I am wanting to get a new bike. I am deciding on a 400ex, cannondale or ds650. my cuz got a 400ex and also a raptor. The raptor is junk my opinion. So what do u guy's think i should get????

 

Well, i am heard some problems with the ds650, but i still think its a good bike. The cannondales are really nice, but take time to keep up in running, or so what i have heard. The honda 400ex is also good, propably the easyest, and cheapest one to keep up and running, plus just to buy one.I would just go with the ds(even no i am a honda guy)becuase i think they fix all the problems they had with the quad and it has more power that the 400ex( i have heard the 400ex has crap for power).

 

It appears to me that you (unlike so many I see)aren't basing your choice simply on the price tag on the quad. (within reason, of course) I seriously think you should consider the cannondale. Although I am going through some serious financial crap right now, I know that eventually my choice will be the Cannondale. Its faster than stink, surprisingly reliable (once you get past the updates- which are free and have been done to all leaving the factory now)It is more innovative than anything out there, its is comprised of very high quality components,its light weight is the new standard, and from all indications is a fun ,thrilling ride. Plus theres a bonus....you are putting american brothers and sisters to work, you are taking stock in American pride and workmanship,you are NOT being a follower, you are leading.(In more ways than one!)The trick,"high zoot" factor (see old Dirt bike issues from the 70's)can't be matched. Go to the Cannondale forum and read what the actual owners are saying...Pay particular attention to: "Well, Cannondale has my vote!" and "The Fastest, Lightest, Most Thrilling Quad You Can Buy!"
These guys plopped down their hard earned money and aren't the least bit sorry...A word of caution: Even a great bike will suffer in the hands of a bad dealer....For a true account go to rsperformance.com and see all they offer....tons of hop up stuff and VERY close ties with the factory! Keep us posted!

 

I feel you brother. I was there over the past 30 days. I had a 01' Mojave and a 01' Warrior and wanted to step up. I was debating on a 400EX, a Raptor or a Cannondale. I didnt consider the Bomb DS since one of my riding pals had one. The Bomb is fast, very fast. But he had a helluva time in the trails and wood. Just to darn wide (50&quot or so. I know to many people with or that had Raptors and I personally want to ride my quad more than fix it. The Cannondale is great, probably the best. I know, one of the magazines had it losing to a Raptor, but marketing dollars win those, not results. But the Cannondale is not a simple quad. Not a proven quad. So last Saturday I hooked up my trailer and went and bought a new 400EX. Great quad. I am having a possible clutch problem, but not a big deal I hope. The thing has more than enough power. Tons of aftermarket stuff and handles like a dream. And for $4900 out the door you cant go wrong.

 

Buy a DS 650, they have been around for a while and I think that they have the bugs worked out of them. A 400 ex is another fine machine with very few things that go wrong with it but if you feel the need for speed then the DS 650 or the 400 Cannondale would be a good choice. The cannondale is experiencing some trouble but the company is dealing with those issues. If money is not an object than go with the cannodale. be advised though that the cannondale has had trouble in the past with handling. Too much power and not enough balance or something. It will depend on your ability when it comes right down to it. Do you want a machine that you can grow into or do you want to take it to the race track every day? Do you want to ride strictly on wooded trails or will you be hitting some straight aways? Wooded trails, you can count on the 400EX, for straight out racing either the ds 650 or the cannondale would shine. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Well, thanks for the info guy's. I am not gettin a newer bike intill next summer. I might have more choices than i have now. The bike bike i am headed toward now in the c-dale and the ds. I want something faster and will stay with the raptor. My cuz has a 400ex and a raptor. The 400 is a good bike and all, but want something faster than that. Screw that raptor biggest miss of junk i seen. thanks again.....

 

Tooey,
You want something that will stay with the Raptor why don't you get one? I have had no problems with mine. The workmanship is first rate. It is just as good as any machine in my garage. All the problems are blown out of proportion. All major brands have problems there machines. Chet

 

raptoryfm660r,

I don't wanna argue with u, my cuz owns and his buddie does too. I now how they run , yes they run real good. But it is the problems they had with theres i wanna ride not sit around the house doin nothin why my bike is in the shop. My cuz had his for 9 months now and he probly only rode it for three months rest of the time in the shop. Maybe your a lucky 1 that has no trouble with there's. Like when time for was gonna race the raptor he went threw 5 trannies. i don't want see what i am sayin????? I am a yamaha man to but that bike is junk. my warrior never broke down on me, just minor though..

 

ONE WORD CANNONDALE!!! (nice) There are quite many people that like them here in vegas.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Sometimes anecdotal (based on ones personal experiences and contacts only) evidence is good enough. Since you are relying on the raptor owners you have known and their experiences with that bike ,its only fair that you talk directly with any cannondale owners that you can..Visit the cdale forum to get a true picture of whether they are a good deal. Unless someone has owned one or ridden one,their opinion on the cannondale is only speculation and should carry no weight....Everything I hear from the Cannondale owners makes me want one so badly I cant see straight.