I have read some of the articles here and found some issues with the axels and gear box. Any other issues with the raptor? I really want one but i dont want a pice of crap...

 

You also hear horror stories about the carbs, and a-arms.

 

I think it looks like a fun machine too...But If most people are not lying or beating their quad to death, then I would never take the chance and buy one just yet. Give it some time first... Seems there are some things that need straitening out still.

It should not be an excuse...But the raptor is still a new bike, Let yamaha go through it some more. I know I would be ticked if a bought something that spent so much time in the shop. My banshee is a 96...It's only been to the shop once...and that was to get a helicoil put in the oil drain plug. But that was my fault. Too many turns with the ole wrench.
Just my opinion anyways....From what it looks like to me, the only problem that still might be a problem is the transmission. The a-arm problem seems to be coming from 200+ pounders trying to jump with stock components. JEtting is a given...I never expect something to just run right from the factory. They always need tweaking depending on you altitude or riding conditions.
Do what feels right for you.

 

Honestly, I am a Yamaha fan, but would never buy a Raptor, at least now until they fess up to the problems. The refuse to admit it so they can save $$ from doing a recall. And of course, they don't want to admit it because it will make them look bad. I do understand that the first few years may have some problems with things, but at least admit to it. When Dodge releases a new model and have only a handfull of complaints, they still issue a recall. Come on Yamaha, just confess to the problems and people will more than likely understand. And, I'm sorry, but a 200+ pound rider jumping a quad should not bend the A-arms unless they are either nose diving it off a jump, or the A-Arms are just plain weak. I know a few 200 + pound riders that beat the hell out of their machines (stock DS 650 and stock 400ex) and they have never bent the a-arms. I know many "Diehard" Yamaha fans are just going with the problems, saying it was abuse or it just wasnt meant for what it is being used for. Get over it and admit they do have problems they arent confessing to. Just because they are changing the ratio in the gearbox and strengthening the rear axle, doesnt mean they are admitting fault, if they were to admit it the 2001 models would be recalled and repaired properly. But, thats just me venting about the Raptor situation. Don't take any of this personally, I just see bad business on Yamaha's part and dont understand why. It is almost making me wanna buy a 400ex, nah, the Warrior is a trusty machine. Later

 

Yes...we all have our own opinions....
If you read through the manuals for the different quads...you will see a recommended weight limit. It is usually not all that high. I know that I have a couple of extra heavy guys for freinds. I agree with you that they should be able to ride as hard as me.
But my shocks are not blown...I cringe when I see my friends try to jump. It sounds as if the machine is going to crack in half. (warrior and 400ex). One of my friends has a banshee that just about sits on the ground when he gets on it...yet he complains because the suspension is bottoming. All I was saying is that if half the people went on diets...some of the problems can be avoided. Or think ahead...If your aware that your a "couple" pounds to the large side. Beef up the bike first....jump later.
But then again...just my opinion. I am a light weight at 165lbs. I could not imagine jumping any good sized jumps at anything over 200lbs...but that's just me.
I am not a salesman for yamaha...I could care less what brand I own, as long as the bike is what I like and works for me. My garage has a xz7 (kawi), drz400(suzuki), 400ex(honda), banshee(yami) and blaster(yami)...briggs in the tractor...poulan in the chainsaw...."OS in the rc helis.....so how can I possibly be biased.

 

None of the Biased info was pointed at you, it is just observations of the posts I have seen on the Raptor topics. I do understand huge people just destroying quads, but my friends are 220 and 240 and they really dont have a problem. It is just common sense if you weigh 280 - 300 + to beef it up because even cars cant handle it sometime. I dunno, I dont mean to start an arguement, just a healthy, educated discussion.

 

I understand...I'm not trying to be argumentative....like you said...healthy discussion.

 

Yamaha fixed the axle and tranny problems. They put a new axle and put new gear ratios to get rid of the gap between first and second. Rather than that the tranny was fine. There is nothing wrong with the a-arms whoever bent theirs is nuts or did a nose dive. The Raptor is fine. Just wait til September and get a 2002. I almost forgot but Yamaha also put a different rear shock on the raptor for some reason.

 

Not that I've had my Raptor for all that long (3 months) But I havent had any real problems with it. Did have to tighten a nut on the steering stem and adjust the clutch but these are really minor issues. I'm a 220lb rider and dont get alot of air, but do hit the little jumps as often as possible. Right now my Raptor is totally stock except for the 12 tooth front sprocket. The carbs popping off seems to stem from aftermarket pipes and filters without proper rejetting. Although I do understand some early raptors were prone to this stock. I'm not overly worried about the transmission, I always clutch, dont slam it into gear, and change the oil fairly often. If it blows a gear, I'll upgrade to the 2002 gear set. If I remember right I had heard that the old 250R's (86-88) had a 2nd gear problem that wasnt cured until 89. Yet people dont run around saying how bad the early R's are. If you want one, buy it. If it is peace of mind then buy a 2002 model. It's almost as much fun as a Banshee and rides much better (to me anyhow!) It's well mannered on the trails and very capable anywhere else you'd ride a sport quad.

 

Wait for the 2002 for goodness sake! Why would you buy the 2001 when you know it has problems that Yamaha has admitted by fixing on the 2002 model (not caring though about those who purchased the 2001 model)???

The biggest reason to wait is to get the upgraded transmission gears, followed by the rear shock. You will probably bend the new axle too so I don't think that is a huge reason to wait. The rebound setting on the rear shock works but the compression doesn't do much. For those who don't believe me, test your shock. Turn it all the way in and test then turn it all the way out and test. You will find very little difference if any. Finally found a magazine who points this out - July issue of ATVaction under the Cannondale FX400 vs. Yamaha Raptor 660R section.

There are lots of Raptor riders out there who think their quads are fine. For many, this is simply because they don't know the difference. I met one guy recently who said he didn't have any problems and he rides it like he stole it. Well, I checked his rear shock. I don't think it had any oil. He wouldn't know because the only fast riding he did was on relatively flat straight aways - does this make him a drag queen? We called him MaryGoRound by the end of the day because he wouldn't jump anything - no wonder he thought the shocks were great, he never bottoms.

If you had to purchase a quad today because you couldn't wait, I would rather have a 400ex and then add an exhaust, upgrade the air filter, jet the carb, install skidplates, and then think about the Edelbrock QwikSilver carb. Oh yea, lower the front sprocket one tooth and raise the rear one or two teeth. You will stay with a stock Raptor for 1/8 mile and then loose out on top end. You will kill on a tight MX track because you will be able to get on the gas quicker after landing from jumps. I have both and time my laps. The 400ex is quicker on the track because it is easier to clear back to back doubles on the 400ex. I am sure this would go away with upgrades to the Raptor. If you are prepared to spend lots of add-on bucks to the Raptor then by all means get it but wait for the 2002. In fact, wait until at least the first 5,000 or so to be produced.

My two cents...Good luck and happy waiting!!!