I was just wondering how the honda 700xx and the raptor 700 are for trail riding would they be terrible for trail riding? cause I was thinking about maybe buying a used raptor 700 in teh next couple years when I find one. thanks.

 

Yes, they are both good choices for trail riding.

I would also consider the Suzuki Z400 and the Honda 400EX, they aren't bad choices, and tend to handle a little bit better (less weight, better center of gravity). The other two 700s are good for faster, wider trails, and are good in straights.

 

would the two 400 quads that you mentioned be better the the 700 quads?

 

First off, don't get sucked in by the number "700"! People see that big displacement, and figure it must be some kind of wonder machine.....

The best tight trail quads of all time are the Honda 400EX and its little brother the 300EX. The Suzuki Z400 is a great choice for faster more open trails. The extra cc's of a Raptor 700 are just wasted in the really tight stuff, but it is good for faster more open trails and wide open country.

The 700XX is a weird machine, and not at all the all-arounder that the Raptor 700 is. Be sure you research it carefully, before you spend any money! It is best suited for rocky, rutted, eastern trails. And...it's about 100 pounds to heavy for anything that can truthfully be called a "sport" quad.

 

Exactly, so iceman320, what kind of trails do you ride? If you tell us this, then it will be easier to narrow down your choices.

 

I think the only places you would want the 700xx over the other straight axle quads that were mentioned are deeply rutted trails, extremely rocky boulder strewn landscapes, and mud. When I had the Lakota (straight axle, sporty quad) those were the only situations that presented a problem. You can often straddle ruts, pick a better path through rocks or avoid the mud. I did end up getting 2 4x4s because there is alot of all the conditions I mentioned here in New England. It's bad enough here that I've pulled out a few 4x4s from deep mud. If I were to buy a 2wd for this area I'd go with either the Honda 700xx or the KTM powered Polaris 525 IRS. If my trails were dirt roads, wooded trails, and desert conditions I would buy any of the present crop of 450s that are out there.

 

I will most likely be riding on the open trail that are on forest ground. and there is a trail near my house that I ride on quite a bit where I climb hills and the hill is covered with shell. my 250ex does pretty well. I was just looking for something that would have a little more power and speed. cause I ride my atv to work some days also to save on gas.

 

I think since you said that it is an "open" trail, a 450 or a 700 would both be fairly good choices. A 400cc sport quad is moreso designed for tighter, more technical trails.

In this case, I would say either getting a Raptor 700 or just about any of the 450's would probably be fun. It comes down to price I guess, and if you can test drive them, which one is nicer.

 

yeah I will have to get my current atv paid off first. and then I can get a better atv I was thinking about buying a used one though that was in good condition. so I will look around for a 400ex or a raptor 700 that's in good condition.

 

I definetly agreee with everything every one has stated in here. Except that you really cant compare the z400 with the 400ex. The z is just so much faster and honestly there is a reason if you watch the Quadcross and GNC races that they still use the z400's to races with the 450's. They are a perfect mix of tight technical trail and just plain power.