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Drove a Raptor - My thoughts
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Posted by: DEAL

Well tonight i got to ride a 2001 white and black raptor.
Very comfortable bike .. feels similar to my 300ex.
The motor pulls VERY hard when compared to my friends stock 400ex and my 300ex.
It feels alot like a 300ex versus a 400ex... It seems to be geared closer to the 300 than the 400, but thats really not a bad thing when your in the woods. The gears do seem to be short and i found myself shifting alot more than i do on the 400.
No offence to you 400ex owners here but i actually like it a little more than the 400ex. By the way this raptor was stock other than 22" bandits in the rear.
I think I'm gonna look into getting a raptor instead of a 400ex when I sell my ex.
Don't worry I'm not gonna start bashing Hondas if i get a Yamaha.

Posted by: Quadracer5

The raptor is a fine quad, a suggestion though. Get a 2002 for sure, they are geared lower, have a stronger rear axle, and a revised rear shock. If you can get a 2001 cheap enough then i'd get it, but I like the 2002's better myself. The raptor is a good 4wheeler, very exciting to ride.

Kyle

Posted by: Tommy 17

they aren't bad they are a little bit more tippy then a 400 but just like guy says u can get use to that. the only 2 things i don't like is the seats way to skinny up front for me, and the handle bars were just messed up if u ask me. the bars would be gone the 1st day i got it for sumtin else they just bothered me when i rode it i dunno y. the power was nice on it i really didn't ride it to long and i was like 4 months ago the last time i rode one i can't remember if i had to shift more or not. he took his lights off it and chopped the plastic and man that thing looked bad butt. haha:devil ...

Posted by: 3hondas

THE AIR BOX/FILTER DEAL ON THE RAPTOR SUCKS. THAT IS ONE AREA MOST HONDA OWNERS TAKE FOR GRANTED. CHECK IT OUT AND BUDGET TO GET AN AFTERMARKET SETUP FOR THE RAPTOR.

Posted by:

Why get the Raptor when you can get the Suzuki Z400. The Z400 weighs 379lbs and has 39HP!! Thats awesome. The Raptor weighs 399lbs and has 37-38HP. The Z400 is shaping up to be one BAD ***** quad!!

Posted by: Dave400ex

That was the horsepower for the DRZ400 dirt bike. The fourwheeler will not have as much power as the dirt bike. Your adding weight and more stuff for the motor to turn.

Posted by: DEAL

The new 400 is nice .. but its new ... too new. I'm not sure if its reliable yet. The raptor on the other hand has been around .. sure it has its share of problems but most of them were updated.

Posted by: trueblue450

No offense, since I have no clue. But isnt the Raptor pretty new, like 2 or 3 years old. To me thats still new for a quad. For sure get the 2002 if you get one.

Posted by: Red Rooster

I think I'd get a Canondale (sp) before a raptor from what i hear the service is unbeatable and when they find a problem with somthingthey offer free parts to upgrade. besides that you can still say "RIDE RED" (if you get the canable) (sp again)

Posted by: DEAL

I'd like to get a c-dale but i haven't seen any in canada yet.

Posted by: RideRed04

Fire off an e-mail to the company. They take the time to talk to the customers, and you might just see a dealer near you soon. I even talked to the company CEO on atvconnection a few months ago. Talk about customer satisfaction!

Posted by: R-Crazy

mo offense 2 yamaha or anything, but honda IS THE BEST. the raptor is nice and all, but the 400ex has been out longer and is from what ive heard is a better quad. in 2004 or 2003, keep a lookout for a 650ex or something because honda in 2003 is coming out with the rincon 650 utility quad. hope that helps.

peace

dave

Posted by: 400expower01

quote:
Originally posted by Quadracer5
The raptor is a fine quad, a suggestion though. Get a 2002 for sure, they are geared lower, have a stronger rear axle, and a revised rear shock. If you can get a 2001 cheap enough then i'd get it, but I like the 2002's better myself. The raptor is a good 4wheeler, very exciting to ride.

Kyle

I agree with this from what I've heard 01's have many problems with the transmission that could be pretty expensive repairs. I'de only go with an 01 if you know that its had its tranmission replaced. Other wise go with an 02 or above.

Posted by: RideRed04

quote:
Originally posted by 400expower01
I agree with this from what I've heard 01's have many problems with the transmission that could be pretty expensive repairs. I'de only go with an 01 if you know that its had its tranmission replaced. Other wise go with an 02 or above.

I'm pretty sure he's made his decision after 6 years

Posted by: Hondamaster5505

in 01's and 02's the transmissions were grenading left and right.

Posted by: DEAL

never ended up buying one and glad I didnt, got a 400ex instead.

Posted by: FoxHondaRider

quote:
Originally posted by DEAL
Well tonight i got to ride a 2001 white and black raptor.
Very comfortable bike .. feels similar to my 300ex.
The motor pulls VERY hard when compared to my friends stock 400ex and my 300ex.
It feels alot like a 300ex versus a 400ex... It seems to be geared closer to the 300 than the 400, but thats really not a bad thing when your in the woods. The gears do seem to be short and i found myself shifting alot more than i do on the 400.
No offence to you 400ex owners here but i actually like it a little more than the 400ex. By the way this raptor was stock other than 22" bandits in the rear.
I think I'm gonna look into getting a raptor instead of a 400ex when I sell my ex.
Don't worry I'm not gonna start bashing Hondas if i get a Yamaha.

Raptors are fast but your comparing them to a 400ex. Raptor a 660 vs a 400ex 397.

Posted by: randyl@mschev.c

If anyone is looking for a Raptor I have one.2004- 660r,dg nerfbars,trail tech bars and clamp,itp holeshot xcr tires,armadillo skids[full]g-force axle 2+4 I'm an old woods rider never raced just don't have time to ride.

256-590-2001 Randy