I am going to sell a 2000 Kawasaki Prarie and get a more sporty quad.I am thinking about a Raptor. I probably won't be able to get a new one , so can you guys bring me up to speed about the 2001 models. Things such as reliablity , any problems, Likes and dislikes. And how much is a fair price for a good condition.


Thanks for your help,

J. Prentice

 

I would stay clear of the 01 raptors. Tranny reliability is a big concern. Do a search and you'll come up with a lot of info on the tranny problems. 02 raptors should have most of the 'first year bugs' fixed, and I've even seen one or two used ones for sale already.

 

If your going used...consider the Cannondales. the dealers sell the Demo's with warranties and usually some extra goodies to move em. a Friend of mine walked away with a Canibal for a few bucks more than i paid for my wifes Warrior.

if you are stuck on the Raptor then i would agree and stay away from an 01.

 

Sport400LSC,
I have had my 01 Raptor for one year now and its been a blast. On mine the fit and finish is first class. Some says its tippy. I have not tipped over yet. Some have trans. problems. I have had none. I came off a Honda 300ex so to me this is such an improvement. Its been the perfect gob, trail, rock road cruiser for me.

Chet [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Not only am i as happy as a clam with my 2001 Raptor. My sister wants to sell her 2001 Raptor, due to the fact she has no time to go play. I will be buying her 2001 Raptor. Not even a second guess on that subject. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

If you can get a nice 01 raptor at a good price,buy it.Alot of people who look at this forum are scared they may have a problem and let an 01 go cheap.MOST peole don't have tranny problems. Think about it,it's like beleaving a ghost lives under your bed.I know several people who ride and race 01's and have not broke the tranny. I am not saying it can't happen,they all break at some time. The 250R is one of the best quads ever built and they break tranny's. I am friends with Jeremiah Jones [MK CHAMP] and Bill Balance[GNCC CHAMP]And believe me they break tranny's also.And they have the best parts made.

 

Thanks for the help guys.I am asumming that the tranny is the only major problem with the raptor.You have helped alot.Thanks again and keep the comments comming.I always like to hear what experiences other folks have had.It seems there are more satisfied raptor owners than not.


Thanks,
J. Prentice

 

it's cool your geting a new raptor, and selling the kawasaki, but hang on to the sport, nice machine right there....

 

i guess im one of the lucky ones as well
my tranny hasnt had any problems either...but...
the 02 gearing is much more user friendly
the 01 has a strange gap between 1st and 2nd that you might want to test ride
and see if it bothers you
you can always change the gearing on a 01 plus the more you modify the motor
the less you feel it