im a little confused on yamahas choice of motor for the raptor, the yz426 motor makes 45 to 50 hp about the same as the 660 motor, but the 426 accomplishes that with alot less motor, which would equal less weight, plus they already produce it(for americans). And with the 426 motor they would have finally made the atv mxers have been dreaming about since 89. An atv with the 426 would demolish the ds 650 in open riding and beat alot of 250s in mx, it sounds almost like the perfect atv. almost, its no 2 stroke!

 

Yamaha said they were making an all around performance quad, and they succeded. They claimed the 426 had too much of a hit, while the 660 had a power everywhere powerband. I'm fairly happy with what they're doing. It's funny; people beg and await a totally new quad, it comes out, and a lot of people are unhappy. I don't know, just my opinion. I think it will be a good quad. My opinion.

Take it easy all,

Jason

 

I think it will be a good quad also, but I am not going to run down with money until I can look it over and test ride it. Also, I think that it has some typical Yamaha problems with design and ease of maintaince. I am a little disappointed with the chassis and suspension. The motor is a great choice as it will require less maintaince due to its lower revs than the 426. I am not thrilled with the dual carbs, they are a hassle to rejet, but maybe it won't need rejetted as much since it is a four stroke. We will know in Sept.

 

I think yamaha went over board with the 660.

The 426 motor would of been a lot better, They wanted to compete with the 400EX, and Cannondale and they aren't even in the same class.

Yeah, lets race! I have a 660cc motor and you have a 400EX! wow...who is going to win this one?

The only thing that it can compete with is the DS650.

I think yamaha would of been a lot better off with the 426, and they could of gotten the weight down more.

 

The 426 full race quad will be out next year. Yamaha will replace the Banshee with a new version that will offer the 350 twin or the 426 motor

 

I am very exited about the raptor, i never implied it wouldnt be great, but rather confused on why if they are going to offer something with so much performance, why not make an atv that is desperatly needed by the atv racing industry.if yamaha is indeed going to offer a 426 race atv in the near future than the raptors 660 motor choice would be a perfect one. now if we could only get a YTZ250!

 

who said that yam?

 

In the August issue of atv action, they said that yamaha may have something up their sleeve in HIGH HIGH PERFORMANCE... maybe.. just maybe.. we will get what we want!! later,

 

Yama-Your own speculation or would you care to reveal more about your source?

 

Yamaha did not want the Raptor to compete with the 400EX and Connondale they wanted to blow them away. I think it,s more like the EX and Connondale will be the ones who have to make the move to compete with the Raptor.