Hello, i want to buy a new Raptor, but do you think it is worth the risk to spend $6000+ and and then have to deal with starter problems. I reslly want a 4 stroke, and I have ridden a Z-400 quite a bit and I just think it is low on power for dunes riding. Has Yamaha changed anything on the starter setup for 2003?
I would appreciate any thoughts on this, as I really don't want to spend that much money and then wish I would have gotten something else.

 

Don't exclude the ds650, go test drive one and see what you think...after all the ds stands for "dune sport" [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

duner- buy the raptor, worry later

 

Duner....I own an '02 Raptor. Know how many problems I've had with it. Zero Zip Nada. I ride on a pro Moto-X track, the mountains, and the dunes at Little Sahara. Am I trying to get you to buy a Raptor? NO. I want you to buy what best fits your needs. All I'm saying is that I ride my scooter like I stole it, then I take care of her when she gets home to the garage. Out of all the ATV's that I've owned, the $5999 that I spent on that ride was the money best spent.

Ride in peace and respect other riders [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Good luck on whatever scooter you buy.

 

My 01 Raptor started just fine today and its been sitting for about a month.

 

this will be my third year of racing and haven't had a problem out of my 2001 to date

 

I had my 03 on order before they were in the showrooms last year. I have been riding pretty heavy since and not a single problem.

 

Thanks for the reply's, since I haven't heard anything to change my mind, it appears my toughest decision will be which color to get, BLUE or LE BLACk with RED FLAMES.

 

Well, let me change your mind. Went to Little Sahara, Oklahoma today with several different quads, My Lt500, my dads Lt500, two Banshee's, a 400Ex, and our new Predator. The Predator is stone stock except for the Pure Polaris slip-on and gearing changes. With Sand Skate II's and a good rider, DS650's, Z-400's, 400ex's, and even the "almighty" Raptor fell victim to the Predator. A couple of modified Raptor's could hang with the Predator, but not pass it up. Better suspension, newer technology, 160cc less and still holding it's own, and last but not least CHEAPER. That's right, better bang for your buck. It's your money, but mine's on the Predator.

 

duner2003- Do not waver. If you buy a predator you will be sorry. I am only going to tell you that once. If you are a little worried about Yamaha and there reliablity man i would run from polaris's. lol I have seen/riden/raced a predator (3 actually) and the results are always the same. Stock rappy will out run a piped predator.