I have not yet rode a raptor, I want to but I am not going to buy one to ride it and all my friends have a 400ex. I'm happy with my 400ex, if I want more power I just hop on the CR. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Now that's some power. I bet I could beat all you raptors on the CR, but that is expected. Dirtbikes weigh half as much and have more hp.

 

Compared to a stock 400ex, the Raptor has alot more grunt obviously, and they handle very nice. The only thing i didnt like about it was that it felt like i was guoing to tip it over, seems like it sits too high for how narrow it is. Mabey im just used to my added width, but mine just feels more comfortable, to me anyhow, that and its faster now[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I have spent lots of time on a Raptor - stock and modded for the track. I love it - I also own a 440ex which I race. To be honest, I was going to buy a Raptor to race and sell my 400, but I couldn't get the financing I wanted, so I dropped $4000 into my EX to make it competitive on the track. I love my Honda, don't get me wrong- it's just not what it needs to be - power wise - to compete with the quads that are coming out nowadays, unless you do what I did and mod the cr@p out of it!!!

That being said - the Raptor is a great quad - and you can't beat the power. I actually spend less energy riding the Raptor around the track than I do the 440 because instead of having to pull up on the front of it like I do the Honda, I just blip the throttle and it lifts on it's own. The power increase you can get just from some airbox mods and a jet/filter/pipe kit are amazing - those things are very restricted in their stock form. They are a little tall when they are stock......a nice wide RPM axle fixes that, as well as some a-arms up front. The seat is nice and comfy, and the ergonomics of it are great. It's easy to ride sitting and easy to ride standing. I don't use reverse, so I never use it on the Raptor, either, but I guess if you get used to it it's nice to have.

Comparing both quads stock - they are both tippy, at leas on the track. You have to mod both of them to be able to ride the track like you need to to be competitive. For just plain trail riding, they aren't tippy - both are fine. The Raptor is just a little taller in the seat. It's fun in the dunes, too - that's where you get the play with the power the most! Those things are great up the hills and bowling!!!!

They have a few problems (the Raptor's) at least the older ones have tranny issues....we have already replaced my BF's tranny a few times due to second gear going out - but it's an 01 - and he loves it so much he doesn't really care that he needs to tear it apart every once in a while. I think the 03's pretty much have all the bugs worked out.

You are gonig to get getting a great quad no matter what you get - but I would get the Raptor if I had the chance. It's not going to be outdated/powerwise for quite a while - unfortunately the 400EX already is...........if power isn't something that bothers you, then go with the 400EX - it's problem free and a great quad. Good luck whatever you choose!

 

See my reply in the yamaha forum. I forget the title, but you(DSAPP) started it I believe. personally, I think the yamaha powerslides better because it has more power to break the wheels loose. you have to know how to drive though, because it is tippier when powersliding. Gotta lean more. I like a bit of a challenge though.

on another note, I was just out on it today. What a BLAST!!! That thing sings at high rpm's. Smooth twisty hard packed dirt roads with no pot holes are where the raptor is wicked. bangin between 4th and 5th and letting the motor rev, feeling the endless torque! FUN FUN FUN!!!!!! I definatly have more fun on the raptor than the 400ex. For all the 400ex owners, please don't take offense, I said some nice things about the EX, and not so great things about the raptor in a reply I did yesterday in the yamaha forum. For the type of riding i do though, The raptor rocks! I just love sitting in the middle of the seat in 3rd gear and do nice gradual power wheelies. I also have a jet kit and modified stock exhaust which made a bigger difference on the yamaha than a pipe, filter and jets on the 400ex. anyway, I better go before I get even more exited.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Sandhopper,

Wow....that's me in a nutshell. Tell him too unhook his reverse capabilities ASAP!

NIce too see a ladies post....have'nt noticed many lately. RIDE SAFE.

 

I think the raptor is to tippsy,
I didn't like riding it to much.........

 

I have a banshee but i've ridden both a raptor and a 400ex in the dunes and on a small MX course, and i have to say i really like the raptor in the dunes and the 4ooex in the hard pack dirt. I don't don't like either one over my banshee though.

 

I don't have a 400EX, but I have ridden a Raptor. All I have to say is...power...and lots of it. I was having so much fun just punching the throttle from corner to corner that I didnt really worry about the tippiness in the corner. Although I think the tippiness just adds to the excitement.