Which is a better quad, Yamaha raptor 80 4 stroke or kawasaki kfx 80 2 stroke.The yamaha is a 3 speed shift with automatic clutch.The kawasaki is totally automatic.The kaw might be easier for a kid to ride,no shifting.What about maintainance? Will one require more than the other?Both are 2003 and 2004 models and in very good condition. Priced close together too.Please post your opinions,I dont want to make a mistake.Thanks.... Dale

 

When we where looking I did not care for the Raptor 80 Seemed so slow and I felt my nephews would be bored with it after a year. It did not seem well built but I am sure better than the junk ones u see at pepboys. It seems like guys on here are getting more performance out of the LT 80 or KFX 80 and getting a few more years out of the quad. My idea behind my purchase buy the one that has been around for years which was the Lt 80 u can see what old ones are selling for buy one used you might come close to getting most of your money back . They are racing these quads and I see kids age 11 and 12 riding them so that meens I can get 4 good years out of them for the oldest nephew and alot more for the younger one.

 

KFX80 all the way.

 

go with the kfx 80 very little maintanance at all. they will last for ever even with no maintanance

 

The KFX is going to be a better quad all the way around. The only thing the Raptor 80 has is styling. That kawie is actually a Suzuki LT80 in green plastic, a good quad with a lot of history. Either one will be fairly maintenance free. I would think in the long run the Kaw may need a bit more maintenance, but it also will perform better and keep your kids interested longer also. Additionally there are more aftermarket parts available for the Kaw.

 

Insaneindmembrane,

The mini quad you choose should be what fits your childs riding talent and the type of riding (racing, trail, mud, etc ..) that they will be doing.


as far as the Yamaha Raptor minis go I have a raptor 50 and 80 and they have both been very dependable and are built to take a beating. My son has had both quads in deep mud and water, sand, trails, jumps and neither machine has faltered. My only two complaints is the front suspension and the lack of a tail light (stop light). We chose the quad because it has a larger frame size (doesn't have that squatty look that alot
of others minis do) and I liked the shaft drive. As fas as performance goes, I understand that in general the 2-cycle will give better performance. The raptors come toned down. neither comes out of the box as a high performance machine but I understand that is done because of the intended target riders. I have changed jetting and CDIs on both. The 50 now runs about 25mph and the 80 about 40mph. I have also added tires and wheel spacers to the 80 and it handles great. I bought the Raptor 80 because after riding the 50 (automatic) for a year and a half and sitting on Raptor 700Rs (for just as long), my son wanted a quad that he could shift (also got a good deal on it). The Raptors also have long history moto4, champ, badger and there are a many of these machines still running today (20+ years).

 

I like the looks of the Raptor 80 over the KFX 80 but I too have heard that the Raptor 80's are underpowered.

 

Today I went and compared them side by side.The raptor is a better looking quad with a wider wheel standse as well as more ground clearance.I put my 240 lb butt on both and compared power.The Kaw was quicker out of the hole but I think the raptor had more torque and more top end speed.Also felt more stable.keep them opinions comming friends,my mind is not totally made up yet.But I,m leaning towards the Yamaha.

 

what kind of riding will it be for trails, sand, racing?

 

Type of riding would be light trail.No racing or sand.