This guy seems descent so I will respond as I normally would. I had a 99 Warrior and I loved it. I did some mods and made it faster, but I hated the extra weight.

1.) Raptor...Has Reverse, rides nice, I like it, if I didn't have alot of money into the 400ex, I would CONSIDER it. Downsides, I have read posts of carb problems, a arms being weak, I don't trust aluminum subframe, axles are supposedly weak, and it is geared way too high, but that is a cheap easy fix. Also, replacement parts are expensive, and aftermarket parts are still rare.
If the rumors are true, I would break one for sure and I don't need that in the back of my mind when I ride.

400ex. factory parts are amazingly cheap since made in US, aftermarket had heyday because frame parts are 250r or 300ex and engine parts are xr400. It all existed in the past, the only new thing they had to design were pipes. Suspension and handling are great.
Downsides...Subframe is prone to bending, airbox breaks easily, engine is weak in stock form, no reverse, subframe and grab bar is one piece. Both have advantages and disadvantages, it depends on what you do with your quad. A 400ex for me and a 300ex for the wife is the perfect combo for me. if Yamaha made a smaller version of the Warrior, might be a different story.
If I owned a Raptor, I would replace the A arms, shocks, wheels, tires, pipe, and front sprocket. With my 400, I did replace the a arms, shocks, piston, cam, wheels, tires, etc... So a Raptor would have cost me LESS to upgrade, however, if I needed an oem steering stem or plastic or a screw, the Yamaha price is exponentially higher to replace. Hope it helps.

 

I think I might have to go with the 400ex I am young and like to rase a little hell. I also like to tool around with my ATV or snowmobile to make it faster.

 

It was a blatant, childish attempt to illicit a ligit response from me to use as fuel for a "Raptor guy" dogpile. This person has posted on the forum approx 8 times since signing up, you'll find that approx 6 or 7 of those are made in reference to me (for instance, in this thread, I was brought up out of the blue).

I pride myself on backing up my statements with real data & verifiable observations, this person has taken it upon him (or her)self to challenge whatever I say in the Yamaha forum with cheesy comments, each of which, at it's end, usually informs me to go back to the Honda forum. Many of the threads he has posted in have been deleted. Personally I find him unworthy of response & found this a good time to let him know. If that offends you, and you choose to disregard my posts because I refuse to play his childish games, so be it.

 

i dont understand why all these honda guys are in the yamaha forum if they do love ther 400ex's so much??

i had a warrior and just picked up my raptor in october i have no regrets about it. my friend has a 400ex and ther is no comparison really
more power better comfort RAPTOR hands down

 

I understand your reasoning with your second post. Not knowing the details, you have to admit that your first post appeared as an unprovoked attack, which is in contrast of what all the good things people have been saying about you. I retrack my previous post.

 

Yeah, guess I should have been a bit more clear or not posted anything at all.

Later

 

I am trying not to be bias(?) I like both bikes equally good, just in different ways.

 

"This guy" again. I have never said I even was a guy, Gabe. To clarify, You may say I am "de"-fatuated or "un"-fatuated but certainly not "in"-fatuated.

He is exposing himself little by little for what his intentions are. And that is to put down every Yamaha product. I cannot find one good thing he has said about a Yamaha product.

The other bashers don't try and hide their contempt like atc250r does.

Bash us on the Honda forum, please.

 

I also had a 98 Warrior and was considering a more modern ATV. I considered the 400ex, but the DS650 was more impressive...I was stuck on having reverse so I made the best overall...decision. Raptor..Raptor..Raptor!!!! No regrets whatsoever on the bike itself.


01 Raptor Blk/White
98 Warrior Gone, but not forgotten

 

Reverse sure would be real nice. I wish they put it on the 400ex.