No way I'd get the DS for trail riding but if I were a duner I'd prefer it to the Rappy. It's been my experience on my stock carbed 686 that a built DS was a significantly faster quad. I figure MarkyNark had a good 5mph over me in top end, of course he had an aftermarket carb and CDI but I couldnt catch him and I thought my 12:1 686 was fast. Now with my FCRs I dunno, it might be different but DS's are quick.

 

If youre doing mostly trail riding I think your best bet would be the Raptor. I really jam when I go trail riding and every now and then I seem to fly off the track, and man oh man that reverse sure comes in handy when it comes to getting a 400lb machine back on the right trail! Also the Raptors slimmer stance might help you to navigate the tights ones too!

Good luck and have fun!

 

Abaran,

You are referring to the 04 Baja X. We had the first one in Oklahoma and maybe in KS or TX too, I'm not sure. The Baja lost about 1.5" in width and 2" in length from the Baja. It's not alot but it helps a bit. It also lost 50 lbs which is a much bigger deal. It is a nicer ride than my Raptor across dunes or in a drag. (though it doesn't stand a prayer next to my 686 obviously) but is still the smoother ride. I would go with the raptor if you are trailing much though. Even the slightly narrower Baja X is a little tricky in a tight trail.

~HoundDog

 

raptor

 

I could have bought either one 2 weeks ago and went with the DS. I think the DS is the best kept secret in ATVing (if that's a word and it is a secret?! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] ) Anyway the DS is a lot faster. My best friend bought a Raptor when I bought the DS. Top speed is almost the same but the accelerationis much better. I can give him a lead and pass him anytime. The DS rides way better also. The suspension is so plush, yet completely controlled so you really hammer on it (and I'm only 140 lbs.) I'll agree it gets a little tight in real deep woods riding, but other than that, I believe it's superior. The Raptor is a great machine also though. It feels like a dirtbike after getting of the DS. But it also is quite buzzy compared to the DS. I have a bad habit of bending axles, tie rods, busting skid plates, and bending wheels. The DS is much heavier duty in all of those departments as well. IMHO, it's the best quad I've owned.

Ride them both and go from there.

 

Thanks for all of the advice and opinions guys! I ended up buying a 2004 DS650 Baja X. I rode a friend of mines 01 Raptor and loved it. The DS does'nt seem to have the low end that the Raptor does, but top end seems really close. I also liked the handling and comfort of the DS. Both are incredible machines!
thanks again!

Colin

 

kawi300


U SAID get a rappy widen it up and slap some aftermarket shocks on it

WHY DO THAT WHEN U CAN BUY A DS .LOL

its wider then a rappy and has better shocks ..

 

maybe soo .............but look at that thing!

 

Whats wrong with the Ds' looks? Its a sexy pig.

 

get a yfx instead