Sandhopper: Where in the Valley do you ride? I crashed keeping up with my friends on their CR500's, etc. I'll be out about 4 months, but back in time for when it starts to cool off. Do you have a group of people that ride quads, or is it just you and your hubby?

I'll definitely be looking for some fellow quaders on the trails. The Dunes is a different story.

 

jon1: I think it depends on your riding experience. What is your current quad? If you are a "newbie", I would suggest that you stick to the 400ex. I don't know from personal experience, but my riding buddies say it handles easier and is more forgiving than your other choices. The second thing is cost. If you have a winning Lotto ticket and money is not an issue, buy what you want - sell it if you don't like it.... Another thing you need to think about is what your PRIMARY type of riding is going to be? Dunes, desert, fast woods, technical woods, drag racing or what. You might want to stick with a liquid cooled machine if your concerned about overheating. If you have buddies that have one of these "dream quads" borrow it and go for a spin - see what feels right!


Best of luck.

 

Quad1man, I ride at Sycamore Creek alot when I want to go trail/desert riding, and at the local tracks like Speedworld and Motogrande (Judd's) when I want to ride on a track (which is really fun!). We also go to the Cinders in the summer, and the Imperial Sand Dunes (Gordon's Well) in the winter. There is a group of us that has quads (one of our friends has a dirtbike) that get together alot, but sometimes it's just me and my hubby, or me and a friend. My friend and I are the only ones that have been going to the tracks, though. Look me up when you can ride again! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Corry

 

Sandhopper: It will be a while (probably 4 months), but then I'l be back in action. I went to Buttercup and Gordons Well probably 7 times this last winter. I love the Dunes!

I've ridden Sycamore a million times, but I like Rolls OHV area better. I have never tried the tracks, though. That sounds like fun. When I'm better I'll try to touch base.

Clark

 

<< I would have to say go for the DS650 they have good power fun ride and look awesome. The Raptors are prone to having clutch problems and the 400EX is air cooled and i have never liked those plus there small and only top out at 60! But the DS650 has a bulletproof engine and the ultimate stock suspension setup. >>



It only tops out at 60? What are you smokin man? The honda is by far the most reliable.

 

I would go for the 400ex. It is the best handler and is more predictable. It is also the most reliable. It tops around 65mph according to dirt wheels.

 

The top speed rating seem to differ a lot in the atv mags. I have read in Dirt Wheels and they said the EX tops out around 65 and the Raptor 71 and it said the Raptor was tested on a dry lake bed when they did the test. I didn't see in the issue with the EX speed, were they tested it. But where would make a difference. I just read an article in http://www.atvnews.com/output.cfm?id=33571. They said the EX top out at 60 and the Raptor at 67.

So in my opinion, in the differ senarios and conditions the top speeds will vary. But I think it is weird that ATV Sport is constantly rating the atv at a top speed 4-5 mph from Dirt Wheels. But it could be do to the fact they were testing them in Cali and the atvs there are less powerful do to the heavy restrictions that are enforced. That goes back to the differ senarios and conditions.

But just like everyone who loves their EX, I love my Raptor. Just thought I would add that 2 cents. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

hey. i'd go with the raptor for looks, power, speed, and the amount of attention you attract with it. one of my friends i ride with when im in alabama has one. we had my warrior, and his raptor on his trailor, and stopped at the station to gas up. people were coming up and asking questions about the raptor, and only 1 person asked about my warrior [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]. but o well [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

 

Are you people kidding?. Are you serious?. Your telling me if you could afford a DS you WOULDN'T get one. I don't understand that, I would love one. Any way, go with the DS or honda, Looks don't mean much, but the raptor is faster.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

No, I honestly wouldn't get a DS if I had the money. I would rather spend it on a Cannondale at this point! Much more interesting!