Hey dude that's a nic foor wheeler you got.

 

Why not a YFZ450? I would much prefer that over any kind of Raptor anyday.

 

I think the Raptor is a better all around quad than the 450. I think the 450's are targeted mostly for racing, where as the Raptor is for trails,dunes,mud, or just to mess around on. kind of like a multi purpose sport quad. Just my opinion [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

You'd be suprised how versitile those 450's are, they can get around just as easy as the Raptor in all conditions. If anything the stiff stock suspension the only thing that makes the 450's less favorable on trails and in rougher conditions, just changing the stiff front suspension on them really helps out ALOT. The new seats on the 2006 YFZ's are very comfy, I don't see them being much of an issue anymore. As for the Honda, I don't think they had a seat issue. The 450's are alot less tippy than the Raptor too, they can handle speeding through tight trails quite a bit better. The Raptors powerband is alot more trail friendly though, it's much more smooth and controlable. The 450's rev much higher making their power in the top end while the Raptor makes alot of it's power in the lower RPM's. As for ease of use, the Raptor definitly has that going for it, the EFI is sweet (everyone hates jetting!) and everything on it is very easy to figure out if you don't know how to do it already. If your really not sure which one you like, I'd suggest taking a good test ride on each before decideing.

 

The current issue of Dirt Wheels has a review of the Raptor 700R. They seemed to like it.
However, for $200 more than what the 700R costs you can get a YFZ.
If your friend doesnt plan on racing, the YFZ might not be the best choice. The YFZ's suspension is pretty stiff and the seat is as hard as a rock.
Cap'n

 

And lets not forget the 250R that dominated the pro-circuit for um about 20 years! Until all the new 4 strokes it was the 250R all the way to the finish line everytime[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I love the YFZ too but have to disagree with your comment that Honda parts are poor quality. Look at the 250R that was in my personal oppinion one of if not the best quad ever made and until the new 4 strokes dominated the pro race circuit.

 

do me a big favor nd now ask this question in the honda forum