Hi, I'm going to be buying my first ATV pretty soon. I definitely want a sport model. The problem is that I don't know exactly what I want yet. I'm trying to decide between the Honda 400ex and the Yamaha Raptor. You may ask why I'm choosing to go with such powerful machines as my first ATv, but I'm a firm beleiver in the philosophy of buying once, and not having to upgrade a year later. So, do you think a Raptor would be too much for me? I am 16 years old, 145lbs, 5'10". I don't want to hurt myself, so is it possible to go "easy" while on a Raptor? Or is it just pure, ***** out speed? I'd like to hear everybody's oppinion, including Raptor riders. Thanks!

 

I think that you should get the raptor as your first quad. im only 14 and small as hell and my first quad that I just got was a scrambler 500 4x4 and I upgraded it to go about 80 mph. If people say dont get it its to powerful, its not true. Everyone is different im only like 5"3' and like 115 pounds and I can handle my quad. You should try to ride one first before you get one if you dont like how it feels get something else though I wouldnt, just buy it and get usto it. If its to powerful then ur a ***** jk (im sure many people disagree with my answer but everyone is different)

 

You could handle it... Just baby it until you get a feel for the power. I was 6'1" 150 lbs when I got my Raptor. If you don't wanna go fast, just don't give it that much gas, just that easy. Just don't peg the gas too hard in first or your butt will be sitting on the ground :-)

 

it only goes as fast as you tell it to with the throttle

 

Raptor yes, Banshee no. The Raptor has a smooth even powerband and great handling, once you put a wider axle on it that is. Consider a lonestar axle as just part of the purchase price, change it right away. I bought a Raptor for my 12 year old son, who had been riding a 425 Expedition. The Raptor is nearly perfect for him. He's had it six months now and I have no regrets, it was the right choice. He is 5 feet tall and weighs 85 lbs. (I'm going to get the Raptorette 80 for my 4 year old.) The stock motor has lots of power but it is smooth even power delivery with no surprises. Go for it.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Get the Raptor (what do you expect in a Yamaha forum) and turn the thottle limiter in until you get used to it. The limiter is screw on the front of the thumb thottle, turning it in restricts the engine from going wide open. I also believe in only buying once, but the Raptor wasn't out yet. You have a greater chance of becoming bored on the Honda just because it gives up 260cc in diplacement. Most of the racers spend big $ to get a 416EX or a 440EX, looking for more displacement. Mickey Dunlap even built a 500EX for $2k-3K, I forget. Anyway, with a Raptor the displacement thing is licked and as you get used to it you can add a wider axle and better (wider) A-arms, thereby having the perfect quad. No matter what, get a good helmet and good ridng boots. I flipped the Warrior back when I first got it and was lucky I didn't shatter my ankle. I didn't bother with gear because it was a "test ride". Happy Raptoring!