I would say raptor, I have had mine for going on two months now and love the machine. I have ridden mine pretty hard, but I do regular maintenance and keep my machines in top condition.

I really like the power on demand with the raptor. I have a buddy that has the 400 and it is a nice bike, but not near as powerful. We have raced many times and he has never beat me. His bike is piped and jetted and has airbox mods. I just last week did the same to my raptor and we raced after that and I just walked away from him. I also weigh at least 60 pounds more than him.

My 2 cents is that the raptor is the way to go.

Paul

 

Liquid cooled Raptor, without a doubt. Then a soon as you get it, slap some PRM skidplates on it. The 400EX may handle a bit better (according to some), but it's cheaper (and easier) to upgrade the Raptor to the 400EX's handling level than it is to upgrade the 400EX to the Raptor's power level. The Raptor also has a narrow seat like a bike and coming from riding bikes you'll probably feel more comfortable on it.

 

Where is the cheapest place to get one. I have seen them for $6499 at many places. Is there any places out there cheaper? I live in the Texas panhandle. I have found a place in New Mexico for the $6499 and I won't have to pay taxes on it.

Is the Raptor that much more to handle than the 400EX? I handled the 400EX without a problem, but many of my friends say that the Raptor is too much for me.

 

Danmc00; Have you considered the Suzuki 400. This thing is very impressive. I know that it will compete head to head with the Honda 400ex & besides it's the new kid on the block. As for the Raptor it's in a different league compared to a little 400ex.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]


01 Raptor
01 GSX-R750

 

danmc00,
Your friends are not worried it's too much for you as they are worried it's too much for THEM. The Raptor has nearly equal weight distribution front to rear, same as the 400EX, and is approximately the same size. The difference is that the Raptor FLIES. I took my Raptor to the dunes last week and it still draws a crowd, and it's been out for a year! The Raptor is the next generation above the 400EX, sort of like a Pentium 4 to the PIII. In the next year or so I expect Suzuki or Honda (450EX?) to come out with something to trump the Raptor. But for right now, the Raptor gets the nod.

 

How much are you all paying for the Raptor? I found a place in Tulsa, OK that will sell it for $6300 out the door. (No taxes, out of state)