With all of this Raptor vs. Banshee smack going, I would just like to put in my 2 cents.

I would actually prefer to buy a Banshee. I will ride primarily in the dunes, and Banshee's seem to be a better dune bike, but I live in California, so I would only be able to ride during certain times of the year at my favorite spots, if I were to get a new 2-stroke.

When I heard about the Raptor, it seemed like just what I wanted. A good all around bike, that is pretty fast stock. I also don't really enjoy working on things, and in my opinion 4 strokes are easier to maintain and require less fine tuning.

I considered a used Banshee to get around the 2 stroke restrictions here in the Peoples Republic of California, but they are hard to come by, and when you find them, they are usually pricey.

That is why I ordered mine, why did you guys order yours?

Please lets try and not make this thread a Raptor/Banshee/400 bash session. Thanks

 

My Raptor was placed on order before I knew all of the specifications and whether it was good or bad.

Assuming only its good looks, new technology in the engine and transmission, and knowing that it was a relatively large displacement. I was fairly sure it could turn out well. I placed an order on june 8th.

I had previously considered a DS but the weight and width just didnt do any thing for me.

After I found out that it was designed by Knobby, The designer of the Banshee and Warrior, who have seemingly stood the test of time for years, I was sold.

Intitial reviews have been excellent in all categories and I assume it can provide the handling and of a 400Ex and the pep and pull of a banshee, that has more recently been my idea of what a quad should be for me.

I could really care less about the speed over all but more so I like the reports that it rides extremely well and has a very adjustable suspension.

I could go on and on but you guys probably know all of it from the reviews already.

Im sold on it so far and only that first ride will tell if I made the right choice, so far Im confident in my decision and am sure that i will not be disappointed.

 

hi all
the reason i am getting mine :
i deserve the best
i owe it to myself

 

PAULBERGH, that was a good one.

I got the Raptor because I ride mostly tight (still fast) trails and felt like it was time for a more modern bike. Don't get me wrong, the Banshee was a thrill to own, but the better suspension and reverse are very attractive option for the type of riding that I do. I was completely open to the thought of the DS650, but it is too wide for a lot of the riding that I do. Also, from the riding that I've done with guys on 400ex(s), the hot 4-strokes perform wonderful in the woods. Please don't start flaming on this one. Take just a second to look up the GNCC race results and see how many Banshees are in the top 20, then you will see my point.

 

I have a 400ex and love the way it handles. It's very forgiving. I ride a lot of MX tracks and tight trails. But a buddy of mine purchased a DS back in March. Of course I've rode it several times and do not care for the quad itself, but loves the way it pulls. Hopefully I'll have the best of both worlds with the Raptor.

 

Why am I buying a raptor?
1) Four strokes rule
2) No mixing gas
3) Just as fast as a banshee
4) probably handles better than a banshee
5) Can you say electric start and reverse
6) looks great
7) Yamahas rule

 

Why am I getting a raptor?

First off, I have nothing agianst any other quad out there. 4-stroke or 2.

1. I like 4-stroke because of the no mix gas and the easy jetting.
2. I do lots of trail riding, arroy riding and not much track riding. I do some dune riding too.
3. I love the REVERSE.

I own a warrior and love it other than I wish it had a little more power. I don't really care if it can beat someones totally tricked out banshee. That isn't what I want it for.

 

I am buying a Raptor because:

1.)I really want a new quad
2.)Everybody and there brother owns a 400ex, so i want to be different, and DS650's are in my opinion junk.
3.)I got tired of riding a 14 year old LT250R(Although it was fast and i loved it)
4.)I i want a four stroke w/electric start
5.)It just looks frickin' awesome

 

RaptorMan2001,

The reason for me to purchase the Yamaha Raptor, is because of the following reasons:

4 stroke - for more reliability
Liquid cooled - again for more reliability
Reverse
Big 660cc displacement (I ride up steep
hills so I need the
extra displacement)
The power/weight ratio
The fact that it handels like a 400EX
And I think it looks great!!

IronBear

 

I like the Yamaha strategy. Supply and demand!!!
They produce a limited amount to keep the prices high. Thus, making sure that they sell for the MSRP or higher. Try to find a R6 or R1 on sale. Well...their at it again, with the Raptor.. and the demand as everyone knows is so high that they will be collectors items. Call your local Yamaha dealer and see if you can get one!!! Forget about it...there already gone...!!!

The Raptor is on Fire....