Well, I finally got my new Raptor Dec. 1st. I was leary at first of this new machine, after having owned a couple 250 two-strokes previously (last one was my '89 250R). Well, damn, talk about raising the bar. I hope Honda comes out with something better than the 400EX now, perhaps a 650EX or 250R. I love my Raptor... =)

'01 Yamaha 660R Raptor
'89 Honda 250R (sold)

 

How about some details. I have an 87 250r which I love but I am impressed with this new Raptor although I haven't gotten the chance to ride one yet. Just how fast is it compared to your R in say a drag race (if your R was stock)? Does this Raptor feel top-heavy? How does it slide?

Just wondering?

Thanks

 

I haven't finished breaking it in yet, so I can not give a full report. Fit and finish on this machine is excellent. It also feels more comfortable and roomier than my old 250R did. It is really thin in the seat/tank junction which is nice. The front shocks are still really stiff because they aren't broken in, but the rear end on this machine rules. I am probably going to switch to Custom Axis or TCS shocks front and rear, because the Raptor is more top-heavy than I like. It doesn't slide around near as easily than my 250R did, but that could also be the tires.

I think that some of the first things that I am going to do is replace the clutch lever with a Motion Pro unit and get rid of the parking brake. Next on that list is to do something with the front brake/thumb throttle relationship. They are just too far away from each other for real aggressive riding. It might just be as easy as rotating the brake master cylinder on the bars, but I'm probably going to get some Renthals in the 200X bend. I have full GYT-R skid plates on order.
That's all I have to say about it for now... That and the front brakes aren't as powerful as I'd like, I'm definately going to get some steel-braided brake lines for the front and see how that helps.

Current ride:
'01 Yamaha 660R Raptor

Formerly owned quads:
'89 Honda TRX250R
'89 Honda TRX300FW
'86 Suzuki LT250R
'85 Honda ATC200X

 

I also went from a 250R to the Raptor, yesterday as a matter of fact. I haven't ridden it real hard yet, but so far it handles very well. One thing though, the Honda has a plusher ride! The 250R I had was punched out to 270cc, piped, mild port and polish..., and the Raptor would at least keep up with it.

Riding in the desert with the factory skidplates is a dangerous proposition. I managed to rip off the plastic chassis skidplate when I jumped it a little too hard and cased it on some rocks. Oh well, I guess I can start accessorizing now;O

 

To my understanding the raptor has a top speed of about 73or 74mph. The stock honda does 70 and dirtwheels will back me up.

 

Yeah, I noticed that my Raptor is pretty stiff, too. I'm guessing it is just that the front shocks need to be broke-in. The rear-end is pretty awesome for a stock quad, though. I will be going to aftermarket shocks here in a month or so anyways. I'm thinking either Custom Axis or TCS. Anybody have any experience with either of them?

I have ordered the full skid plate package from my dealer. I got to look at the GTY-R accessories at another dealership and they are really high quality. So, what the hell, might as well. I do not like the plastic stock skids. I also wish it had stronger front brakes and a lower seat height.