I will be buying a 4 wheeler soon and I can't decide which one to buy. A friend of mine had a 2000 400EX over the summer and I liked it, but I really like the looks and the reputation of the Raptor. I only have about one year experience riding 4 wheelers, but many years on bikes. We don't have many mountain trails around, so most of the riding will be in river beds and surrounding areas. Which do you all suggest?

 

Just curious, why don't you consider the DS650?

I'm not trying to start a battle over this, I was just wondering.

 

Raptor, 400 does not have the power and can not back up.Air cooler was outdated in 85! Skydog

 

They are both increbible machines. I own a 2000 400ex and like it a lot. If the EX never existed, I would own a Raptor. I have ridden a Raptor once and really liked it a lot. It was at a dealership though so I couldn't get out and actually ride it on a track or something. The 400ex I believe has a little bit better suspension then the Raptor though. Both machines have a lot of torgue and HP. The Raptor obviously has more HP, but the 400ex is still quick and nimble and will wheelie in any gear just like the Raptor will. As for the fact that the Raptor has reverse and the 400ex doesn't, I was intimidated by that when I bought my 400ex. I don't miss it though. It would be nice to have, but if you know how to ride, you can eventually get yourself out of trouble without reverse. Like I said, they are both incredible machines. Both Yamaha and Honda did an awesome job designing both of them. I know that it is a tough decision. But which ever you choose, you are choosing a highly respected winner!!!!

 

If you want the speed for the top end...go with the raptor.
If you want something you want for handling, suspension, reliability, and to get all the ladies..400EX.
If you want to only be able to ride orv trails that are really wide and not be able to ride the tight trails... And probably have the heaviest and biggest one out there....DS650

 

danmc00,
After riding mine both days this past weekend sounds like you could use a Raptor. Its the perfect cruiser for them river beds and rock roads. Chet

 

No brainer. I own both. Raptor wins.

 

I was going to get the 2002 Raptor but after my buddy got one and 1 week later his botom end blew out I quikly changed my mind. To me somthing that will last I what I want not the fastes thing but it is awsome!
Let me go on the record saying that my buddy doesn't ride hard doesn't jump wheelie nothing just trail rides. I still have to wait till friday mabye even the begening of next week. But Imade the right choice for me the 400EX all the way.
As for the reverse thing Y do you need reverse on a true sport quad I mean the 400 is so light you can pick it up with one hand! And I wasn't very impressed with the Raptor only being alittle faster than the 400EX.

 

mudmunster,
I think it was from abuse that the Raptors transmission failed the only way I would believe otherwise is for me to see the scanned in receipt from the local Yamaha Shop that does the warranty work. I believe that he doesn't want his parents to know he was thrashing the machine and is blaming Yamaha. Chet

 

This is not a kid it is a grown man in his 40s I've seen him ride every time he took it out and he babys it and it was the engine not the trans.
Just like the 2001s top end would go out.
I'm not saying it's alll the bikes but it still makes you think why would Yamaha do that?