The 2002 has a few changes over the 2001. I have noticed the following:
1. Radiator grill on 2002 is different and the radiator is silver not black
2. Rear frame section is round tubing instead of square
3. Front shocks have yellow springs instead of white
4. Rear shock has piggyback res. instead of remote res.
5. Rear shock linkage is welded steel instead of forged alum
6. Cylinder head has an updated part number
7. Voltage regulator is moved to left rear in front of coolant tank
8. 1,2,3 and reverse gears are changed
9. Looks like the carb boots are the same
10. Inner front brake shields are black and do not have holes like the silver 2001's
11. Special anti fade rear axle nut (I never had a prob with the old design)
12. Modified plastic swing arm rock guard -- who cares.

Anyone else notice any changes???

 

Hey just the post I was looking for:-) I just picked up a 02 raptor a few hours ago and wanted to make sure the dealer didnt try and pull a fast one on me and sell me a 01. The vin has a 01 in it so I was getting a little worried but mine has all the features you described so it must be a 02. Thanks

 

Raptor720,
In your opinion are all the changes positives, or are there some negatives, Yamaha trying to cheapenthem up a little?

 

just bought a raptor today got mine for 6,500 out the door 2002 the gearing seems much better

 

I just picked up my 02 raptor also. I had an 01 and there is quite a few differences. It has a new style axle nut style wich isnt supposed to come loose. The axle also appears to be wider. The tires i didnt think were upgraded until i rode it. They dont appear to look different but the side walls are stiffer and it dont lean as bad as the 01's stock tires. I also think the a amrs are different but would have to compare it with an 01 to know for sure. It looks as they are tapered forward more. it isnt as wheelie happy as my 01 was. It still wheelies great but is controllable. In my personal opinion i think the 02 is a way better machine. The trans problem is fixed in these i am sure cause the nuetral isnt as easy to find so the took the excess space out between the gears that the 01 had and should be a cure for the miss shifts and blown gears. Also the gear ratios of the gears are excellent. I realy like the improvements made.

 

Just got back from the dealer to check them out. I am very impressed. Noticed also that the swingarm rubbing block for the chain is redesigned and has a fin on it to keep the chain on track. Looks beefier too. There is what appears to be a different looking CDI box under the seat, and also space provided for storage of the owner's manual and such that my '01 did not have. What's up with that welded steel shock linkage @ the swing arm? I would have preferred the aluminum one, but maybe this one is stronger. They must have changed the leverage ratio or something. I do believe they made the changes necessary to correct some of the bugs that plagued the '01. I am excited to pick up mine in about 2 weeks! You people that already have one, keep letting us know how they do. Let's pray the tranny weakness is really fixed.

 

Is the reverse any slower?

 

This message was posted on Oct 11 2001



<< well I dont what to get into a big heated battle ....but I dont know why it keeps comming up how the raptor is so great ....nobody wants them for mxing...or woods racing ...and ive raced alot of stock and modded raptors with my 450ex and ds and im not impressed with the speed ...my ds weighs more and has less cc,s and I weigh 275...and 99% of the time im winning the drag race...and raptor owners brag what a high tect motor they have ??? come on .. >>



This message was posted on Sept 27 2001



<< hey i give it to the baja ds Ive got a ds that I hate ..but the raptor feels like a plastic toy ..and rides like a milk carton ....... >>



BIGGY.....have you had a change-of-heart? Congrats on the new quad[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

I think of all the changes, the 2002 is better for most people. The only two areas I think are cheaper would be the rear shock and rear shock linkage.

My issue with the trans is that with stock or near stock engine hp, the new ratios are superior, especially for tight woods riding. The lower reverse ratio is a plus under any conditions. HOWEVER, when you build the Raptor into a 686 or 720+, for most riding, the 2001 ratios (except reverse) are superior. With the bigger hp, you can easily pull the gears without needing to take extra time for more shifts.

After comparing both, I have no problem with either. What I do like is the fact that you can pick up 2001's slightly used for 3500-4000 all day long. Best I can tell, if you want the 2002 trans gears, the parts cost about $200 if you didn't already blow your gears. With the better rear shock on the 2001, I think it may be the way to go for saving some $$ for the 686 or 720 kits!!!!

 

The 01's gear ratios did work good with a modded engine but all you have to do to the 02 is gear it up with a modded engine. The 02 gear ratios will be better for motocross and woods riders. For the best motocross performance i had to gear my 01 at 12/46. That realy was horrible because of no ground clearance. I would say that if you have an 01 that you have already customized that its not realy worth it to get an 02 but if you dont own a raptor and want one the 02 is the better deal. Exspecially right now. I got my 02 for $6000 OTD and yamaha has its $300 in free accessories promotion going on now so i got a good deal. The reason i got such a low price is the dealer is a great guy and he felt guilty for all the probs i had with my 01 and wanted to make it up to me. Anyone in central Wisconsin looking for a great dealer check out liske marine and tell them matt sent yah. They have the best service of any dealer i have been thru.