In the real world ground clearance is measured from the ground to the nearest part of the bike a boulder will try and smash off when driven over.

 

Go to the Yamaha web sight. Go to Banshee specs. Ground clearance is measured at the skid plate. I went to my garage. Ground clearence at my Banshee engine is over 10 inches. Why is this so difficult for you all to accept? Just wait until the machine is available for you to really look at and compare or you will probably be dissappointed. This quad was not engineered to win races. Bean counters and fine print liability types had input on its construction and now the PR dept. is trying to sell it to you. So far all you have to hope for is that it is a realible quad with reverse and electric start. It might be as fast as a pipe kitted banshee. It probably will be less stable.

 

Ridzhard,

I agree with your "pre" assumption theory. Totally. No one knows all the facts. Im getting it regardless, because I want to experience it. I dont race at all. I just trail ride, fly on railroad beds, and hill climb like no tomorrow. Just seems to be a great quad for that...regardless.

The lastest ATV mag answers the air filter and chain question. Seriously, a person sent in the question of the air filter and chain setup. And the response was, "no, these are all new designs" for the Raptor, not what the Banshee currently has" Now, I dont even know what a Banshee had..I dont have nor ever rode one. Im only assuming the magazine and Yamaha rep. wouldnt lie straight out, so Im guessing the new airfilter and chain setup is true. Either way, if anyone has serious questions about "racing" or "reliability" due to racing etc etc...then I would highly stress also, to wait for testing. I have not that need, and will be the owner of a new Raptor in August. Just for the fun of it ) - Its always nice to have the latest and greatest...so to speak.
Have fun everyone. We shouldnt have to wait long for all the answers to come out.

 

WELL SAID !!

We buy it for the trail riding, not for RACING !!

By the way, my dealer told me that the RAPTOR
will have BRAKE LIGHT !!

Marty !
Raptor 2001

 

Just so I am not making any enemies, I would like everybody to understand where I am coming from. The air filter setup on the Banshee and the one on the Raptor appear to be the same, and they are a poor design. Also the chain adj. is different, but appears to use two bolts(one on each side) to adjust free play. Another poor design. I am sure the Raptor is going to be a great machine, I am trying to urge caution by playing devil's advocate. So many people are proclaiming it perfect, I took a stand in the extreme opposite direction. It is amazing how many people are taking it personally.

 

It would be very disappointing if what you say is correct. But tell me ,where in the high heavens did you get your infomation from? Have you seen a production model to make your comparison with? Are you in contact with Yamaha? Might you just be the Devil himself, spreading misinformation? Seriously,how did you come by this info?

 

OK, I don't want you to think I am making stuff up. I have a lot of time on my hands right know as I am recovering from a 6th gear get off. I went to the Yamaha atv Raptor Technology page. If you look at the swingarm and chain adjustment boxes you can clearly see the two bolt/jamnut setups on each side. These are not the best because you have to ensure that your chain alignment is perfect. It is not the exact same setup as a Banshee, but the same principle. By far, the best design is the eccentric "cam" style bearing carrier where you loosen your pinch bolts on the back of the swingarm and just rotate the carrier until your tension is correct. Takes me about 5 minutes on my 250r, takes about 20 on my Banshee. As far as the airfilter. Same deal. The Banshee(and warrior I think) have a little slot on the bottom of the air box which matches up with a tab on the air filter support frame. Same thing on the top of air filter frame and airbox lid. Problem with this is filter is just jamed against the wall of the airbox and this is your seal. Since 90% (about) of engine wear/failure comes from dirt passed through air filter, a more positive seal is required. Check out any motocross bike, Honda ATV, etc. Those all have a wing nut or a hoseclamp, something bettter. From the pictures, it looks like the same crummy set up. Only people who like the Yammy set up are engine rebuilders. I hope I am wrong, but I dont think so.

 

Thanks for the reply, hope you heal up, and we shall know soon enough if you are correct.

 

Thanks, and you are right, only time will tell. Did you go the the raptor page and check that out? I hope I am wrong but the air box lid looks like a dead give away to me.

 

You guys say that yamaha doesn't lie, ha. On either the 98 or 99 blaster specs thay said that it had alluminum rims and hydrolick(sp?) brakes. As anyone can tell you both of those facts are wrong.