Alright, the Raptor is NOT a big turd. 2009 model is going to be the 700, which is miles ahead of the 660 in pretty much every category. They do require more skill if pushing them and that is why I don't really look to suggest it for a younger rider. Z or X, both good choices. The Z is going to be in between the X and a 450 class, with all being unmodified.

 

The 660 has really tall gears. Especially in reverse. The carbs are a pain to tune. The 700 has efi and lower gears. I don't know much about the 700s really.

I don't recommend a raptor as your first ride... unless you wanna get hurt. Its just not setup right for all that power. I wouldn't even ride one of my own until I added a +4 swingarm and figured a way to lower it.

The 400 has enough power to catch you offguard too. And its a tall ride as well.

Another guy I know has a 300ex and out of all of them I'd say that's the most fun. It has just enough power to do what I need to do and its lower to the ground and lighter. Its only a 280cc, but it will easily take a 349cc warrior with a pipe and bigger carb. I did it. Several times in a row.

 

most 450s will be right next to a raptor or leave it, i know this for a fact because my brother and 3 of his friends have 450s, my bro has 2009 yfzr, other has 2006 trx450, and the other one has kfx450, the kfx leaves the raptor bottom-mid, the trx keeps up with it on bottom then it gets left, and yfzr is just ahead on bottom, starts pulling on mid then they top out at almost the the top speed.

 

im not worried about the power of a 700r, just the size, and btw my friends keep getting on hear and messing up this thread (on my account) , im 5'3, 105lbs, and am use to riding a 440ex, piped, cammed, rev box, high compression piston, and jetted. And my brothers yfz is a 2009 not a 2007, so im not worried about the power of the raptor just the handling and size, i really would rather have something slower but handles better.

 

"i really would rather have something slower but handles better"
OK, so your going to get either 400...
Your next thread will be:: which suspension should I get so I can be fast in the woods?
My answer will be GTHunder stock rebuilds....

 

I have an 04 that I bought off the showroom floor. I have been the only owner and I have been a stickler on maintenance. Kept the oil changed and fresh air filter. Runs like new and still has awesome compression. I was a true Honda fan til I got my Z.