Does the predator compare? Does it take frquent oil changes like the 450's? how reliable is it? do they hold up? Do they lug down or are they screamers like the 450's and yes i do know they weigh a little more but just for compaisons sake how do they do on the track and trail vs the 450's?

 

I am on my second preddy. I have had a z400 and a raptor 660. I think out of the 450's the yamaha rocks! Track and trail. However, I have never had a problem with any of my preddy's. The steering is quite predictable. The low end power isn't that great until you pipe it (full system), then it really wakes it up. The top end is amazing. I have not raced it, but have heard from several people on forums that they pull away from the competition at top end, even stock. I ride mine on the trails, dunes, wherever. But, if I were in your shoes and considering buying one, unless you are stuck on a used one for less money, I would consider the outlaw straight axle. It is the new and improved preddy with a 525 ktm motor. It is hard to beat! As for oil changes, it's just like most people will tell you, the more often you change it the longer it will last!

 

What happened to your first predator? im not very fond of polaris because thare not the most reliable a guy i kno has had every problem known to man with his polaris utility so im concerned with the reliability of them. i sat on one at the dealership and it seems to fit me really well thats why im thimkin about gettin the preddy insted of the 400ex plus the preddy is gonna have way more power . and about the oil changes do the preddys have as much blow by as the 450's?

 

My first predator was stolen. Still mad about that. I have not noticed any blow-by. What I never liked about the preddy is the air intake. It is weird and restrictive. However, it is easily fixed with an aluminum box like UM Racing's. Simply adding this with a complete exhaust and jetting it really makes a huge difference in power. The only problems I have heard of are the earlier years of the preddy's like the 03's and 04's. Remember, polaris was just getting into them then. I think that is why they have been less popular is simply because they haven't been around as long as honda, suzuki, yamaha, etc. But, look at arctic cat. New kid on the block and puts out an outstanding product imo. The preddy's have been at the lower end of the price range, too, and added many good parts you would have to purchase aftermarket on all the others. Reason.....not as popular and have to appeal to the masses. Fit and feel goes a long way with me, too. Same thing when I rode sportbikes. They are all fast and have their pros and cons, so it had to "fit" me...that's the way I chose them.

As for reliability.....never had a problem with any of my polaris', including the utes. I know many people here, farmers and ranchers, who never change fluids or anything, they just ride them....never a problem. Same goes with the honda utes. But, I think everyone has a lemon now and then, and I don't think any of the mfr's are very good with customer service.

 

BTW, polaris has moved the preddy line to the outlaw (straight axle). Maybe a marketing thing as the outlaw has earned a good reputation, I don't know. But with the 525 ktm motor it will be one to reckon with. IMO, it is one of the best sport quads offered.....

 

Sorry 2 hear bout ur first preddy. i sat on both the preddy and the outlaw the dealer had a left over 07 preddy basically for ***** and giggles i sat on them cuz i could never afford either at the moment but went online and found out that i can afford a used 03 or 04. What problems did they have with the early ones cuz thts all im going 2 be able 2 afford after i sell my mojave and i dont want a lemon cuz my mojave runs fine i just want something with a little more snap.

 

Well, I dont' know much about the particular problems they have had with the engines, but I do know the transmission's sucked....hard to shift resulting in missed shifts, also no reverse. However, on the plus side, I have heard the 03's had the most power output. Not sure if that is accurate. Hopefully someone here can chime in and put in their 2 cents. You can also try www.predatorowners.com. It is a forum for predators and is very informative. I did notice a guy down the street has an 05 troy lee edition that is piped and has nerfs for only $3k. This might help with pricing?

 

wow thts cheap the 04's are worth more than 3000. thanks for your help firehog! I checked out www.predatorowners.com and couldnt find much on the 03 04 problems

 

dont preddys have reverse? any years?coulda swore i saw one backing up on the trails a while back

 

05's and up have reverse, pre 05 didn't.