This early spring my dad bought me a 400ex(I'm only 14) He was going to get me a raptor but lets face the truth the 2001's sucked. So anyway I have easily adapted to my machine take it to any jump, trail and hill. Anyway I have seemed to out grow this machine's power. I love its agile handling in the trails because I gave up mx and went to woods. I want to know since the 2002 raptors are better if I can throw it around like my 400 or is it only good for drag racing and showing off its style? What I really want to know is if I were on both machines on a tight mx or woods track what machine would I beat myself on? I don't like how tall the raptor is and don't know if I can jump it like an ex. Who here own or have had a lot of experience on both machines? Can you tell me what your opinions are on the compromise I would take by getting the raptor’s handling?

 

hey i too had to settle for a 400EX instead of a raptor. and like you, i also have outgrown the power (i wanted more power from 400Ex's before i even got mine i had been ridin em for a while). raptors are cool but its gonna be a little heavier btu lots more power and MAYBE less reliable. maybe you should think of getting a 440 big bore or somethin. also that suzuki z400 looks mighty nice

 

First off, the 2001 Raptor does not suck. Grow up just a bit. You can not know everything at 14... The power is way superior to a 400ex... especially once it has been jetted and piped. As for handling it is supposed to be just as good. The worst I have read is that it is a "wee bit" less easy to throw around on jumps and in the bumps. I base this on all the posts I have read over the past year.(1000's) Obviously if you want a Raptor to be "almost perfect" you will need a wider axle, longer swingarm and after-market A-arms and suspension.

If you have owned a Raptor you would understand. Power, more power and great handling. This is just an amazing machine, period. But why don't you get a 426 or a 440 kit?? From what all you Honda guys say, it is the best thing to do for the 400ex.

 

Maybe i forgot to add that i am only 14(meaning no job). Anyway my dad has a deal set up he buys the machine i have to mod it with my own money. Even tho Baldwin motersports is 5 min away i am pretty much broke. Also my 400 is beat to heck. You guys know when you ride hard stuff breaks on my 2001 STOCK 400 like stearing stem bends,handlebars bend,rims bend,chains snap,levers break,bend nerf bars,bend bumpers,sprokets break,frame cracks and some plastic damages. I wanna know if a raptor can take my abuse.

 

Raptor is a great machine. Put a wider rear axle on it and reverse the front wheels by drilling a new hole for the valve stem and plugging the old one with a valve stem fitted inside out with silicone. That will cost you just a bit. Put on a HMF slip-on and airbox mods and rejet.
......That is not much dough, and will take you to a level that $3,000 won't get you to on your 440EX. A new 2002 Raptor is $6200 here in New Mexico. Add $550 for the mods I just listed and you will be rockin' the house....[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

If i'm racing woods i don't want a 50in wide quad. Now I want to know if i can toss it around like a 400 in the trails? If i can't i'm not getting it. I weigh about 150 but i'm kinda built if thats a question you would have.

 

I used to live in Pa, All wooded trails,
The raptor will handle just as well as the 400ex.
I will say the 400ex respondes just a tad quicker.
your Speed runs will decrease at first for any new ride you get.

Once you learn how to handle the machine, It is more powerful, Faster,
And Will accelerate quicker.
The added weight you'll harldy notice after a few hours of hard riding.
As far as being nimble in the air, It is a slight bit heavier, but The difference is hardly noticable.

The Narrow design of the seat and chassis allows you more leverage to throw the machine when neccisary.

a 440 kit price, + some replacement parts on your old machine. Is still cheaper than a new raptor. With you being 14 and using your dad's money.
It might benifit him more to stick with the 400 till you get your own job and money. Then you can modify and beat the hell out any machine YOU PAID FOR.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Accually what we decdided to do is this. Sell one of our boats buy the raptor in the spring. I am keeping my 400 putting a 440 on it this winter(well acually mark baldwin is) The raptor is going to be my dads bike(untill i use it as a pit bike lol) and were also keeping that scrambler(for some odd reason) Thanks for your help everyone. And remember that age doesn't madder when it comes to racing.

 

I'm not going to register to this thread, buTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

Yup just what I thought a 14 year old tired of a 400EX inupt power.
Well 14 year old how about that twenty year old engine???????????????????

 

If you were for real, youd get a Banshee, get some woods pipes, gear down a bit, and blow both the raptor and the 400ex off the trail...But thats me...

RoostKing...