I just picked up my '02 Raptor and would like to know what you all think are the first must have mods I should do to this thing? I do mostly trail riding, a little mud and like to do some decent jumping. I am not too concerned with making it go faster YET, figure I should break it in first. I was thinking I should get the oil filter cover and some real skid plates... Anything else? Thanks.

 

The first thing I would buy is a swing arm skid plate. I bought the PRM skid because it doesnt hang real low. Its made pretty thick to. That stock plastic skid is not going to hold up at all.

 

Your on the right track. When I got my 2002 Raptor I thought about SEX, Use protection!! When I got back from my 2nd ride I heard A rubbing noise. The stock swingarm skid plate had bent & the chain had rubbed groves in it. I used all the factory GYT-R skidplates. These are high quality parts that fit like A glove since they are made by Yamaha. Most are priced about the same as other brands except the swingarm skidplate it's $170 my dealer sold me one for $150 but since it's the support for my wheelie bar I liked the fit & thickness (1/4&quot so it was worth it to me. Even though you are not looking for more power yet A Pro Flow kit is also protection. You do not have to worry about the stock sealing ring leaking. The stock Raptor system is better than the banshee had but knowing that there is no leaks is one less thing to worry about & when you get A pipe you'll already have your air box mods. Also look in to aux lighting. Zipping through the woods at dusk won't be as scary. You might also think about A kill switch so if (when) you fall off your Raptor it won't ride off in to the sunset with out you. These are the things I've either already got on my quad or am looking for. If you find a good set of aux lights go to my question Raptir lights & let me know. My theory is protection first more power later. My next purchase will be a Curtis Sparks pipe (I'm ready for more power now!!) Good luck.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I'll second (or third) the previous motions. First get a PRM skidplate. Bulletproof protection for a decemt price. The GYT-R skidplate does look a little nicer though. Next pick up a ProDesign/K&N air filter (or foam) for the airbox and a Dynojet kit for the carb. The Dynojet kit also cleans up the stock lean condition that Yamaha put on them for the EPA. The air filter/Dynojet mods will give noticable power increase while offering superior engine protection over the stock air filter setup. For an oil filter guard/cooler, Yamaha has a nice billet cover for about $30. Being in Chicago you're not to far from the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, so if you're even thinking of trying them, make sure if you get a pipe it doesn't exceed 94 dB.