I have heard both that you can't keep the raptor front end down and others say they keep it down w/no problem(i'm speaking in terms of stock) and also i hear there are lots of problems goin on w/the raptor. I am considering a raptor very hard so want to hear what i can expect from one.

 

you can expect a good time. I weigh 185# and the front end is pretty light most of the time. I have 20 hours on mine and no problems. The tires bite real hard. I feel that it contributes to the "tippy" reports that i have read and experinced. I feel that i carry alot of speed into the corners, the tires bite so well, it gets a little "tippy". It does not bother me enough to make any changes at this point. I am going to try a 12 front sprocket. The speed is great on this quad. I figure that i will be going thru alot of brake pads. Good luck.

 

My Raptor has only been in the sand so far.It has done nothing but bring a good time, hill climbs,I'm always comming off the top in a power wheely.If drag racing is important,you should go with a banshee, but a raptor is a good all around bike.I've had it out about 7 times, changed the oil once and set the valves and she's been trouble free.(knock on wood!)

 

I have had mine for a little over six months, and have over 200 hrs. on it. The front end was really light, but a +4 swingarm solved that. Second gear stinks, but yamaha sez that they are putting a bulletproof new one in. I have missed 3 dune trips while they are installing all new parts ( with exception of the head and outer cases). Time will tell, I took the gamble on a first year bike and 2nd. gear is all that I can complain about so far. It is still the best stock quad that I have ridden and would not trade it for anything.

 

14Mins - Are you going to make it to the dunes this weekend with RRC?

 

I really don't have a problem with the front end coming up except for pegging it in 1st or 2nd beacuse I sit far up on the seat and use body english.

 

Is this 2nd gear thing an Isolated incident??? Or is this a Problem with the Raptor?

Mac

 

ZEBRATRAILER,
Is yamaha doing this at no cost, and what is suppose to be so good about the one they are putting in?? I have had mine replaced already but asked about improved parts and they said nothing was available! Any info you could give me would be great!! Like to do motor mods but don't dare cuz of tranny!!

 

Eric,I just received my Graydon nerf bars and noticed they don't line up well with the GTY-R engine skid plate. Can you advise on how you got yours on.I'm guessing you notched out a spot for the bar.

 

I just installed a 12 tooth sprocket on my raptor and it has definitly made a difference in the front end. I have lost some top end though. I have never felt like I needed to hit 5th gear on it. Now, I hit 5th gear really quick. But for the trail and hill riding I do. I think this will be a perfect combo. I can putter around in second now. I could not do that before. The front end does not feel as light as it used to.