I am going to buy a quad this weekend or maybe next week. I have been riding for 15 years, but not quads. I have raced moto-x, but mostly into freestyle. Numerous injuries have forced me to sell the bike and go with something that I can't jump as high on. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I love power. I most recently had a 1999 YZ 250 that I bought new, sent to RPM for 285 kit. It was a monster to say the least.

I had a 1997 Banshee, but didnt keep it long. I missed the 2 wheeled machines too much. I was going to buy a Raptor, but now the YFZ450 came out. I can't decide which to get. This is why I am here. I need your expert opinions.

I will not be racing. Most riding will be in sand pits and dunes. The Raptor's motor is much bigger then the 450, but the 450 is more high tech. The YZF will handle better and has top notch suspension. I want reverse, but if the YFZ is so much better then the Raptor, then I would give it up. So, I guess I have a few questions.

Which is faster and feels more powerful?

What would you buy if you were an experienced rider, but not looking to race?

Power is very important to me. Actually, its the most important to me. I do plan to modify whichever machine I buy. Pipe, suspension, wheels, motor mods, etc.. Which would you buy if you wanted a straight up power monger?


Keep in mind, I have never ridden either the Raptor or the YFZ. I have ridden a 400EX a few times, but definately not impressed.

 

WEll stock the 450 is better but if you plan on modding it a lot the raptor will be faster...WOuld you consider getting another banshee?

 

I think the raptor motor can be made faster than the 450, simply, "Theres no replacement for displacement"... I have seen those Craycraft boys run, and those HAUL ***! I rode a 450 this weekend and the guy also had his piped raptor with him. In a drag the stock 450 and piped raptor were VERY close in both sand and grass drags. So stock for stock the 450 is faster than the raptor. But the handling is WAY better on the 450. When I ride a raptor, I feel almost cramped and too tippy, I hate that. If you were buying something to mod in drags, id go with the raptor, and reverse is nice. But if you wanted to just pipe it and put some tires on it, the 450 is a way better machine, thats just my opnion.

 

I'm done with 2 strokes. I used to be very into tuning and rebuilding, so the 2 strokes were great. But I don't have anywhere to work on them anymore and I sold my lift, so I just want something that is easier to maintain.

 

Since your accustomed to dirtbikes, you should get a YFZ. They are light, manueverable, handle extremely well and accelerate lightning fast. I would have to say that unless you had a completely built Raptor, its slower acceleration would be boring to you. If your leaning towards the YFZ, wait a month or so to see what Honda's 450 is going to be like.

 

yeah, if you are going to mod the machine you are getting the raptor will be better.

 

Yup I second that.

 

i still go for the 450 jmo