Only 2 years of development, three chassis designs. No hesitation like the DS650 due to lightweight motor components, web-shaped crank. No bogging at low RPM in an upper gear like the DS650. Low end power better than 400EX and much better than DS650. Awesome midrange and top end - estimated 3-5 MPH faster than DS650. Some hesitation after a jump, but a fix is planned. No nasty bump steer like the DS650. Narrow width and medium wheelbase coupled with the power requires you to keep on your toes, unlike the DS650 where you never have to worry about stability at speed. Seat comfort could be improved - thicker padding. The majority of the ratings were 5 stars, only 1 was 3 stars - seat comfort, no ratings below 3 stars. Weight=412lbs.

 

Sounds good to me considering info is coming from a ds650 rider.

 

ScoobyDFW,

Glad that you got your Atv Action early!
Did they sent it to you or you bought them at the store?
The Raptor sounds good!

Thanks for all of the info:-)

Wolverine16
99 Wolverine
01 Raptor on the way!

 

Did they mention the airfilter setup/chain adjustment at all?

RoostKing

 

best part is it is supposed to cost about 6500 and should be in dealers around augst. that was straight out of the horses mouth

 

I received my magazine in the mail early for some reason.

A quote on air filter:

"After listening to complaints about the airbox design and labor-intensive chain adjustment system on the banshee, Yamaha built more user-friendliness into the Raptor. As on the banshee, the airbox lid holds the filter in place, but it's virtually impossible to accidentally mis-seat the filter and suck dirt. You can cut the back of the lid to change the airflow characteristics, but this design means that you can't remove the airbox lid entirely. You can be sure, however, that the aftermarket will soon make available kits that will allow you to hose clamp a filter in place and remove the lid entirely."

A quote on chain:

"The chain adjustment procedure on the Raptor is not as easy as on the 400EX, but it appears to be a little easier than on the banshee. First, loosen two 17mm locking nuts on the side of the axle carrier. Then adjust the chain with two 12mm adjusting bolts at the top front of the carrier. Accidentally misaligning and cocking the axle (as can happen on the banshee) is much less likely on the Raptor, according to Yamaha."

 

I got my issue yesterday on the 26th, i couldn't believe how early it came. The article just made me want August/September to get here so i can pick mine up.


2001 Raptor on the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I got my copy in the mail yesterday and read that article immediately. I can hardly wait to get one now. They really gave it a good review. I believe one of the three Yamaha guys that they interviewed claimed that the dealers should have them on the floor in August. My only concern now is getting price gouged for getting the first one.

 

The air box design is new no chance of a missalignment according to bot atv action mag and yamaha

The chain adjustment is also knew but sounds similar to the warrior loosen 2 17mm bolts and adjust 2 12mm bolts to tighten chain. New designs is said to make it difficult to offset the adjustment and mess up things like sprocket, chain , axle .

GUESS WE WILL ALL HAVE TO WAIT TILL AUGUST TO SEE FOR OURSELFS

 

It has sounded all along that the raptor kicks ***. I myself am selling my warrior and all ready have the first one coming to Ray Wilt Motorcycles. They said Yamaha told them first to second week of September. They can't say what color but does it really matter? Hell no their both wicked. I'm just tired of waiting and need to throw my leg around one. This carnivore has finally hatched and can't wait to shred all competition.