Since the Raptor chewed up it's second tranny (even cryogenically treated gears didn't work) I'm pretty much convinced we aren't gonna get along to well anymore. I'm not gonna tear that thing completely down once a year .....sure it's fun, but.......

I've got a 1-year plan: 1) Fix the Raptor by MLK 2) Don't rape it, just "gently" ride 3) 1-year from now buy a new quad (wait for the new model year blues of the YFZ & 450R to fully surface). 4) Eventually sell or burn the Raptor.

Here's where I need help. Obviously, I'm looking for a desert/dune platform. Two stroke or 4 ? The new breed 450s look really attractive (power/suspension) but are they good for the dez ? They are higher compression and higher revving. The classic 250R is still a very successful desert race bike - enough top end for a Mexico WOT sand race ? . Another Raptor is out of the question. Maybe a switch to Honda ? Maybe a Banshee ? At this point reliability / performance outweights price tag. I'd normally use the "who's winning races and buy that" approach but the fast boys are so fully sponsored they ride a basically new bike each time. I was thinking of sticking with Yamaha but, as a customer, the corporation pretty much screwed lots of Raptor owners including me so I'm not brand loyal.

Maybe I'll just keep the Raptor and continue concentrating on transitioning to two-wheels. Two wheelers seem much more reliable and smoother riding.


Comments....

 

As I said in your other post Fisher, I'd definately get rid of that thing. Unfortunately because of my financial status I can not afford to get rid of mine *yet*, but my next move is either going to be a 400ex, or a kfx/z400. I really enjoyed riding the new yfz, but at $7200 otd around here thats a litte more than I wish to shell out. Plus being from a dirtbike back ground(10yrs worth of mx/harescrambles) I know from experience that both the xr400 and drz400 motors are bullet proof. Which is where the 400ex, and the Z400 came from. I really like my raptor, but I see it becoming a money pit, as I have already spent ALOT of money in a) bringing back up to my standards from the pervious owner [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img], b) replacing one-way bearings, air intake systems, and clutches for an underdesigned system c) the trans problems.....if this thing goes before I pay it off, I'm screwed. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I can't afford those kind of repairs....

 

Put a different motor in your Raptor, you've already got the suspension for it. It would cost less than a new machine and you could make it faster than anything off the shelf. How about a R6 motor, nice and light but making over 100 HP:-)

 

or maybe a v twin, sure would look killer in there[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Actually, the thought of a Honda XR650 motor came to mind - that would be a cool hybrid...

 

Actually bolting a XR650 motor in that Rappy is probably the eisiest mod possible. It will fit right in and line up great!!!! I know from Talking to my Honda dealer; they did one.

 

Turbo,

Do ya have any details/pics or maybe a point of contact at the Honda dealer ? I'd like to ask some questions......

Thanks

 

That would be awesome. I would also suggest the XR650 motor. I also heard from my friends that The XR650 motor almost acts like its made for the Raptors frame. They said it was very easy to do and much easier then the other engine swaps they did.

-Eric-