i personally dont think that 65mph is too slow on a quad. it really doesnt loose that much on the others in low end power, and it handles sweet! perfect for a trail rider, in the deep woods (and mud, spinning tires= stuck). the 400ex is the perfect quad. if i was in the dunes, i would get a banshee. if i lived in arazona i would get a ds650 (ever drivin one? it is an experience i will never forget, just pin the throttle and hope you dont die. my bud owned it, it just got totaled out by his cousin. thank god for insurance.)

 

Arazona???? Y kint yew spel?

 

Be nice! He was probably just typing too fast!

A DS would be nice in the dunes, but alot of desert riding is like trail riding - around boulders and cacti and large canyons, etc! Also lots of forests around here too. A DS is a little long for really good tight stuff, but at Glamis it would be great!

That's actually why I have a 400EX - I do it all!

 

Yeah, but you would be doing it better/faster on a Raptor[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

 

Actually, my husband has a Raptor! Believe it or not, he can't turn like I can on my 400EX. Something about the Raptor (his is stock - +2 A-arms would probably solve this problem)and it's turning abilities just aren't equal to the 400's. (mine is stock, too) However, he can outpower me at times. It's a great desert runner, though, when there aren't a lot of tight corners to slow him down! We are both going to run in a desert race soon, and I will let you guys know who does better in what areas! Every quad has it's own unique "betterness"!

Corry[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Ran into a dead Raptor this weekend at the dunes. I stopped to see if I could help. He said he burned up a valve or something. Is the Raptor having problems? I was considering buying one.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

some early raptors went out the door with defective clutches (6000). and you may here of some people blowing the boots on the carbs(carb adjustments). Corry, regarding the handling problems of the Raptor. i'm not sure i follow you. what was your husband riding b4 his raptor? I've found with more body english and and giving the beast what it wants( more throttle) turning is not a problem. The stock tires on the Raptor are to good and will attempt to hook up every chance they get.( solution: cut off the 1/4 nobby off the outer edge of the stock tires. or get off the seat and give it some gas...also flipping the linkage will drop the rear 2". it costs you nothing and he will sit a lot better on the machine. I ride mine for MX and the only problem i have is keeping the front end from wheeling, when i'm cornering around EX's.

 

Yeah, yeah.....get your digs in, Raptor660! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

He had a Warrior before (for about 2 months - me too before we got so bored we were going to go nuts, so we sold them and got our current rides) So you ride yours on the track with stock A-arms? That's good to hear, because they are soooo expensive! He's happy with it, can't wipe the grin off his face! I know I had to adjust my turning style going to a 400 from a Warrior. I have to put my weight more to the front now, rather than the rear, and it turns on a dime. Is it the same for the Raptor? I've ridden his and it doesn't seem to respond to that type of body english! Maybe it's just too big for me!

I'm looking forward to spanking some blue when I start racing! Just kidding! I respect Yamaha! I am actually looking forward to just finishing in one piece![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] That would make me happy!

Corry

 

I logged into the Cannondale site to learn more about this new high performance machine from actual owners,instead all I am seeing is a bunch of pinheads knocking each others brand of quad!Grow up you bunch of babies!Its no wonder we always loose to the enviromental extremist who manage to stick together on every issue.
Bearman

 

Alright...you got me. i'll confess my +3 a-arms are on back order with lonestar. but let me explain. The raptor (stock) is excellent for all forms of riding. However, once you've become comfortable with the 660cc's,and acustommed to the handling you soon realize the full potential of the raptor. Now, i ride moto. 4 stroke machines are not a problem for me. but for me to overtake the 2 stroke quads ( banshee, 250R etc.) i needed more on the low end. solution: dropped a tooth on the front sprocket, modded the airbox, changed air filter to Pro-Flo design, added fmf pipes and re-jetted. Problem: a fast quad now reaches ludicrous speed and a perfectly adequate suspension no longer supports the hp. this problem really becomes evident through nasty whoop sections. Answer: Elka shocks w/triple rate springs and denton steering stabilizer and while i'm at it, what the hell you might as well send me the +3 A-Arms before my wife finds the bill for the shocks.

what does this all mean? Nothing. i have just as much fun on my wifes (stock) warrior on the trail in back of our house as i do on my Raptor on a track. (i just don't scare my self as much).The new 400FX comes stock with a lot of these aftermarket parts on it. but mark my words, people will still be changing pipes bolting turbo's on anything they can do to make them faster and tighter in corners. It's a desease (as my wife puts it).