I know this question has been beaten down before, but, I'm 6'1 @ 255lbs and looking at these 2 quads. I like the raptor for it's size and power but the reliability is still a big ? in my mind. I'm also concerned with the size of the 400ex, will it be alittle to cramped for me? As far as power goes I believe the 660 has it, but I would go with a 440rcr kit if I got the 400ex and also believe it would then be on par with the raptor. Please don't get into a pissing match over this, I'm just looking for the best quad for the money and the most reliable. I'm not into brand bashing. I ride in Massachusetts, so I'm mostly hitting trails and open sand pits. I love to top out the machine any chance I get.

 

MyOutdoors

I have never ridden a Raptor, so I can't comment on one. I am 6' and weigh 220 and I don't at all feel cramped on the 400ex. So far I have been very pleased with my purchase. Ride them both and see which one feels the best to you.

 

I am 6'3 and ride a 400EX. Sitting right next to my bike is my best friends Raptor. I have ridden both machines and the only real difference is the the seat height's. I nor my 6'0 tall buddy have any problems with fit of either bike. However I perfer the 2 inch lower seat height of the 400 over the Raptor. I feel like I'm sitting a lot higher on the raptor, but I get more used to it every time I ride it. As far as power, no question the raptor is faster but the 400 can easily be made just as fast as the Raptor and still save some cash doing so. If you can try to ride both before you decide.

 

well being that you are in the Honda Forum you will get completely different answers, if u went to the yamaha forum they would tell you to buy the raptor and start goin on and do brand bashing(there are people that dont do this) my opinion is if u want to stay stock go with the raptor but like you said, take that $2000-3000 and get a 416, 426, or 440 kit(i would go with the 426--my opinion for reliability) the kit and some other mods would make the 400 go... its all really up to you and both machines are nice but in the end its what one you like the most

 

Since I own both, I can tell you that the only place the Raptor has the EX beat is in the drag race. The 400EX is better everywhere else. However not by much. The overall quality is better on the EX. As for reliability, it's pretty hard to beat a Honda. Wish they made a 650EX so I could sell both of my other machines.

 

Thanks for the info!!! I couldn't wait to get home and read the comments. I did post this in both forums and to my surprise the information has been pretty good(no brand bashing). I can get a brand new 400ex yellow out the door for $4900 in N.H. Do they resleeve for the 426 kit or just bore it to the max? I'd rather have it resleeved with some extra wall thickness.

 

Depends on who you have do it... Personally I wouldn't bore mine to 88mm (426) without sleeving - but if you're going to sleeve why not go with the 89mm piston (440 "kit").

On my ride, I went with the 87mm (416) setup. Lighter piston, no sleeving, runs well....

 

gabe: what u mean by u having the 416 kit and no sleeving?? kinda wonderin but where u get it and what is your setup on your EX????

 

Just when you think you're getting this figured out somebody comes along and throws a monkey wrench into it. First, there's got to be a 650 EX out by fall. Second, from your size and the type of riding you do, you might want to consider the DS-650 Bombardier as well. It is a great machine for big guys, with the best motor out there. Reliable with a long list of aftermarket parts available. The DS didn't fare too well in the Dirtwheels shoot-out because of the caster issue, easily remedied with a set of adjustable aftermarket upper A-arms like Timmy Boys or Strong Arms. The king of the dunes turns out to be The Emperors new clothes. Bombardier should fix this, but once the aftermarket guys get a hold of something, it's like the manufacturers back off and let them make their money. Anyway, the only down side to the Bomb is the extra weight. They don't jump, fly, whoop or wheelie as well as the Raptor.
Just like the Bomb needs upper A-arms, the Raptor needs a wider rear axle.
Where the Bomb pays off is if you want the +2 A-arms, extended swing arm, wider axle etc on either the EX or Raptor. The DS already has the big equipment. I didn't like the front shocks, too much rebound dampening, the cheap works steelers were a huge improvement for $335. By the time you put A-arms, swing arm, motor mods, etc on a EX you are going to be at the price of any of these anyway. I haven't yet figured out how much weight is added to a Raptor or EX with the "Big" equipment. Longer A-arms and swingarms and axles are going to add weight, but how much?