Dunerocket,

I am debating on getting a Predator or a Raptor. I have a 400ex with a pipe now. I am looking for more power, mostly lower end since we mostly ride fast trails and hill climbs. How is the bottom end for hill climbing? I read what you said the the power dwindling when tested by hills. How much of a power loss is there? Have you ever ridden a Raptor- as I know they are great on hills but not as good as the Predator at handling. Here is my main question that maybe you can help me with. For, I know at the Polaris dealership when I test ride the machine there will be no hills, so I will not get a true to life test. Is the power loss on hills less noticable or as imortant as the greater handling iover the Raptor. I test rode the Raptor but again it was at the dealer and there was no hills or uneven terrain.

 

PG:

The 660 motor in the Raptor has awesome torque. I have the same motor in my Grizzly and love it. The big difference between the two is the Raptor is built for more top-end... it'll go to 9200 RPM whereas the Grizzly only goes to 6600 or so.

If it wasn't for the crummy suspension, I'd already have a Raptor and wouldn't even be considering a Predator. But the thing is too nose-light and rides too harshly for me to spend that kind of money on. Add to that Yamaha's track record of NOT taking care of its customers when problems arise (the fuel boiling problem on the Grizzly, the broken trannys on 2001 Raptors to name just two). So I'm taking a chance on the Predator instead.

Rob

 

For Break-in the manual says "Careful Treatment of a new engine and transmission will result in more efficient performance and longer life for both. The breakin period for your new Polaris Predator is defined as the first one hour of operation (followed by an additional two hours of cautious operation), or the time it takes to use the first full tank of gasoline."

Then in a list of 7 items to do and watch during breakin, number 7 says " During the breakin period, change both the oil and the filter after one hour of operation, or after using the first tank of fuel"

I dont know about most of you, but 1 tank of fuel lasts a LOT longer than one hour of riding, especially during a breakin period. My dealer said that they should have the oil and filters in this week, so not a problem since I cant ride again till this weekend.

 

Can predator owners comment on the build quality? The few close-ups of the PRO steering system I've seen shows alot of weld splatter and crappy looking beads. You figure these units now arriving are some of the first down the production line, and I'm sure its going to take a while to get the production tooling dialed in.

Can someone also post a close up picture of the air box lid and filter set-up, and show in detail how the shifter peg "hits the frame" if adjusted lower?

I'm still waiting to get to see one in person, but this quad seems quite a well rounded package.

 

I just posted a fairly detailed review of my first ride on my new Predator that I picked up this afternoon. Look for "Finally got a Predator!" in this forum. There's also a link with photos, including a closeup of the front suspension.

I think build quality is excellent. Haven't seen anything sloppy yet.

Rob