I am getting close to trading my street bike in for an ATV. The Raptor was my first choice but I wanted to view my opinions before I get it. I have been doing some reading on the Raptor and I have read in several different articles that the Raptor has a tendency to be top heavy while corning. Is this a real problem? I know the Raptor has all kind of power through the full RPM range. I was wondering if power is all it's got. I want something good overall on everything from trails to jumps. Does this Quad handle pretty decent or is it sluggish and bulky? Is there anything I need to know about the Raptor? I was also looking at the 400ex. I know the Raptor is more powerful but power isn't always better if you know what I mean. I have owned several ATV's in the past so I have some experience with them.

If there is anything you feel I need to know please, feel free.

Thanks,

Helix

 

well then you have answered your own question the rappy happens to be of the best jumping and the best trail machines that you can buy, very comfortable, and as far as tippy that all depends on the rider tou half to be able to ride a machine like the raptor, if you cannot then you will think it is a bit tippy but, really not as bad as everyone makes it out to be, we like to call it Raptor Envy[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

You will be happy with the Raptor. To get more power with low buget you can get aftermarket pipe along w/ K/N fliter set up. Anybody will tell you what pipe to get, but get the one you think that will work for you. Most of the pipes will give power.
Racing? Let us know and we can give you the answer that you like to know.

you can alway upgrade the shocks if you are plan to do jumping alot, also the rear axle too. Stock will bend easily when land pretty hard.

If money no option then you can upgrade the motor to extreme like all the way to 770...

Also welcome aboard.......

 

I traded in my street bike for a raptor in Oct.. I dont really feel tippy/top heavy on my bike. Especially when i put ITP Holeshot mx's on. (currently had to take them back off because my jumps have gotten too big and i was bottoming out alot; will put back on when i get my a-arms and shock package) There are alot of suspension mods that will make youre bike handle as good if not better than most bikes. All depends on the $$$ your willing to fork out. Stock for stock the 400ex might be a little better in the corners, but a few mods on the raptor and the 400 is only going to see youre tail lights!

 

The whole tippy claim is exadurated quite a bit I think. It is a little top heavy but not enough that it gets annoying. It's just something you have to get used to to be able to control which doesn't take long at all. The handling is great too, I've never bottomed the suspension and it corners well. The quad doesnt feel bulky or sluggish what so ever, it feels like a 400 class quad and is very easy to manuver around. One of the major things to know is don't buy a 2001. The thing I like best (of course) about the Raptor is the POWER BABY!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Good luck on your purchase whatever it may be! *cough* Raptor *cough*

 

I own 2-2001 Raptors. (I have not experienced the tranny problems YET!) I love my machines. I ride one and my son rides one. I wouldnt call my experience extensive, but I agree the tippy aspect is a little over stated. I feel comfortable taking corners and have never felt like I was going over. The only thing I have to compare the Raptor to is a friends Banshee, and although the Banshee has great things to offer I don't believe it is the best 'All Around' quad.

 

I think that if you have prior quad experience you should be able to handle the Rappy just fine!!!!!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] If not, you could always "ease" into it and learn how to ride it!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Good luck!!!

 

If you can ride you will have no problems. I live In W.V. I ride the hatfield mccoy trails alot. I ride hard and I have no problems it does'nt feel tippy to me.

 

Tippy is the word Honda, kawi, suzuki, cannondale and bomb riders use to make there quads look better. The thruth is EVERYBODY compares there quad to the raptor. WHY? Because the rappy is the best quad out there bar none. Tippy my a$$

 

Yes, i agree with Mark, the tippiness is just a dirty rumor Honda started to steal sales [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

Just out of curiousity, what type of riding are you planning on doing?