Raptor or Cannondale both, are great bikes. I have a Cannondale and my buddy has a Raptor. Ride both and choose from that.

 

Hey man, nothing wrong with the DS650, but my dad is getting tired of just watching me, and when we went to Aledo, that was it for him, he decided that he needed a sport quad, too. So We are going to share quads, We are leaning towards the Raptor, because of the Aftermarket avaliable for them, and with the new quads, there will most likely be defects, I put some pretty decent saddle time on the raptor, and I like it, I still like my DS better, but there is a big difference in the two machines. I guess I'll have to get used to the Raptor. We also Know someone who has a Raptor for sale for a pretty good price, and that is another bonus. I rode the Z400 for a while, and it was ok, but I didn't really like it. Even the Raptor took some time to get used to, after riding my DS650. I think all DS riders hate raptors, that is until they ride them, I know I did, but I now have a newfound respect for Raptors, no more "Craptors" from me. In fact, ask everyone that hates raptors, and I bet none have actually ridden them. The Raptor will need a whole lot more work to make it how I like it, than the DS did, but the stuff to make it like I like it, is cheaper for the Raptor. Whew! Ok, did that make any sense?

P.S: The cannondales are out of the picture, I'd pick one up in a second if I were racing MX,

 

Adam,

Ride 'em both. I like my Raptor, and would love to get a spin on the Z. I want to see what happens when you put the Yosh kits on the Z. Don't think it will have as much punch as my Raptor with the pipe kit, but with the lighter weight, it must make a difference.

But ride them. Then make your call. Right now, I would only choose between the Z and the Raptor. 400EX doesn't have enough power for me (rode one for 2 years). The Cannondales are gaining ground in my books, but are too exotic at the moment. (Another machine that I would like to get a spin on). At least the Z already has the hop up parts. In 6 months, parts will be readily available for the Z.

I did't like the DS when I took it for a rip. I came from a 400EX, and the DS seemed to big and heavy. The Raptor was the natural transition for me. I have to admit that the suspension on the DS was what impressed me the most.

Try 'em. Then decide.

RM

 

'02 or '03 Raptor or a Cannondale. Cannondale has awesome (the best) customer service and fuel injection. The Raptor is just plain awesome (been there [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]). I'd say hunt for an '02 Raptor at end of season prices, possibly on a Yamaha promo that is sure to be announced soon to help move the '02's.

 

Well, we might be able to get ahold of a good 2002 Raptor from a friend, so that is why I ask. The Z I rode had Works suspension, a Yoshimura pipe, and rejetted. It was ok, but I think I am leaning towards the raptor.

 

Where will your quad be used most often? And what are you willing to spend?
I have almost walked out of a Yamaha dealership 3 times now with a new Raptor. The 660 5 valve single 4Stroke is nearly in a league of its own. The only thing that keeps stopping me is that in stock form, they are less than perfect on the tight trails I usually ride. From what I hear the aftermarket has the answer to great handling, but will cost you more than $1500 worth of parts.
For $2500 less, (with the suspension parts) I was able to buy a great handling, powerfull quad that I love.
If you have the extra $$$ the Raptor would be as good as you can buy though.
The Raptor has a fairly untapped motor in stock form that realy comes alive once modded.
The Z400 is my firt Suzuki. I actually have owned several Yamaha MX and dirt bikes in the past and have had great luck with all of them.
Wish I had the $$$ for the modded Raptor though.
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Two other points to think of,
The Raptor has been out long enough for the bugs to worked out.
And the Aftermarket is already in full force with the Raptor.

 

NittroT,
How do the Raptor and the Cannondale match up? When I went in to the dealer to pick up the Raptor I had put on hold, the C'Dale rep was there. I had been checking the Dales pretty hard too, anyhow I had a knot in my stomach trying to decide which bike I was going to load in my truck. I still may get one eventually.
There are things about the C'Dale and the Raptor that I like, I stuck with the Raptor and don't regret it. But I still like the Dale.

 

Adam- buy the 02 raptor

 

ok, I'm convinced, but now it's my dad that needs to be convinced.