Hey guys I'm fixing to upgrade from a 1998 Wolverine to a Raptor! I have found a great deal on a brand new 2001 raptor around $5800. Should I grab it or look for a 2002! Is the mods to the gear ratio that big of a difference in these two models. And is there a way to find out by serial numbers etc... if a 2001 raptor is one of the series that have the bad transmission. Any help would be great!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Buying a 2001 is kind of a mind game. If you can accept the fact you may have a tranny failure and don't mind shelling out the money to convert it to an 02 or convert it to Fortins tranny then go for it. If the whole idea of it scares you and you don't want the headache then don't buy an 01. I have serial number 133 and the only thing i have had happen was the right carb blew off of the intake boot. New jetting solved that problem. For someone like me it is very easy to tear the motor down and throw in the new gears if it did happen. I plan on changing it next year regardless for ice racing. Other than this mind game, i consider the Raptor a great all around quad. It has great power(enough torque to beat a stock banshee), and is definately a thrill to ride. 01s were the first year for the all mighty Raptor and some problems should be expected. I know it sucks when you blow a 2000 US tranny and maybe that is a little extreme for first year problems. I still would never sell my beloved Raptor. There just isn't another quad out there i would trade it for, Yet ! Anyway that is my 2 cents !

 

There is one quad I'll trade my beloved (no problems so far) 2001 Raptor for. A 2003 model as soon as they come out. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

shoesmb, I got my 02 Raptor out the door for $6199 & got $300 in free accessories. Spend the extra you'll like the new gear ratios better & shouldn't have to worry about the tranny.

 

Shoesmb, go with what themoose said, spend a little more now and maybe save a lot later. Plus think of resale, you can get a 01 new in 02 but when you sell it, it is still a year older.
The trans is not the only thing different, some of weak aluminum has been replaced with steel. I have a 01 and nothing wrong with it (knock wood) but if I could do it again it would be a 02, or 03. And what's $400 when your talking $6000.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

What was the name of the dealership where you got your 02, I will try to use them as leverage for a dealership here in Arkansas. Thanks for the advice though...I probably will go with the 02, less worries!

 

shoesmb I got my Raptor at Shepards truck & tractor in Independence Kansas. Phone# 1-800-279-4741. Their e-mail is listed on the Yamaha site under dealer search. I got mine in Oct when they first came out. Also since I live in another state I paid no sales tax. Since their not just a Yamaha dealer they are open on Mondays

 

Shoesmb- I'd go with the 02 no doubt. Yeah you can do all the tranny work but why wet yourself up for all the hassle. HOPEFULLY??? yamie has fixed the fear problems with the 02. I've had my 02 for 2 months now and have loved every second of it. Just so you know I bought mine for $5200. in Canada. Think about it.

 

OOOps. sometimes a typo can be fairly humurous. Must have been thinkin of my girlfriend again. Talk about wetting yourself up for Hassle. Oh boy.

Should read why set yourself up for the hassle.

 

With the exchange rate of US$ to Canadian$ almost anything is a good deal, (ALMOST). From full size pick-up trucks and laser eye surgery, to burgers at McDonalds (if you like McDonalds). The only thing what about warranty? Will a US dealer fix a Canadian bought Raptor? It's no problem if you live close to the border just take it back. QichaBichin, what do you do?