At a race at our local track (Hawkeye Downs) I talked to a friend who attended and watched a guy take his new Raptor out on a practice run. Evidentally the kid didnt race but his dad did in the 40+ class. But anyways he said on a straight away during the practice the rider was racing a friend of his which was riding a TC built 420ex he said when they hit the straight they were about neck and neck and by the end of it the Raptor had actually started to pass the 420ex. Now dont get me wrong im not here saying that this is the best quad that will ever be built but I was thinking some of you future Raptor owners (like myself) out there would like to hear this.........In MY opinion I think a STOCK bike that can run with a national's set-up quad is pretty impressive however. Just some info for you all.

 

For inquiring minds to know I just wanted to add the fact that both riders were A class.

 

Fully modded 400ex's have around 45+HP. Sounds realistic for the race to be close.

 

You are half right Chris, Fully modded 416EX's are putting out @45hp. These are the most popular racing EX's because they are AMA legal for the 400 class. You can get near 50hp out of 440EX's if you lean on the compression and install a 41FCR. Sparks is selling his 465 kit now. Who knows what that is putting out and he is about finished with his 505 Stroker. Basically, the X and EX lines have years of race development already. It's gonna take a while for the aftermarket to catch-up with the Raptor. Best thing for all you Yamaha guys is your stock machine is far superior compared to Honda's stock machine. Therefore you won't have far to catch up.

 

TC Racing sells engine kits for the 250X/300EX that produce huge gains in horsepower and torque. (Bore kits/stroker kits) that start at 305, 330, 350, 380, and finally the 405cc that produces 55rwHP!!!!(that is on a X/EX)
Reliable.....? Not as much as a stock machine.
Powerful.....? Rip your arms out of your sockets and beat you over the head kind of power!

Just think of what they will come up with for the 400EX now that the Raptor is on the prowl.....

Anything is possible if you have enough cash.......

 

True...with enough cash, anything is possible.

 

IT would be kinda depressing to me if i got beat by a 400ex on a Raptor... just my thought i know this dont mean much but 400cc and 660cc i dont care if the 400 is now a 420 ported,polished i would hope my 660 is faster.

 

my 400ex puts out 44hp. And it is neck to neck w/ a raptor. I know this because i beat my brotherinlaws stock banshee by a bike lenght or 2. Same as the raptor will as stated in this month dirtwheels article "banshee vs raptor" You can easily get 50hp. out of a 440ex that isnt even fully modified, mine only has the mid range 440! 400 ex are better than raptors because they are lighter and handle better. The raptor has more power but they also used more aluminum parts on them than any other quad has. That means they will bend or break quicker than a 400ex. The only things that make the raptors good is the reverse and the looks. The big engine is nice but heavy.

 

Wow, a whole 20lbs. lighter!! Quit crying, Nobody has seen what the Raptor is capable of yet. The 400EX is totaly awesome but in a whole diefferant league.

 

Oh geeez there is always someone that says NO MY BIKE WILL STILL BE FASTER! For crying out loud I was just giving a comparison here! Back off Mr. EX! I just stated that a TC National's setup 420EX was beaten on a MX on a STRAIGHT away by the BONE STOCK Raptor each quad piloted by A class riders. All I wanted to do in this post was let people know how this new Raptor does! Gosh all this bickering! There aint enough of us dang riders to get all upset with each other about who's bike is the fastest! Just ride with your buds and have fun! I wish I knew people with some bikes to ride with! All I got is my little brother and a neighbor! Feel fortunate. And sorry but I honestly dont have the money to race.......Have fun everyone
(sorry I flamed)