Hey Guys,

I am seriously considering buying a Raptor. Since I have never owned one, nor do I know anybody that has one I haven't really been involved with some of the rumored problems that I have heard.

Have the 2002's been changed so that these problems should be eliminated?

Thanks for the help.

-Josh

 

yamaha wont say if they cured the trans problem for 02.must figure that would be admitting to a problem and they havent done that yet.they do claim to have changed the gear ratios,rear axel and rear shock

 

02 Raptors have a lot of refinements. One of the biggest is the gear ratio in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Rev. They've been lowered slightly to improve tight trail rideability (is this a word?) Even though they said that strength has not been increased, generally just reducing the ratio will help improve strength because the gear load is decreased.

Rear axle got stronger but not by much. It'll still bend if a tree moves in the way or if you jump over a school bus. Rear axle is kind of a fuse to the whole drivetrain. If too strong, what gives when you accidently tap a tree. I'd rather replace an axle then a frame.

They also fixed the carb blowing off problem by updating the intake manifolds and setting the carbs slightly richer.

Bottom line, there's no comparison for Raptor in that class. Its the only choice considering the package and cost. 01 might be a better choice because the 02 will be out soon and dealers are making deals. I have had my Raptor since introduction and zero problems.