OK i have a choice between a new 03 raptor and 03 z400 for next years gncc circuit and plus just riding around my house. Ok the trails around my house are tight woods and wide open woods, Mud, lots of water, Lots of hills, Mx tracks. What would be better in these kind of conditions? And how would it be in gncc racing? How is the z in mx like how is it in the air?

 

that's funny kevin, yesterday, in the yamaha forum you said you just bought a 03 raptor??? did you or didn't you, make up your mind.

 

i havnt picked it up yet im still making mind up of wat i want to buy. Sorry that i said i have one but i have not yet signed papers or anything im still considering something not sure wat but something

 

Kevin
have you sat on or rode both of these quads?
If so buy the one you like better.
If not I would say go with the z400 instead, because of price and easier to ride in the woods. This machine has more potenial (sp) in the GNCC's than the Raptor. Look at the results and see for yourself. The Raptor has been out for 3 years now and how many people are racing it? How many people are winning on it? With the money you save on buying the Z400 you can put it towards a pipe and suspension upgrades. Since you live in Ohio Give F&S Suzuki and call and work out a race program or deal on the machine thru them. They are selling the machines for $5299 retail instead of the $5699. I know this because I almost bought one earlier this year from them. But bought the cannondale instead do to the fact the z was available at the time.

 

I too would go for the Z in your case. On the Yammi, you're gonna need to at least get an axle to deal with width issues, if not a-arms too. Z's have all the good aspects that made thousands of people Honda believers, plus a better powerplant and some even say better handling. The Z is just great for everything. I've mudded the crap outta mine in two plus feet of water/mud and it does great. Barely any water at all in the box after. In the air, it's awesome, very nimble and forgiving. And with new shocks, it's like floating on a cloud. The raptors are good, but for the money, I'd say you're better off goin Z. Enjoy whatever you get.

 

ya i would get the z too. my buddy has a z and races in the ny harescramble series and so far he cracked his sub frame and the fender mount. and bent the axle. so if your going to run a z you'll at least have to deal with the weak axle issue and buy a welder. geez kevin, you have a 01, you'll miss the power uphill and the 03 is a big improvement over the 01. put a set of good shocks on her and you'll love the raptor. ride a z and see what you think. think of alll the $$$ you'll spend on the stuff you need for the z you already have for the raptor.
p.s. sorry about the earlier post....

 

If you plan on racing, then it seams to be a no brainer. Get the Z.
Its lighter, better handling and the motor responds well to mods. 46 HP seams to be fairly easy to get.
With the Raptor you need to get wider arms (extra weight) and a wider axle(extra weight) for a machine that alreadty weighs 30 pownds more then a Z.
You also need a new axle with any quad (except for the Dales that already come with an aftermarket one) you plan on racing.
The Raptor is a great dune and play quad, but they have never done well in any racing events.
If you have a dealer close by, you should also take a look at the Cannondales.

 

I really like Raptors, but For Handling and for Racing go with the Z400!!!!!!

 

Go with the 400, all it takes is about the money difference between the two quads to make the 400 faster than the Raptor. Everybody knows it handles better and feels way lighter than the 30lbs. difference. My 400 walked away from piped and jetted Raptors for around a thousand in mods.

Ohio Riders- I'm from Youngstown, Ohio and have tons of relatives all over the state including Canfield. I haven't lived there since preschool but get up there every few years{possibly next few months}. Any good ride areas around Canfield?

 

hey kevin, what did you end up getting ?