How does the rapter compair with the ds or a 400ex in muddy conditions. Around here you cann't avoid the mud until mid june. Aready own a 4x4, looking for a racer I'm 6'4" 220. I'm leaning towards a ds, the dealers around here sell the rapter for $9000 cnd. and the ds for $8500 cnd..
It's nice to have reverse, I sat on a rapter at the dealer it didn't feel to small. The 400ex's do all right around here.
I'm finding it hard to make up my mind !!!!!!.

2001 traxter, warn2000, 27" mud bugs

 

With the stock Raptor tires, this thing will go through anything.

But seriously, I don't do any mud boggin on my Raptor. The stock tires are very grabby. Many people have changed them right away, you can't slide predictably.

I don't think I would base my decision on the mud factor! See if you can get the opportunity to ride both and go with your gut feeling.

Good luck with your decision!

 

I rode the poker run on March 31st. It was muddy. I was watching a ds and raptor. I think the ds is a better macine. my counis own a raptor and a 400ex. The ex goes about anywhere. His raptor is in the shop,cause the transmission locked up. haha. I would go with the ds or the honda. The raptor seems like a hunk of junk.

 

To the hunk of junk guy....good call...for a guy with a 20 IQ. The Raptor is a great ride but DO NOT BUY IT TO RIDE IN THE MUD!! I love mine until I hit mud. Indeed it will go through anything, the only problem is you can't see where the heck you are going as there are no fenders in the front. One lap of a muddy MX track and I was covered. Was not even worth riding any more. I am 6'2" and weigh 230. The Raptor is perfect for all other things

 

Unlike the Raptor's tire, the DS stocker aren't very good for wet or muddy trails. I put on a pair of Mud Sharks and now I got traction! I have a 00' DS and 2 of my buddies has 01" Raptors. I think both bikes have their thumbs up/down. You can't go wrong with a DS/Raptor/400ex if your looking for a sports bike. Good luck with your decision.

 

Well, if you get the DS stuck, you have an extra 60LBS to pull out.

The Raptor is only 25 lbs heavier than the EX, and the DS is 60 lbs heaver than the Raptor.

You aren't really going anywhere in the mud on any of your machines, but if you have the right tires, you should make it across most muddy areas. (Pick your line, don't go where the 4x4's go, they have dug it out already. One wheel on solid ground, one in water, etc...)

RM

 

Your making a statement of one machine that you dont even own.

The Raptor is a great machine ! Has awesome power. highly modifyable, and if its like any other four stroke from yamaha (warrior) it will remain just about bullet proof with a few exceptions. The only problem I had wasnt really a problem. First is to tall, fixed easily with a 12 tooth sprocket up front.
saying a machine is a hunk a junk with little knowledge is like me calling you cornflake!

 

stock tires on any machine are not going to be the greatest in mud. besides if your really in the mud all the time get a 4x4.