What do you guru's of raptorism think?

I have a slightly modded 02 raptor. It has durablue spacers all around, is piped and jetted and has a UNI air filter.

This is my question. I'm thinking of trying my hand at racing it on a mx course. Just to give it a shot. I figure I need to put on some hole shots or razors in the rear, nerf bars and a kill teather.

I'm not looking to win, just try it out! Anything else ya think I absolutly might need so as not to kill myself. I'm 42, 6'3 and 230lbs and love to ride!!!

All opinions are welcome.

 

Cool - I "recreationally race" a couple times a year (not MX but desert races, MX is pretty tough !). A steering stabilizer (Denton - $150) really helps. I'm a couple years younger than you and the thing I need more of is upper body strength - unless you are already in real good shape - start working your arms. After a couple laps you'll thank yourself ! The Raptor is a pretty big bike for MX (IMO) but it'll still be fun.

Other than that have a blast and be safe.

Eric

 

Ive allways been leary of the wheel spacers for mx.I raced my raptor mx all stock with a sparks pipe on it.Its a blast ive raced a 250r and 330 for years the four stoke power is alot less tiring than the two strokes.One word of warning the stock front shocks are way to soft for getting any major air.The steering stablizer helps also.Alot of guys change the tires but ive yet to find any other tire that hooks up better than the stock radials accross such a wide range(mud, sand,hardpack)

 

As mentioned before, your suspension would need some work for MX racing. The stabilizer would be a plus. My biggest advice is get rid of the Durablue spacers. First of all their design is poor and second of all using spacers for racing MX is risky at best. That is way too much strain on the stock suspension components. If you are determined to use spacers, the only spacers that I would consider is the SandBros spacers. They are designed the best. If you see them in person you will understand why.

Remember, that is just my opinion.

Good Luck!

 

I have to agree with toyman. Even if you just race for fun MX is going to be tough on your stock suspension. When you add the extra width of the spacers they act as a lever and make the chance of breaking something even greater. If you are going to stay with the stock suspension, take the spacers off.
I race MX at the Novice level which means I will jump the tabletops and maybe some small doubles but I really like to hit the woops hard. You just can't do it well with the stock suspension.
Keep your stock tires and think about switching to aftermarket A-arms and shocks. It cost me about $1500 to go +2+1 A-arms and Works tripple rate shocks all around. You wouldn't believe the differance it makes and there is always someone looking for stock A-arms to replace the ones they bent with the spacers on.

 

Dido.
I say go all out like I did then you at least look fast. lol[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I am 30 years old 5'10" and 205 and I just raced my 3rd race ever last weekend...it is a blast. Take the spacers of like they said cause it is gonna get rough. Everything on my quad is stock. No engine, suspension, a-arms, axle, swing arm mods what so ever. I did get rid of the stock tires and got the Holeshots. You will fatigue, and you will get tired, you will need to be in some sorta shape. I don't have alot of income to spare when it comes to mods but, that stuff will come in time. Right now I don't have a single problem racing mine. I don't know a whole alot about the complete details on how to become a winner but I'm gonna try like hell. I say hell yah get out there and at least try it..you will realize that it ain't what you thought it would be....it's better.

 

Thanks for the feed back guy's!!!!!!

I guess I'll have to take those spacers off. I must say that they do allow me to rip into a turn with more confidence. But then again I don't want to bust up anything.

As for the working out thing. I do need to get into better shape. I figure I'll put down the suds and pick up the iron around April 1 (why rush it!!!!) that will give me 8 to 10 weeks before my first race in AMA District 34 NY, it's on June 6th plus i live in the Pocono mountains in PA and there's 3 feet of snow still on the ground.

My son rides in the 85 class in district 34, it will be great to show him what pop still can do???????

Do you think the axle will hold up?

Thanks again.

 

The Raptor is to narrow for MX in stock form. A must is to get it wider, front and rear. A great purchase is a wider axle, for not much more than 4 spacers you would of had one. Theres no cheap way to cheat on the front, get +2 or +3 A-Arms. Don't get A-Arms that are forward, having too longer wheel base hurts 'turn in' , especially if a longer swingarm is purchased further down the road. The power you have is more than enough to run with most MX bikes. MX is a great fun, I'm 37 and each year is a little harder in the body. I should work out but it seems the only workout the arms get these days is lifting another beer.

 

Zig, I'm 35 and about 220. Just started racing MX last year, and it's a blast! I have kept my Rap suspenders stock due to $, but haven't had any problems with them. In turns it can feel a bit tippy....just calls for a little more weight being shifted. For someone just tryin out racing, keep it stock. As you get faster, you'll realize what areas to upgrade. Good luck, stay safe, and most of all HAVE FUN!!! Haz