Here is the scoop. I am giving my new (2 month old) quad to my wife and I am upgrading. I am very experienced with about 16 years riding. I have narrowed my choice to the 400EX or the Raptor. I can get a new 400EX for $5024.00 out the door or a new Raptor for $5924 out the door. The extra $900 is not a factor. I like the idea of reverse on the Raptor. But I like the durable reputation of Honda and the 400EX is proven to be tough. I also hear that the Raptor has a few problems and doesnt handle or jump and land as well as the 400EX. But I also dont want to buy the 400EX if the Raptor's, DS650's, and Banshee's blow by me. Help me out guys, I am going to make my purchase Tuesday night.

 

If you want speed then get the Raptor. As long as you get a 2002 model you shouldn't have a problem. I believe that the tranny problems were all on the first year models. As far as jumping etc, nothing a few after market goodies can't fix. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

If you plan on doing lots of trail riding reverse might just be a must have option.

The Raptor is going to be my next Quad...hope to pick one up in the spring. The DS is also very tempting so I'll wait and see which to go with in the spring. By then I should hear about any problems with the 2002 models.

 

RAPTOR[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

They are both really nice bikes. The Raptor will blow almost any bike away and reverse is a nice feature too. But there has been a lot of problems with them. Honda is dependable and i really like that bike in yellow. But that black and gray Raptor is even better looking. Also there is the question "Is Honda comming out with a new bike that will beat the Raptor, and if they are when will it be out." But they are both nice i would like to have either one. Which ever one you get im sure you will like. So have fun on your new Rator/400EX. Weston

 

Get the RAPTOR.

 

I have both. The Raptor is a better dune bike. Faster, more comfortable(softer seat), and I like to jump it better(softer suspension). It isn't near as dependable as the Honda though. I do like the reverse.

The Honda is a much better trail bike. It will turn a lot sharper at higher speeds. It is lower to the ground and MUCH easier to manuever it tight spots and difficult trails. It is slower and has a harder seat, however if you are trail riding, it is the bike to ride.

 

If you like riding get the Honda... if you like wrenching get the Yamaha.

SMC

 

the 400ex. they handle better, more reliable, cost less, and they are only 4mph slower stock to stock, not a big loss in speed. and from my experiences, the 400ex is a much better trail bike, and race bike, i just see it as the all around machine, and the raptors seem to mess up a whole lot also. i've got a freind who got one and he cant seem to keep it out of the shop.

 

That was my dilemma in the Spring. What a choice. 400EX or Raptor. My pick was the Raptor and right now it was the best choice for me. I haven't had any problems. Have aprox. 55 hours on mine. The power in stock form is really sweet. I am not sure if I beleive all this hype about Raptors being in the shop all the time. I am sure there is just as many hondas sitting at the dealers with problems too. There is always going to be a certain percentage of machines that will have problems regardless of brand name. I own Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha , and all the machines I have are very reliable. A lot problems occur from owner abuse. Purchase what you want because thats what your going to do anyway.Chet

 

Where is Aberdeen? I don't know what y'all got there but we have a magazine called "Wheels and Deals" here, and they had allot of places offering new 400EX's for about $4500 w/ $300 free accessories/gear. Might want to check that out if you decide to go that way.
I have never ridden either bike but have seen them both, and I would go w/ the Raptor, mainly because it has reverse, but I wouldn't argue about 660cc's either.
:-)