I know the whole raptor700 vs. yfz450 thing has been beaten to death and then some. I am just looking for some feedback that I could not find on other postings. I am basically more looking for dependability and won't cost a fortune to keep going. Something that will still be around 10-15 years from now. I don't mind the usual maintenance: clean the air filter, change the oil, cleaning the carb ect. I just want something I know is gunna start when I need it to and not worry about breaking down in BFE (aka Banshees). I'm not going to be using the machine for any MX, but occasionally may be on the track every once and while. Most of my riding will be trails and in the sand. I really like the yfz450 for the light weight and the fact it has a carb (not a huge fan of fuel injection....just old skewl I guess) and not to mention I can find them about $800 cheaper than the raptor 700. It makes me kind of nervous though because I have heard horror stories of it costing 2K+ to rebuild if it eats a valve. Also, I have heard they are a bit cramped for bigger riders (I am 6'1" 225) and can beat you up after a day of riding. I like the raptor for the ride comfort and versatility for different riding conditions just not so crazy about the FI and the extra 50lbs.
I am still straddling the fence on the two and the one that is going to be lower maintenance and long lasting is will be the deciding factor. I am not looking for a machine to be king of the hill or drags, just something to keep up with the pack. More just something that has the power to handle the sand dunes and an occasional fast blast down a fire road. The most mods it would be getting is a air filter and pipe so it will be basically stock. Any feedback any one is will to share would be much appreciated! I am open to other suggestions on other machines as well, but must say I am pretty loyal to Yamaha. Sorry for the novel!

 

The 450's are all high strung, high reving engines. They have light little slipper pistons, that tolerate a lot of compression blow-by....so the oil gets rapidly contaminated by fuel, and it needs to be changed frequently.....

http://www.belray.com/scripts/...1d7-b921-64a4cf6d0144


....but with a 450 you are getting an ultralight package, and for a big guy like you that has the advantage that it will feel like you are riding a toy. However, the fact that they like to rev, makes them annoying to ride on slow, technical terrain (lots of clutch slipping involved!). The Yamaha engine has a good reputation!

The Raptor 700 is a torque monster, and that is good for trail riding. It has more of a traditional engine, so it isn't going to need such frequent oil changes. It is a little narrow however, and carries its weight a little high in the frame, so it isn't going to be the hot setup on the track (unless you want to widen it).

 

I agree with reconranger. Also I'm 6'3" and the 450 is more cramped for me. I have ridden them and it's harder to go from the seated position to standing than on the 700, this does get worse as the day goes on and the harder ride of the 450 starts play into the equasion. And you will need to stand more often due to the harder ride. On the track it's a whole different story tho, if you are going to the track more than the trail the 450 is the machine for that. That Raptor is ok for
occasional track use, it has the same A arms as the 450 since the '06 model but is a little more top heavy (nothing compaired to the top heavy 660r of days gone by)

 

IN MY OPINION THE EFI THING IS SOMETING YOU SHOUD NOT NEED TO WORY ABOUT ITS BASICALY THE SAME ECU THEY BEEN USE ON STREET BIKES FOR SOMTIME NOW AND THEY HAVE PROVEN THEMSELVS OVER AND OVER.
FOR EVERY DAY USE ID TAKE THE 700R ANYDAY, ITS JUST A TOP KNOCH MACHINE.

 

If your main concern is long term reliability and ease of maintenance, add in only occasional track use and this is an easy decision.
I would go with the Raptor under those conditions as it definately meets your number 1 criteria while being plusher for those all day rides too. The 700R is a bit taller and more top heavy. It utilizes the exact same front end running hardware as the YFZ though, and is the exact same front width, not narrower.

 

I'm 6'0 215 and think the Raptor fits me well. I have sat on a yfz but never ridden one. The 08 Rap has great suspension and the fuel injection is great. Cold starts and throttle response are great. I had an 03 660 and it was indestructible...until i modded it then it fell apart. The 08 700 has been great...but you just can't go wron with any Yamaha in my opinion

 

Raptor all the way!

 

I have to say as a 6'2" almost 200 lb rider that the 700 is a dream. It feels tall and the power comes on just right. i am a huge raptor fan for all these reasons. Another reason is your main concern...durability. If taken care of, this quad should last a long time. Both are great but for you, it should be an easy choice. RAPTOR

 

i sat on a yfz once, I decided it wasn't the machine for me. Too small.

 

Iv had a lot of raptors growing up but i recently switch to a yfz but im 5'9 155 lbs and 15 years old and i can get use to riding the 450 that beats you down all day. The raptor was way more comfortable on trail then my 450 plus it has reverse. I think your best bet is to go with the raptor. We are all brothers on TEAM BLUE