Hello,

Looking at purchasing a used raptor 350 and was looking for a little help. Are their certain years I should stay away from? Any years that had major changes done? I am thinking something mid to early 2000's regarding year. Any help would be great.

 

I'm not aware of any major changes, it was basically unchanged, even the engine is the same as a Warrior with a few minor changes. I think the first year they came out was 2004.

 

From what I read last night it sounds like the first year 2001 they had a bad transmition but after that they have been very good

 

That was the first 660 Raptor.
The 350 Raptor came out in 2004 and has not changed. 2004 Yamaha Raptor 350 ATVs

Has the Yamaha 348cc motor that been in every 350 dirt bike and ATV Yamaha has made since the mid 1980s to this day.

Just find the one in the best condition. I would rather have a 2004 that some guy was to busy to ride and parked in a garage most of the time vs a 2011 that been to the track or dunes every weekend.

 

Raptor or Warrior 350, any year will do right on back to '87. They really haven't changed that much from inception. Personally I would also look at 300/400EX as well. Again, any year will do.

 

yes my buddy rides a 300ex so both the 300 and 400ex are on my short list. I have always been a yamaha fan so I am leaning more towards the raptor 350

 

I hear ya. I am a big Yamaha fan as well. In the used market, you are making a nice step up by going to the 400 for about the same $$. Either way Honda holds an edge when it comes to performance and maintenance tasks.

 

I'm a Yamaha fan as well, but a 400EX will outperform a Warrior or Raptor 350 in every way.

 

The 400EX is the best in performance and reliability. The 350 Yamaha has the reliability but not quite the performance as the EX.
The 450s have the best performance but get your tool box out because there just a motocross bike with 4 wheels and will need a rebuild after 200 hours.

 

Well I purchased a 2004 raptor 350