Andrew Thomas,

I've had both and this is what I'd do. If I wanted something to ONLY beat around the MX track on, I'd go with the 400ex. If you want an all around trail, dune, MX and fun bike, then go with the Raptor. Either way, you'll get used to the power and want more. Also, I'm not sure if RENNYM was trying to say the Raptor is comparable in power/performance to the YZ426, but its NOT! A YZ426 will eat a Raptor for breakfast, lunch and dinner and still be hungry. However, I'm sure he was simply saying that the Raptor is closer to the YZ than the 400ex - which it is. Just didn't want you to get excited and think you'd have something that would run with a YZ426.

Bottom line - if you get the 400ex, I think you'll always second guess yourself. If you get the Raptor, you'll have to spend a little more $$ but you'll be content. Besides, you said a reverse is important - what does the 400ex have that's important to you (besides cost less)?

Good luck...

 

Bird of Prey,
Reverse is important to me. After having it on the Scrambler I'm not sure I can go without. Though on my brothers 400EX it wasn't as big of a loss as I would have guessed. Price is important to me also. I really like the "smooth" power of the 400EX, is the Raptor like that?
I see so many post about reliability on Raptors. Are you guys having problems? If so, How is the dealer to work with?

 

andrew iam in the same boat you are i cant decide either but i would like to hear about some of these problems & whether not the dealers are responding to them,thanks

 

I had a 98 Warrior and was riding with my friend on his 400ex. He would beat me, but I wasn't so impressed that I would of bought one. Out comes the DS650...awesome bike. Fit and finish are very nice. I was sold on having reverse. Raptor came out and is sitting under my carpot catching some air. I've had my Raptor since Sept.00, just changed my engine oil today (3-20-01) with no problems. This bike simply rocks!!!! Saw the FX400...glad I bought my Raptor. So... with all the competition out there the Raptor still sets the standard. OH...and don't forget the Banshee...2-stroke funk that can be made into a rocket...!!! One more thing..the YZF426 runs the dirtbike world!!!! Yamaha has the ups...on everyone else.

j/t
01 Raptor Blk/White (stock)

 

Andrew Thomas, Go with the raptor its easy to get it to sit/handle like the 400ex. Well lets say sit because stock it handles great its just a little tall and narrow which is a easy fix. Plus as stated before you have reverse and alot more CC's. I will have my raptor ready to be sold in about 1-2weeks if your interested and I'm in Pa. It will be back to stock though I've sold most of my aftermarket parts off of it. I will sell it for $5500 firm and it will save you alot plus sales tax. Let me know if your interested. E-mail me at xtreme165@hotmail.com. Either way go with the raptor I have both in my garauge my buddies modded 400ex and its nice but still not compairable to the raptor power wise. I switched to a 2stroke 250r because I have rode/raced 2stroke bikes for years and this is the reason I have switched for now who knows I hope I did the right choice for myself, we'll see!

 

Is the YZ426 a four stroke?

 

Kokl...I agree with you on the Raptor's handling. After owning both atv's with tons of seat time on both, the Raptor handles just as good as the 400ex. Maybe some guys need to get their a%% off the seat and start working with the machine?

 

xtreme165,

It's amazing, isn't it? Giving up a modern 4 stroke wonder for a 13 year old quad. I did the same thing and don't regret it for a minute. However, if the funds were available, I'd like to have both in my garage - as I'm sure you would too.

 

ERICsRAPTOR,

Yes, the YZ426F is a mean and pissed-off 4 stroke.

 

The lowest price just by talking on the phone I've found for a Raptor is $6299. So I 75% sure I'd get that. Then today the Ski-Doo dealer says he'll sell me a DS-650 for $6399 & take my Scrambler in on trade for almost the same as what I'm asking! Now I'm even more confused. The DS is awesome but no reverse.... The size doesn't bother me, in fact it weighs less than my Scrambler. What was the best deal ($$$) you found on a Raptor?