Well, like most of you guys, I'm on this board quite a bit, mostly to see what the newest info on the Raptor is since I'm expecting one.

It seems that the conflicting stories didn't end with the release of the Raptor. Depending what you want to believe, the Raptor is the best thing since sliced bread, or a poor excuse for a high performance quad.

I've read that it is as fast as a piped/ported banshee, faster than a stock Banshee, close to as fast as a piped Quadzilla running sand tires vs. the Raptor running regular tires on sand. On the other hand, I've read where it is slower than a stock Banshee and as much as 3 or 4 bike lengths slower than a DS650.

Also, I've read ones say it has GOBS of torque and turn around and have ones say it needs to be geared down.

What's the deal? Do we all have to wait for our own Raptors to find out what kind of performance that it really has?

Also, if it is geared way too high, is there a possiblity that a lower gear would help it all around, possibly even on top end because it may allow it to get into its power range and pull even more RPMs on top end?

 

Has there ever been a quad that everyone had the same opinion about?
I read the post bout the guy losing to the ds and banshees, his raptor prolly ain't broken in yet, and/or he's a crappy rider.

 

I dont feel the gearing is an issue, Its just that first gear is made to pull all of the 9000 rpm so its longer and to get into second you need to keep rpms to keep from lugging it. if you keep the rpms up everything is fine. Due to the light crank if you let off it doesnt keep the rpms up very long. just the same once you get used to it, it is just fine, I can see where it may be a problem with sand robbing the rpms during the shift, but I dont spend my time in a dune, I ride trails.

 

hi bash

let me try and give you a run down .
stock raptor - banshee fmf p/c2;booysen rads; pro-design filter;air box opened up;mildly ported.

hard pack dirt - raptor runs away by 4-5 lenths up to 3/4 5th gear then the banshee catches up.
highway tar road - raptor in front (not much) up till start of 4th gear then the banshee came past. on top end the banshee stayed 5 lenths in front.i kept the raptor at full throttle for about 10 seconds (still new motor).

hard pack dirt hill climbing - the raptor beat the banshee hands down
tight stuff - the banshee is no match.
jumping - the banshee is no match.
the raptors suspension is ten times better.

the banshee powerslide better but the raptor control it better , the raptor is faster thru the tuns.

we played for about 4 hours and i felt as fresh as before we started , the banshee riders were all very tired (you have to work the banshee to get it to do something )i know i have one.

i took the banshee for a ride after i got off the raptor and it felt like as if i got onto a blaster (very dissapointing) hard suspension

this morning i took the end cap out the raptor's pipe and what a improvement! (a bit to loud)

i am so impressed with the raptor that i am selling my banshee , because i know i wont ride it again.

i have been riding banshees for 8 years , it wont be easy to let go but the raptor is just so much better.

i hope this will set the record straigt.

 

Did you take the spark arrester out? How much difference in power? how loud was it?

 

sorry, double post!

 

it is that piece that is held in by one small bolt at the bottom.
it pulls a lot stronger right off idle and it revs up a lot quicker.
it sounds like a thumper with a suppertrap pipe.

i like the stock sound better .

 

Yamaraptor is exactly right if you ride it right the gearing isn't a issue unless you ride the dunes I'm east coast wooded trail riding. THIS THING IS THE ONE!!!

 

Yeah that is the spark arrester. I might take mine out when i go home this weekend. It sucks being at college and not being able to ride it. I have had it a week and i only got to ride it an hour and a half. That sucks!!!!

 

shollz

What is racing the 400ex in your pics..... it doesn't look like a raptor.. or you already have a dg front bumper for it????? the 400ex was a ways ahead of what ever it was....

just wondering