Um, not really buddy.

 

How big of a rider are you? If you are a heavy person you might want the raptor because of its power. If you are a lighter person, (under 200lbs.) you should really consider the 400ex. You'd be amazed at the difference between a 140lb. guy riding a 400 and a 200lb. guy riding a raptor. The 400 would win in every race given same rider ability. I know, I am 200lbs. and ride a 400ex. My 400 has a full race 440 kit in it. I can beat stock raptors all day in a drag race, but put a light guy on a raptor or a stock 400 and it is too close to call. I guess what I am trying to say is unless you want to dump a lot of money into the 400 to keep up with horse power, buy the raptor. If you want a great handling quad out of the box that doesn't have the power of the raptor, but handles much better because of its lower center of gravity, buy the 400. Both quads are going to cost the same after you've added the right mods to make them handle the way they should.

 

OK, I just bought a Raptor, but have many friends whom own 400EX's. I have ridden the 400EX and I think it is one of the best handling if not the best handling quad ever made. The Raptor handles right up there with the 400EX, but the factory tires and the narrow axle do hamper cornering ability. I also agree that the swingarm seems a bit too short, not just because of it's tendancy to wheelie out of the corners, because a good rider can control that, but I find that in the whoops it seems too short and bobbles alot. However, I bought the Raptor because I found the 400EX lacked adequate power on the track. I don't ever compare a stock quads performance to the quads I usually ride. I do believe that the Raptor will be a great track quad with the proper mods(a-arms, axle, tires, shocks, and a swingarm). I would purchase these same items if I owned a 400EX as well, so that's why I got the Raptor. The power of the Raptor was more suited to my riding style than the 400. I think it's all what you want. If you're just riding to have fun, any quad will do, if money is no object, get the Raptor. It will be more expensive than the 400EX. I think it all depend on your skill level, what kind of riding you do, and your wallet! Both are great quads, I like both of them. I am being as honest as I can about this, and am not biased in any way.

 

Gabe, i feel dumb asking but what do you mean by frame rake? Anything to do with powersliding?

 

"VERY tuned down engine thus being very modifiable" i beg to differ. the motor is a 5 valve web cam revvey engine. it has similar compression to the stock 400ex. to find more power you are left with high compression pistons and more expensive options. (i.e. big bore kits)
by the way, the 660 only goes 10mph more, who really need to go that fast. i may be a little off my gord here. how fast on average do you guys go? my group rarely ever goes over 50mph.

 

Yes but the Raptor will get up to 50 mph a LOT quicker.

 

Frame rake refers to the angle at which the front of the frame (where the control arms mount) is angled upward compared to the rest of the frame. Somewhat comparative (suspension action, not function) to the rake angle of a dirtbike's front forks.

My personal thoughts on the Raptor powersliding problem stem from two major sources. First being it's high center of gravity and narrow stance. Second being the way the power rolls on from the CV carbs. The CV carbs make for a smooth torquey power, but not explosive and progressive like you would expect (like a 2 stroke or high RPM turning 4 stroke). The tires are probably a contributor as well, but the 400EX comes with some of the spongiest (if that's even a word) tires there are, and it has no problem at all powersliding from the factory.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your point of view ) both issues are very expensive to fix.

 

In a 100 yard drag race, the Raptor beat the 400EX by 0.2 seconds. 6.42 to 6.62 (about 3 bike lengths) (The time is from memory, but it's pretty close). Speed isn't everything. Just about every Banshee I know of is faster in a straight line than a 250R, BUT, in any type of racing, the 250R's win much more often than the Banshee's.

Just a thought!

 

Nice post Gabe, and I amnot trying too start anything. But too get a raptor to the same width of a stock 400ex, does not require a new set of a-arms or a new rear axle. For the rear a set of 9x9 red label douglas wheels will make it 45-1/4" wide. For the front all you you need too do is lower the ride height about 1-1/2" to 2"and the front end width will be 45-1/2". I know this because I did this to my Raptor. Most serious riders will buy at least a new set of front shocks, so have the shocks built with this in mind. If someone is going to race mx then you would need wider a-arms on the 400 or the 660 .

 

I agree with 250r89. get a 250r. There is nothing on the market like it. It is a rush to fly over 60' or 70' jumps like nothing. The R does everything with agression, any quad can get you there but the R will always get you out of there. When you come to a jump on the R it's not a matter of making it but how far you want to fly. With another quad you must work to get it across. And don't say a big 400 pound thumper will make it across as esily and effortly.