I know this has been done on diff levels but here it goes. I can get both quads for the same price. I am not racing but aggressive fast trail riding and general fun. My concern is reliablility and over all fit and finish. Anybody who ACTUALLY rode both can let me know. All opinions are valid. I am not brand loyal but want bang for buck. Both are 03. $5600. The raptor is a repo with less than 2 hours on it not a scratch. The Pred is new. Thanks Mike

 

the predator will probably be able to take the turns faster because it is wider and has better suspension , if i was you thats what i would get!

 

The Raptor is proven now and the Predator is still new with potential problems. The Raptor is more narrow....so if you are not an experienced rider, you could get into trouble faster on the Raptor. Engine wise...the Raptor has low end torque where the Predator has none and ultimate potential is more with the Raptor engine at this point. The Predator front end is heavy, so keep that in mind if you need too get the front end up for getting over small obstacles. Also, the mile wide seat-tank junction of the Preditor will have you walking like a cowboy. The Predators headpipe will be rusty before you get it home. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the input so far. Up to this point I was really leaning towards the Pred. But I cam across the Raptor today at a local dealership. What makes me really like the Raptor is actually the dealership. They have a great reputation and were willing to answere all my questions. Im really torn here. I was looking at the yzf 450. Really nice. But the salesman was honest enough to say unless I was racing it, it was not for me. He said for hard fast trail riding it probally wont hold up. Also he said how hot it runs if not kept moving. I admired his honesty. 2 other yamaha dealers were more than willing to let me shell out the extra cash regardless what type of riding I was doing. Yea well thanks for the responses. Mike R

 

I had the pleasure to ride stock and modified Preds and Raptors in the dunes a few weeks ago, I came away being really impressed with the polaris, ( the engine really comes alive with cheap mods) I was equally unimpressed with the raptors engine and handling (I could not believe the same company made the rocket YFZ) If I was looking for a comfortable trail/dune machine I'd go with the polaris

 

i think the polaris is a much better bike... the raptors seem really top heavy to me making them feel unstable... a buddy of mine bought a predator about 3 mouths ago and i love it... it rides good on trails, dunes and just awesome... if i had the choice i would definatly go with the polaris...

 

Raptor!! I absolutely love the bike on and off the trails but that is only my opinion. If you could ride both bikes and draw your own conclusion of which you like better and that would give you the feel of both bikes. Some are more comfortable on the Raptor and some on the Polaris. Its really about what fits you best. Hope this helps with your decision. Slim

 

I would have to agree with Slim, go out and ride both, if you can.

 

depends what kind of trail riding you do - but you can go faster in the trails with the raptor[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I love my Raptor, wouldn't trade it for the world.

All kinds of power, all kinds of speed. Has a one of a kind look, and is always impressive.