I would like honest opinions between the two both are 03. Same price $5600. I want to do fast trail riding and all around fun. Thanks for all post. I know its been done but more and more people have had an opportunity to ride both. Thanks. Mike R

 

Personally here's how I feel.

Overall handling, suspension: Predator
Power: about equal with the exception that Raptor has bottom end and Predator has a slightly weaker bottom but mid-top to catch or even beat Rappy
Looks: Raptor

Raptor is to tippy IMO if you plan on doing any type of trail riding or track. You'd end up spending more on a rear axle and arms and shocks to make it ride and handle like a predator

Predator looks ugly and plastics are cheap

So I would say its pretty much up to you on what you want and on how much you plan on to spend on it after you buy it.

The Predator wouldnt need anything except for a couple jets to straighten out the popping.

The Raptor would need an axle, a-arms or offset wheels, shocks

So I would say the Predator is the better way to stretch the dead benjamins. You get more for your money.

 

Thanks for the opinion. Now what if the yamaha was at a dealer you really like and the polaris is at a dealer less than desireable. This is part of what is causing me grief. I really like the yami dealer. They know there stuff, service dept is top notch. They are truelly into what they sell. I too feel though the pred is a better buy. But I do notice how the aftermarket runs with yamaha alot more. yea well not like I can buy it tomarow. Thanks. Mike R

 

The aftermarket companies are coming on strong with the pred in this round. Many of the popular exhaust companies have systems soon to release. But the problem that is holding many companies up is that they find a very hard time improving over the headpipe!

 

Everyone is biased....ride both and make your asumptions. Although it is tough too overlook the heavy front end and cowboy seating....LMAO!

 

Bang for the buck, you really have a hard time beating what the Predator has to offer. Stock it has a better than aftermarket axle, braided brake lines, a single carb to jet, instead of two. Tuneable shocks that basically all you have to do is add the Polaris available front shock reservoirs, and touche'. If you want the snort on the bottom, just add the White Bros/Pure Polaris silencer, and a slip-on K&N.....you'll have to re-jet, but remember, there's only the single carb to have to adjust.

 

Good point.

 

Ummm...when did the front end of the pred become heavy?

 

People don't understand, it's the balance of the machine. The longer moment of the swingarm keeps the front planted.

 

I under stand that! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]