Since I have never had the pleasure of riding one I need to ask. The only sport quad I have time on is the suzuki z 400, it was fun on the trails but a little cramped. I'm 6'4" and 275. Just for trails no track stuff. Reliable and comfortable are my big concerns. Did all years have electric start and reverse? Any trouble areas or years I shoud avoid. I ride in the winter a lot so with good tire will I be OK, I won't be out if the snow is deeper than 6 inches. I think I can get an 04 for around 3k. Thoughts? Recomendations? How's the power compared to the Z400? Thanks

 

The biggest trouble year is 2001 because transmission problems are common, but really, if reliability is your big concern, this probably isn't the right machine for you. They're fast, and for a bigger guy it would be more comfortable than a z400, but there are quite a few trouble spots on these that weren't addressed until the raptor 700 came out. They're also a rather unstable machine. They're pretty narrow and tippy, and the engine should have been put another 5 inches forward in the frame, because they are very prone to wheelies. Wheelies are good and fun when you want them, but having a wheelie come up unexpectedly can end badly, especially in tight trails or climbing hills.

 

True...for you I would recommend getting a bigger quad like the raptor 700, ds650 will be tighter in the trials due to being wide but very confortable for a bigger guy, kfx700, or one of the utes out there like a king quad 700, grizzly,kodiak

 

I own an 03 raptor that I purchased new in Feb 2003 and have not had one problem with it, it has been a very reliable quad for me, it has never left me out on the trail. I am also 6'2" and currently weight about 250 lbs and it feels fine to me, I do not feel cramped on it at all. For what you want it for it will suit you fine, I mainly trail ride but have on occassion taken it out on the mx track, look at my pics to see me clearing a small 30 ft double jump, the suspension did not bottom on that either. For me the only con on the raptor is the narrow stance and high cg, but I have gotten use to how it handles. Find someone who has one and see if they will let you ride it, then you can make an educated decission for yourself rather then listening to everyones opinions on the forum. I don't regret buying my raptor.

 

I'm 6' 2" and about 260 and I never feel cramped on my Raptor. The only complaint I have about it is if you ride real aggressive on rough trails the front susspension will bottom out.

 

I have an 01 Raptor, no problems other than the ones I create. My brother has an 01 with no problems to report. Neither of us has had any transmission problems. I trail ride in Ohio, and my brother rides the the sand dunes in Pismo.

Both machines are very reliable, I have never regreted buying mine.

And yes all the years have reverse and electric start, the ground clearence on the swingarm may be an issue if you ride in deep snow. We have not had enough snow here since I got mine to tell you for sure how it will do. But I can tell you that it does come up a little short in the mud if you let it. But I mostly trail ride with guys on 4x4 quads so they are always trying to get me stuck. Maybe someone who has some experience with the Raptor in the snow will kick in to this thread for you.

Good luck

 

Thanks guys, Well with me being big I'm worried about the "tippy" reports. Is it that noticable? I can tell you I was riding a new grizzly 700 and switching back and forth between a Outlander 800. When I was behind the grizzly I could see the inside tire lifting up around turns and on the sides of hills. I think it is tippy, too tippy for me. If the raptor is like that I don't think I want one. I think I will go look at some used ones and try to get a test ride to decide. Thanks for the input.