raptor w/aftermarket front shocks is what I recommend

the 450 is too mission specific, while the raptor is good at most terrains

 

i would recommend the raptor for a few reasons.
1. Raptor has a bigger fuel tank and in general better fuel economy. This means longer rides without stopping for gas
2. RAptor is much more comfortable than the YFZ. Thanks to the super soft seat and soft suspension.
3. Raptor has a slight advantage on top speed. (not really an issue yfz is like 118 km/h and rappy is liek 123 km/h)
4. RAptor has a broad powerband so you dont have to worry about lugging it around in 3-5th gear. ( im talking stock of course)

The tippyness can be cured easily. the YFZ has a mid range hit that may be harder to control on the trails and pavement. If you intend on doing and jumping, technical riding or any kind of serious racing, reconsider the YFZ but for what you want the Raptor sounds like a good choice.

 

Carmelo, I see you have an YFZ. Thanks for the unbiased info!

Voodoothenoob, is your yoshi just a slip on or a full system?
I've seen 15+hp on raptor with just an exhaust mod.
Do you feel much diference to the stock exhaust?
I'm asking this because here even just a slip on is around 450/500 euros!!!
Which is someting like more than 600 dolars...

It's a lot of money, so it has to be worth it, if you know what I mean...


And fuel mileage, guys?
Is it about the same or is it reduced a lot with the exhaust mod?
I'm asking because this is a major issue to me, our rides are usually at least 50/60 miles.

 

No slam...Raptor hands down....IMO it also has more potential (at this time ) because it thrives on after market parts and is by far more reliable in the long run...I have 2 friends that are now going through the top end of thier 450's because of exsessive wear issues...It is basically a race bred motorcycle engine stuffed into a heavier frame.not that I wouldn't love to have one.

 

with a free flowing exhaust with are going to need more fuel because their is more air going through so fuel milage is reduced. It may not be that big of a deal with just a slipon but with the full system and a high flow air filter you will be sucking through gas a lot more. If milage is very important look into one of the IMS enlarged fuel tanks for either quads. They arent too expensive.

 

also a exhaust system on a raptor will most like not give more than 8 hp increase... a 15 hp increase would be like a full system exhaust, k&n filter, 686 bore, with high comp piston.

 

You need reverse so go with raptor or z400.

 

The Raptor is not tippy, it "feels" tippy, but I've never tipped it over doing some pretty mental stuff.

Top speed - Raptor
Reverse - Raptor.

The frames are weak? I think about as weak as anything else, you hit anything hard, any frame will break.

 

its a full exhaust that I got for under $400 on 1 of the online websites

the exhaust really pepped up low and midrange acceleration

didnt really change my topend, it is around 75 mph with all the weight of myself and skids, etc...

I think a slip on would be just as effective

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] a yoshi slip on that is[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Carmelo, regarding the hp increase issue, take a look at this:

Raptor pipe shootout


Doesn't take all that much to get a 10-13 hp increase.


That's why I'm so interested on a raptor!
I already had an ltz400, and it's a shame to spend all that money just for a few ponies...


As far as the mileage is concerned, I'll probably have to get an IMS tank...
Can you guys with the mods mentioned get 60 miles out of a tank (without recorring to the reserve)?
Riding fast, that is.

I'm asking this because the problem is mods here are very, very expensive, and our wages are rather small.
How I would love to emigrate to America!