I've had my raptor now since the begining of September, and I just want to say that I really enjoy it. But there are a few things I NEED to improve. I upgraded from a banshee, and the only things that I wish were better on the Raptor are how it hill climbs and powerslides.
For hill climbing, it feels like the front end is way too light. I know I need a longer swingarm, but how long is too long? I've heard between 1-3 inches. Will a longer swingarm (like a 3 or 4") degrade me suspension or turning performance?
And second is powersliding. I've heard three possibilities for making the raptor powerslide better.
1. Get different tires. How do holeshots or razors work?
2. Get wider a-arms. How wide? 1-2"? Do I want any forward sweep?
3. Get self sagging shocks or just dual or triple rate aftermarket shocks. Which will work better for getting rid of body roll in the corners, and improve the big air landings?

After all is said and done, the way the raptor handles jumps is the most important thing for me, followed closely by it's cornering ability. What should I do?!?! (and I have some dollars burning a hole in my pocket!!!!)


Bandit99
'01 Raptor - Blue
'99 Polaris XC 600 SP
'74 Pontiac Trans Am 400 4 Speed

 

Flip your rear linkage. It's closer to feeling like your in the bike instead of on top of it. Then you can hamer it down on the corners.

 

Did you do this? Or is it your axle thats making the difference?

 

First off get a wider rear axle and some razors, this will alow the raptor to slide reall well. Dont even bother going wider up front unless your racing mx because the raptors width up front is the same as the 400ex measure them and you'll see for your self. ZPS shocks really help the raptor for the lower ride height and I think a longer swingarm would help but I would only go with a +2, dont go any longer or you'll be pushing your front end through turns and the only down fall with the longer swingarm is your rebound on the rear will be harsh, I talked to custom axis rep and this is what he stated.

 

yes. I had a 400ex and when I got my raptor it felt unbalanced. I learned about fliping it on this form.It's fit like a glove ever sence. All those other mods are great, but this one is free.

 

I flipped my linkage over the weekend, and on the litle test riding I was able to do, There is a BIG difference. Everything in the suspension in stock except the flipped linkage, and the rear shock teaked just right for the riding I do. But now, I can turn harder at speed, and the wheeler has less (not none) body roll. I thinks some razrs and a Lonestar axel will take care of the rest of the body roll