Took the first ride on my new Raptor Saturday. All I can say is that I am more impressed now than all the stuff that I read about it before. This thing is an animal. Everyone says that it is geared to high? It doesn't bog at all. Just goes fast. What's the problem? It has the power to pull the higher gears so let it do it. The suspention is plush,very plush. It corners really well and the brakes are very good. The seat is comfortable and the ergonomics is really well placed at the riders disposal. I was a little hesitant to get rid of my 1997 300EX, but I don't miss it any more. Ride hard, or Go home!

 

Thanks for you 1st impression and keep us long waiters well informed. I would like to know if the Raptor u got was one of the first or 2nd shipment?


ex400ex

 

I could not agree with you more. I t does have power to pull higher gears. Wait until you put a pipe,k&n filter, jet kit ect on this thing. I am not saying its the best quad (if there even is such a thing) but after my 400ex I love the raptor and don't miss the 400 at all. Those of you still waiting for yours will be happy when you do get it. Oh yeah, get ready to wheelie

 

it does bogg down, not in 1st but if u dont rev 1st out and u shift to 2nd it will bog a little.

 

I rode my brother's Raptor yesterday right when he brought it home, after he rode it a while first of course. It didn't feel like it had the low-end you would think that a 660 4 stroke would have but if was very strong. The power was even similar to a 2 stroke. I played with it a little at first to see how and when the power came on. I wanted to make sure I didn't drag the grab bar cause my bro would have had a fit. It is very different from my 400ex. It does act like you kinda have to rev it high before shifting to second but I shifted really early once and kinda dumped the clutch and it lifted the front tires about 6 inches off the ground and then started to pull. If I wouldn't have let off the gas it would have kept on coming and then the mid-range rush would have hit and thrown me on my back. Glad I let off... My brief first impression is a good one. The raptor seems like it will be a great atv for doing about everything on. I think that was Yamaha's plan anyway. It was really comfortable and felt sturdy on the ground. When you gas on it and if it hooks up halfway decent, you take off. I think it will be a contender for top sport quad for a while atleast. Be patient guys cause it's worth the wait.

 

Mine is from the second shipment that was received. I was #3on the list and the #2man dropped off. Sorry to be him! I really am happy that I made the choice to get one. I was a little hesitant at first,but am glad now. Hope you get yours soon.

 

I think that you are used to the old bike. I have an open mind on the Raptor. It is geared high, I will not argue that, but I took it on a really tight woods section. It pulled it fine. You have to keep in mind that this is a quad that can rev really quickly. It has a light flywheel. They did that on purpose. It still has plenny of power to pull that second gear. The bog you are talking about is not really a bog, but a transition to the midrange. Play with it a little and I think you will agree.If not, well then, I guess to you it bogs. A lot of people are putting a 12 tooth on the front. I want to get more hours on mine before I start changeing the gearing.