raptor pulls strong,but in my opinion,there is some "holes" in the powerband.Gearing changes could help,but I think they are in the way the engine produces power.The R has almost a seamless powerband,until you put the wrong pipe on for your riding style.
IN MY OPINION,the Raptor is more suited for play riding and the R more so for racing applications.
As far as handling and ergonomics go,I loved the way the Raptor felt just sitting on it,but it all ended there.It seemed you had to eithher kiss the front bumper or put a cushion on the grab bar to get it to handle the way my R does.Body English was a must for me on the Yamaha.
One other thing that really bothered me on the Raptor was it seemed like it almost had too much power.I was coming out of corners and nailing the throttle and the front end would lift and want to go staight.An exageratted amount of body english was needed to correct.No big deal for trail riding,but when racing,a very big engery consuming deal.
As far as reliabilty is concerned,The Honda is a proven winner.The Raptor is yet to be seen.Although,I dont recall The R's A-arms folding or swingarms breaking in there first year.Don't let anyone fool you about 2stroke vs. 4.If you don't maintain it ,it will sooner or later break.Shopping carts eventually are retired after a few years of service.I don't see Foodland with any mechanics wrenching on their buggies after the store has closed.
This is only my opinion and is not really relavant to your final decision.For a playbike,with some racing potential, the Yamaha built a really nice bike that more than likely you will be happy with.For a race bike,with unlimited potential,The honda owner would get my money.

 

hey Trapperb1 what do you use your 2 r's for, because i was wondering if they were a good trail riding machine. I need a monster hill climber

 

250r,250r,250r.

 

Owned both 250r and now the Raptor. The Raptor is definitely a faster bike with more likable features at a price that can't be beat. The abandoned 250r is expensive to maintain because its aftermarket parts. The reverse is great and it looks wicked. I have a 36 month warranty and a payment of 165.83 a month. I for one would hands down go with the 4 stroke 5 valves dual carbs liuid cooled 660 beast with reverse. What more do I need to say!!!

 

I say 250R. get a basket case and build it how you want. Raptors are nice, but not 7000 dollars nice.