rptr911,
I own a '00 400ex and a '01 Raptor. This is just my opinion of the 2 bikes. The Raptor has a much better seat(which makes a huge difference if you ride for 12 hrs at the dunes), better looks, has a smoother ride, is faster, and has a reverse. I also think it is more forgiving when jumping. However, I do not think it is as dependable as the 400. I have had several problems with the Raptor in the last 3 months. I also do not like how the back plastic curls up to meet the seat. If you are throwing the bike around with your body weight, it is very easy to shove the hard plastic right in your crack.

I believe the 400 has better handling and is much more reliable. It is easier to turn and maneuver. It is very dependable and bullet proof. However, it is slower, has a hard seat, no reverse and doesn't look as pretty.

I am going to sell one of these bikes, I am trying to decide which one. Price is also a factor. The Raptor cost me a $1,000 more than my 400ex. I am probably going to sell the Raptor due to the handling, reliability, and price. When the back grab bar broke when I went back too far on a wheelie, it also bent the muffler all up. That was when I decided to think about selling the Raptor.

You should ride both and decide how important reliability is for you. I know all of the Yamaha guys are going to get mad, but it is a factor. If the Yamaha was reliable, it would probably be the best bike. Good luck. That is my 2 cents. You might look at the Banshee, it has a lot of the best stuff on it.

 

 

The Bomb!!!! If you want the best built ATV right out of the box its the DS650.After 2000 miles it still looks brand new. As for the the raptor and the 400's, I think 1 raptor out of 4 still had a tranny,thank god for reverse I heard they rode it in backward. The 400's did extemely well just weren't as burley as the BOMB!

 

Raptor all the way! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]





Hey check out https://atvconnection.com/ the best site on the net for ATV information.

 

man if i was you i wouldnt even get a raptor cause they suck! You would be way better off with a 400ex.Not that im against yamaha or nothin the raptor just sucks!If ya dont believe me just look at some of the forums.

 

Looking for reliability and you're sending him to a Banshee...easy to rebuild for a reason! Great fun, but 2-stroke. Sorry; had to comment.

 

Dude said it sucks and he rides a 200 2stroke..that's funny!