The only thing it doesn't have is reverse! Everything else is a go for a trail quad (not to mention a great dune, mx, xc quad.....)

i dont know what your trails are like but where i live i really appreciate the narrowness of the raptor. I can go to spots my friend on a predator cant get to just cause of width.

its light you just need to use some manual reverse if you need it. its not that big of deal to me not having reverse.
it should be awesome trail quad. handling and suspension should be awesome

4.2 inches makes that much of a differance?

Doesnt the yzf450 have a low ground clearance, if so it wouldnt do good for real rocky trails.

Hmmmmm Low ground clearance huh?

Raptor has 4.5 inches
YFZ has 4.4 inches

I take it that .1 of an inch higher that a Raptor sits makes it much better on Rocky trails?

Splitting hairs at this point aren't we?

I have been asking around, and the YZ 4-stroke dirt bikes have a reputation for being pipey, kind of 2-stroke like. The power comes on strong in the mid range. Some people think it is a little harsh. No doubt the quad version might be different.

The chassis on the other hand, DOES look like it would be a good trail ride!!!

I don't buy that BS about how trails are sooo tight that a Raptor could make it but a Predator or a DS couldn't. I've been on every trail imaginable, and my Predator can make it through the narrowest spot. If a trail is that narrow and squirrelly, chances are it's not a trail, you're just driving aimlessly in the bush. Not knocking the rappy or anything, but I think some people might use the "narrowness" excuse because they want to console themselves about not getting the new 450. If I were looking for a new Yamaha trail quad, I'd get the 450 in a second over the Raptor. BTW..congrats Yammie on making a cool new ride. I may have to add one to the stable and see if it can get acquainted with the Pred...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

oopps, sorry about my mistake loadtoad, i was just thinking that it was alot lower than the raptor, like the seat height. So the clearance shouldnt really matter!

I think the 450 is going to be awsome on the trails, i have ridden the dirtbike version and the motor is the quickest reving plant i have ever seen, power all the way through. i have a raptor and love it very much, but the combination of power and light agile handling will put the 450 at the top of my list. words can not describe how excited i am about this quad.