I'm looking at a raptor 700. I hope to get some feedback on reliability.. Owners of 660 pease also respond. How often does engine need servicing?? I'm not planning on any mods at all possibly other thanpossibly a pipe in the future . Do I need to change computer mapping to add intake & open up exaust?? Does the rappy 700 have any common bad features? I wold mainly like to find out if this is a low matinence machine like the hondas i have owned... (xr 600, & 250 , cr 500, 400 ex, crf 50 & cr 85 & a few others) i'm going from two to four wheels & have 4 kids so i dont have alot of time for rebuilds. valve adjustments & regular matinence is expected. I'm wonderin about any issues with 'em. any help at all is greatly appreciated and thank you for your time, Todd

 

I don't own one personally, but from what I have read/seen, they are supposed to be a fairly bullet proof machine, and they don't require nearly as much maintenance as, say, the 450 class.

 

Several friends have 700's, and they are probably in the same class in terms of durability and maintenance as the 400EX and Z400. That said, I don't really like them! The ergonomics are all wrong, but I find that true with every Yamaha, except perhaps the YFZ.

The 660 in particular was a disaster. All my friend's who bought them, sold them within a few months. They made it to narrow, and for styling they put the radiator way up high in the frame, not to mention a tall engine. All this puts the center of gravity up high, where it doesn't do you any favors! Some of these design problems, got carried over to the 700, but at least they make it a little wider.

 

3 and a half years on my 700, not a single issue. I could not have asked for anything more.

For me the ergos are absolutely perfect, it's one of the reasons I bought the bike, I sat on it and I knew.

Even though mine is much modified now, in stock form it is still a powerful, comfortable bike. I ride with some guys who have z400's and 400exs, 2 of them rode a 700, and went right out and bought one.

I would suggest riding one before you buy, that is always the best way to determine what's right for you.

 

wow, thanks again for all who responded.I personallyhave always been on a honda motorcycle everything else seemed really awkward. I think going from two to four i will hafta make adjustments anyway. any reason i shouldnt concider an outlaw & if so solid or irs?? (525) i read the aribox is bad. anyway thanks again all!

 

IRS or SRA, it's a matter of choice. Each has pros and cons. Ride them both and see what works best for you.