Sooo.. the first quad years ago was a Honda 250x - Seemed good for a while.. then I realized I was really dissapointed..
Bought a Banshee to get some real power and had the ability to go and do whatever I wanted with power to spare..
I was riding the dunes quite a bit and then as the years went on everyone quit going to the dunes, bought clunker Polaris quads for trail riding as well as dirt bikes. Sooooo.. to the point.. I sold the Banshee (no complaints besides the normal 2 stroke chores).. i LOVED the Banshee but I'm looking for a quad that can trail ride good, and that I won't get on right away and cry for my Banshee.. I want power still but the simplicity of a 4 stroke. I'm only 5' 8" on a good day and about 150 lbs with a full stomache.. =)
I think a Raptor is a bit large and I won't be able to really throw it around and control it as well as say a Banshee/YFZ/KFZ-Z.. I like the large engine which makes up for the 2 stroke to 4 stroke change though.. The YZF 450 looks REALLY nice and I like the physically smaller dimensions of it... The KFX/Z look nice (late 03 and 04 don't have the same probs.. so should be okay now also).. BUT I'm really torn on what to get.. Raptor, YFZ, KFX/Z or WAIT until the 450R Honda? I'm in no REAL rush... This is my last big chance for a while to buy a new quad (new house which means NO more money for a while). Keep in mind.. I will be using it on trails and fooling around mostly.. No big drags.. but i still want the thrill of my heart skipping a beat like the Banshee now and then. Buy the YFZ450 or buy a KFX/Z and a new dining room table? HA HA HA..

Can people post some OUT THE DOOR prices on each?

Calling around in AZ I have seen 03 KFX for $5,016.00 and a YFZ around $7,000 - $7,300.. (he said around $7,000 OTD).. I'm sure with the Honda 450 coming out all of this will drop a bit. Also.. any changes on the 04 KFX/Z worth waiting for?

Again.. I don't want to hop on a new 4 stroke and be bummed.. I know nothing makes up for the kick of a 2 stroke but without getting off topic.. I'm moving to a 4 stroke now..

Please help!!!

Smitty




89 - 250x Honda
94 - Banshee
xx - ?? NEXT ??

 

I can throw around my raptor fine [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] its an awesome trail machine and its not too big for me!! and im only 13

 

try the yfz at least test ride one you will love it.

 

On the YFZ 450 "removed the pea shooter".. what does that refer to?

On the KFX/Z 400 - You can get that for basically $2300 - $2500 cheaper then a YFZ 450, but will you get the same thrill, does the 50cc really make that much difference? Again.. i'm not drag racing but i want some sort of thrill after stepping off of a Shee..

Also.. DieScarred - You are 13 but how tall are you and how much do you weigh? Either way.. I think you can throw the smaller YFZ/KFX around a lot better then a Raptor...

Smitty

 

Yea u got a point there... yea yfz is lighter so it will be easier... yea and im 5"7 weigh 125 so i guess u proved ur point lol

 

I have also noticed that a Raptor goes for $6000 OTD now .. is it worth the extra $1000 over the KFX/Z which is $5000 OTD?
Also.. YFZ is around $7000-7300 OTD. Keep in mind.. I won't be changing anything out on the bike except MAYBE a pipe down the road..

 

It's a FACT that the Raptor is 50 pounds heavier then the YFZ (not sure on the KFX etc) so there is NO way you can throw it around as well. =)

Any OTD REAL prices on the YFZ 450? Does anyone think it is possible to get one for $6700 - $6900 cash OTD? Suggested RETAIL is $6899 now... Should be able to with cash I would think?

Smitty

 

I dont think so... But the brute force of the raptor makes it very flexible... Hmmm i think you should try to ride both of em.. See which one you like [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Cause ask any of the raptor guys and the yfz guys.. YFZ is very flexible but the raptor is right in back.. BOTH AWESOME BIKES... Hmm try to get ur hands on both and try to rid ethem.

 

But I dont think you can get a yfz for THAT CHEAP... And the raptor has ooooooobs of potential.. Great dune and trail bike [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

The Raptor is only like 10 pounds more then a Banshee (stock) so I guess that would be close to what I am used to. The YFZ is almost EXACTLY the same dimensions as a Banshee and 38lbs or so lighter.. Damn... Okay... it's down to a Raptor and a YFZ I guess.. Both seem to have been designed for totally different applications.. Have any of you ridden a KFX/Z and how did it feel compared to a Raptor or YFZ (Of course you can throw the Banshee into the mix also)...

Thanks SO much for your replies and opinions..