I own neither quad. I own a ds650 and am interested in what is going to happen between the raptor vs. ds650. The one thing i do have to say however, is that i think the 400ex did a GREAT job of holding its own against this 660 beast. The 400ex by the way is ONLY A 400CC BIKE! The raptor has nearly double the hp, and reverse, and all it could do is half a second. I think that the 400ex did a great job of holding its own. The 400ex (like everyone knows) was not going to hold the crown forever, and i dont think anyone actully thought that the 400ex was going to beat a raptor anywhere, I mean they say the raptor is almost the same weight with double the horsepower, so it SHOULD kill the 400ex everywhere. But half a second is definatly something that could be reduced with the extra 1000 that the 400ex owners can put into there quads. I mean, cam, pison, port/anle job, and that 400ex would be all over that thing. So obviously if you actully COMPARE the 2 bikes, the 400ex is the better buy....but maybe it's just me. . Now dont EVEYONE jump all over my case now

 

I dont want to argue, but how does the DS stack up to the 400ex in the MX course?

 

hello wake up ppl ...you all ever hear that old sayin ...you guys aint comparing APPLES TO APPLES...
MORE LIKE APPLES TO TOMATOES

 

Okay this is stupid!... We Know the Banshee can beat the 400ex! SO WHY PUT A 660cc against a little bitty Honda..

 

I think Yamaha's intent was to make the Raptor the best "overall" production quad available today.

The Banshee may be better in the dunes;

The DS650 may accel on the fire roads and wide open spaces;

The 400ex had the best handling for the trails and mx tracks;

The Raptor may not dominate in all riding conditions, but it looks like it's the best choice if you ride in a variety of terrain. Which is why I think the Raptor appeals to so many and will be a sales success (it's got something for everyone).

Personally, I'll keep my wolverine until Yamaha throws a 426 into an upgraded wolverine chassis. (I like my 4wd)

 

I was under the impression that Yamaha will release a 426 based quad in 2001, but that the Raptor had more "WOW" potential.

I personally hope that they do, because it still isn't clear if the Raptor will be allowed in the 400 class on the mx track.

 

The reason for my post was to show that the Raptor is competitive on an MX track. As I recall some people in these forums were saying it wasnt going to be, I know the Raptor is WAY faster than the 400ex this post was never to prove that, but to prove that its faster on an MX track than the 400, but some of you keep going off about that it has 260cc advantage, who cares, i thought the MX track was more about suspension than all out speed thats why a 400ex will beat a Banshee on the track even though the Banshee is faster than the 400, right?? Its alright though I like reading all the excuses that are put up by people.

99 Banshee

 

The Rapter is good it's just not for me. I ride on trails,race flattrack and mx so I think it's stupid to pay $1000 dolars more for half a second faster. There were 3 rapters in the B class open at black ankle last saturday and I placed second and the three rapters were 6,7,8. It could have been driving skill but we were in the beginer class. They just did'nt handle and slide good enough. I haven't got a chance to race one on a mx track (looking forward to that)I'm not dishing the rapter it will easily spank my 400 in a drag race. I'll give yamaha some credit they made a very good all around quad just is'nt what I need. 99-recon (work and play)
99-banshee (screamer)
01-400ex (mx)
89-250r flattrack

 

YaMaHaRaPtOr, well considering that the DS650 was pitted against a custom 600ex, and a Very modified 250r..and it held its own, only like half a second behind the 250r. I would have to say that the ds would be a better motocross bike. I dont know, depends what magazine you read i guess...

 

I'm glad i kept my modded 400ex. I want to race one bad. If this thing is getting beat by piped banshees and DS650s, there is no way i will lose to one. Thats not saying to much for Yamaha. A low-tech. air-cooled 400 with a few mods can stay right with or beat a high-tech. 660. OUCH