I can't make up my mind on which atv I want. We all know the raptor is fast, but how does it do on the trails or on a track. I think it looks a lot better than the 400ex, but does it perform better on a track than a 400ex handling wise?

 

how would any of us know?

 

The thing was just announced yesterday... How could anyone possibly know how it will handle.

One thing for sure is it will have more power than an EX. It is taller than an EX and appears (by the specs) to be narrower. This says that it will be more unstable than the EX.

So, your choices are:

The 400EX is a proven performer, really the only complaint is some folks would like more power. It's a great all around pacakge.

The Raptor may turn out to be a great machine, probably will. Will it handle like a 400EX or 250R, we don't know yet & won't for a while. Will it have "first year atv" problems, we don't know that either. There are a lot of unknowns. Time will tell.

When do you want an ATV? If you don't want to wait until probably September or October, get the EX, you can ride it for a year, and if the Raptor turns out to be really great, sell it and get a Raptor. Resale on the EX's will probably remain high as will other sport models. EX's can currently be purchased for less than MSRP.

If you have to be the first one on the block with the latest new toy and don't mind waiting or the unknowns, wait for the Raptor... Expect to pay full retail if not more...

 

Looks like plenty of people will be selling there 400exs. The 400ex has been criticized for not having reverse and having a mild mannered engine. Well... ladies & gentlemen Yamaha not only wanted to compete with the 400ex, but looks like it will blow it away. I know we're only seeing pictures until Sept/Oct, but Honda has never shown a 400ex doing a powerslide like this Raptor is performing.
So... with that in mind Honda should of done more than change the color of their 400ex, because it's dinner time and the 400ex is looking like a tender steak.... I hope this Raptor does wheelies just as well as the 400ex. I think that's cool and in Louisiana we need it.

juvenile,
long live atvs....

 

I agree that the Raptor looks to be a very cool unit, and I may consider buying one myself, but....

Rest assured that the EX can powerslide like the Raptor in the videos. Those vids were cheezy. Very mild riding... Just because you haven't seen a similar Honda video doesn't mean it can't do it.

People who criticize the EX for lack of reverse probably don't need a sport/hi-performance machine anyway, if you're too lazy to hop off your bike every now and then and correct a situation you got yourself into - maybe it's time to go ahead and crack open another beer and start spending a little more time in front of the tube. It's a nice feature, but not one to base a performance machine buying decision on.

The Raptor dimensions are kinda puzzling so far, why would they make it narrower and taller, and shorter than the EX, esp with more power... Sounds like it may be a handful to ride. Also sounds like an exellent candidate for ZPS suspension. Personally I am very glad that they didn't overkill the size like Bomb did the DS, but taller and narrower than the EX doesn't make much sense either.

 

I am really surprised, and possibly very dissapointed in regards to the size of the Raptor. Even narrower than a 400ex? Thats ridiculous! I expect my Banshee to handle like crud on the track, but I also expect this "New" and "Improved" Yamaha to handle 10 times better than my Banshee. We'll see, That may very well be a sticking point in the success of the Raptor.

See what happens...

RoostKing

 

Personally I wouldn't buy a 400 EX because its basiclly 80's technology. Compare the 400 ex up against the 2000 CR lineup, and you will see what I mean. I would hold off and see what the other manufactures come out with.

Cannondale already oozes with the modern and you could also say futuristic technology, while Kawi is coming out with a new sport quad as well that will probably be a good woods machine.

I'll probably wait about 2 years before I buy a new quad. I kinda regret buying my 99 Banshee, when I already had an 87. But back then I didn't forsee this new era of quads coming. Ah well, live and learn

87 Banshee
99 Banshee

 

Honda is the best and you all now that get the 400ex it is a great trail machine and any types of conditions

 

and honda owners are always so literate...

 

I think the Raptor will eat the 400ex alive it is 660. There will be little comparison. not that the 400ex is not a great machine but 400 vs 660. Even if the 400 handles better the Raptor will be so far ahead, it won't really matter.