I was stunned lastnight after reading an article from ATV Rider (april 03 issue) where they placed my new 03 raptor in 4th place...I figured it deserved better.

Even thou I was a bit weary as to agree with the writers/riders that the Raptor should fall to 4th, at the same time, I can see their points and concerns.

Heres a bit from the Mag:

Yamaha 660R Raptor {
+ Wheelie king (mind u i just busted my grab bar and bent ma exhaust tip this weekend doing so)
+ Master of sand (I live in DirtyJersey damnit! We aint gotz much sand)

- High cg (cg means center of gravity)
- Heavy Handling (Quit bein sucha wuss)

= Contender in need of an upgrade (Agreed)
}

The Biggest issue I've come across personally is the Center of gravity....and mind you; if trail riding is your thing, CG isnt as much of a concern to you. Personally im lookin for a little more race oriented 660R....I like to take the corners hard and accelerate from the pocket like a bat out of hell, so naturally CG is a problem for me (+ I weigh 220 which dont help).

Basic formula for CG reveals that if I want a lower CG, weight must be applied to the bottom portion of the quad. BUT!!! I dont want to add anymore weight to a machine thats already pushin over 400+ lbs. I figured that adding metal skid plates/A-arm guards and whatnot would add some weight/protection to the bottom of the quad. Therefore slightly lowering my CG, nothing drastic thou.

End Ques7ion: What else can I do (somewhat cost effective) to lower the CG of my Raptor?

End Po1nt: Raptor pwnz.

_______________

'03 Raptor 660R SE

_______________

 

Cost effective? Lowering kit for the front and rear from Dura Blue (or equivalent). You can increase front shock preload too keep body roll too a minimum as well. An axle is next too keep the rubber in contact with the ground.

 

Thx for the insight.

Yeah, I figured the axel was kinda inevitable no matter what. Ive been looking into Durablue .

BUT...I would like to grab my yosh full first (just for that lil extra kick!).....then ill pick up the Axel....set of razr's would prob help too w/cornering.

__________

'03 Raptor 660R LE

__________

 

I think the people who have a problem with it "tippyness" don't know how to ride. I used to ride a three wheeler and they were tippy. After riding a three wheeler I just use more "body english" than most. I think if people are just sitting on the seat and turns the bars and doesn't plan on moving around is the people who have a problem with it. You were born with a butt use it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I agree to some extent......BUT mind U...these are profesional riders making the statements (ATV rider, Dirtwheels, etc etc). Also, I can ride, started ridin about 7 years back, then sold my quadsport for a mustang [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]....then just recently got back into the game. Regardless....the Raptor does seem to have a high CG to me. Look at the DS 650, it has more suspension travel then the raptor....but yet doesnt really feel too tall at all. I have the feeling that perhaps w/ only a durablue axel and maybe anti-roll bar the raptor will loose the tippy appeal. But as of now, even staying hard on the body english and hangin halfway off the bike does not prevent the wheels from lifting.


__________

'03 Raptor 660R LE

__________

 

I can get my wife 400 ex tippy in corners too. If I really try of a 90 degree turn I think the might DS will feel tippy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

You have to remember that in most cases, when the Magazines state that the Raptor is "Tippy", it is generally in comparison to the other quads they are testing it against.

Someone that owns and rides a Raptor, tends to know the abilities of their quad, and therefor knows what to expect and can do what is necessary to overcome any shortcomings, such as a high center of gravity.

I have ridden my buddies Raptor, and since I am not used to riding it, it feels a little tippy to me, so I have to shift more of my body weight to compensate for it. When I am on my KFX400, I don't have to overcompensate as much.

 

Agree w/U RPM.....


Lately (Before I bought this raptor) ive been ridin my buddies 400ex .... so naturally comming from a 400ex to a Raptor, Im gonna feel a little top-heavyness riding. Still, without lowering it, im looking into these changes for a serious difference in the "top-heavy" field.

Durablue Axel
Anti-Roll bar
Razr's

Those 3 components should give me the extra bit of grip/surface that im looking for all under $1,000 total. It seems cost effective, reply if any suggestions in the same price range. thx.

________________

'03 Raptor 660R LE

________________

 

From what I've seen and read, the only people who use anti-roll bars are flat-track and TT racers. Sway bars limit your suspension action somewhat. These racers don't need max suspension travel.

Unless you are into really big air, I would suggest thinking about the following-

+2 a-arms, $600
Maxxis Razrs, $300
Sand-Sport spacers, $200

This would give you a much wider front and rear, and tires that give you more straight line bite while allowing you to slide the rear-end more around corners. Personally, I think this would be the best $1100 or less you could spend to improve the handling of your quad. Good luck with your decision!

RR1

 

RR1,

Thx man, appreciate the input.....I to have done a bit more looking around after yesterdays posted and decided that the anti-roll prob was the way to go. Then I realized that I still like hittin the tabletops and whatnot, just that bit of air givez an awesome little rush that cant be matched. Im not talkin anything huge, but i still like gettin a few feet off the ground. The anti-rollbar is out, spacers seem like a reasonable value, but at the same time im still considering the Durablue.

The only thing with the Durablue.....
After reading that, Im kinda turned off of the Axel.

As of this week, on friday im gonna order ma Yosh full .... $749.00..anybody know cheaper pricing, let me know... then jet-kit bout $80 (Any jetting help in fairly dusty/sometimes wet terrain welcome, Im thinking dynojets 148/150...plan on keeping the lid, Ive seen people say "dynojets just arent made to run without the lid" kyraptor23 ) suggestions welcome.

The yosh full should keep me fairly suppresed in my rage to buy new things for ma new toy maybe for a month or so...(doubt it). Ill prob try and get the +2A-arms and spacers next. The razr's are a no brainer [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]. Thx RR1.


_______________

'03 Raptor 660r LE

_______________