Andrew, I normally steer away from first year runs also, but I know what this thing has been through. Like the Raptor, they all have some burps. Just saw the all black Raptor at the dealer the other day...sweet looking ride.


Ken

 

i've rode a predator.
it's the best handling quad i've ever rode.
the secret is in the PRO steering system (you have to look at it to understand how it works)
but is has very close to zero bump steer.
after that the formula isn't too hard, just use the basic fram layout and geometry as a factory race quad, put in a modern 4 valve dohc 500cc engine, use premium rims and tires, and have pro riders develope out all the lil details.
buy basically it's similar to a cannondale, or a 400ex with a raptor engine in it, ride wise.
But is still has alot better chasis than the 400ex.

I plan on getting one, and any bugs that are fixed after the first year are just changes in parts, and parts are easy to change.

 

Hey **** ant,(pissonpolaris)your caps are on...Have a nice day

 

<< hey that does make me feel good I got the hole shot on that hpd with my raptor ....[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] he did catch up and bonsi me in the corner and brake my finger [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img] >>




Bob, why can't I find you in the standings? Are you sure someone didn't pull your finger...just kidding, if it's really broken.


Ken

 

Still if Polaris is finally going to start to listen to customers requests who is to say there won't 2nd year or even 3rd year improvements. Besides I think Honda &amp; possibly 'Bomb are waiting on the others to step up before the come out with their next quad. The rumor of a 60lb lighter 'Bomb is intriuging.
This new steering system is what peaks my curiousity. Any quad can be fast. (fact is sport quads all close in speed anyway) but this new steering if it works as advertised seems very cool. The Polaris quad should be the best ever &amp; for the next 5 to 10 years. Polaris had since 1985 to develope it!!!! If the bean counters don't continue to rule Polaris it makes you wonder about the possibilty of a say 350cc 5 speed sport quad... Something to compete with 300EX &amp; Warriors.
I just can't figure out way Polaris waited sooo long.
Ken, the all black Raptor with the ghost blue on it reminds me of an old hotrod car. Cool colors.
Polarismech, I don't think a guy who bought a 2001 Raptor that had to change over to the 2002 gearset would think changing parts is no big deal. We aren't exactly talking about handgrips.

 

To all those that have ridden the predator, can you feel that it is slightly heavier than the other sport quads in its class? I know it only weighs 415 pounds, but that is still 15 pounds heavier than the raptor and about 40 more than the 400 ex. I may be looking for another quad soon and the predator definitely peaks my interest. I just don't want something that &quot;feels&quot; heavy like my wife's trailblazer.
Thanks.

 

Bartlett~
Are you talking about the ride at Dodge in Trempealeau County on the 22-23? If I haven't sold the DS by that weekend, I will definitely be there! That's only a short 30 mile trip for me. Hope to see you there!

 

the predator carries it's weight very very well, actually feels lighter than a raptor.
it in no way feels or resembles a polaris at all.
just think of it as a six thousand dollar cannondale.

actually...the onlt thing i didn't like was the thumb throttle and brake lever locations, but only in reguard to each other.
i had a bit of difficulty going from the brake to the gas while still try to leverage tha bar when coming out of a corner.
just a personal preferance...nothing i can modify.

the engine and tranny were flawless..
and a lil bird told me that the engine has already been through a few teething problems during developement but is very well thoroughly tested and refined by now (they spent about 4 yrs on it)
soo i'm gonna expect maybe a few tweaks in the suspension geometry and linkages throught the years as they run more and more cumputer simulations, but the first year one is soo far ahead of anything else on the market i wouldn't even care.

 

I was asking earlier about that WI ride. Have any of you guys ever riden there? Sounds like a good time.

Ken

 

um... pissonpolaris thats not the first polaris with gears.although it is the first with a clutch.dont diss people with their rides.yeah a 400ex is nice.so what.maybe they dont want one.i doubt you even have an atv.i dont care for polaris but i dont put down those that do.just thought you'd like to know [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]