Never buy the first production year of anything.

 

I don't know about that... I have a '01 Raptor and it has been problem free for me. The DR-Z engine has been around for a few years and has proven itself bulletproof. I don't think that we should assume otherwise. Look at Honda's 400EX, from what I've heard (or lack of) it has been trouble-free for all the first year models.

BTW- soggyrider, have you been to Walker Valley lately? I was just curious if the trails were still really chewed up there... It used to be nice when the USFS actually did trail maintainence...

 

I havent been to walker valley in over a year. But it wasn't that bad then.
Now Evans Creek is bad! the ruts there are fender deep on my magnum in some spots. I usually go to Capitol Forest, Or Nachese. I can ride from my house to Naches in about an hour and fourtyfive minutes. But I have to take gas with me if i want to play much once I get there.