Raptor Question

muzlehead · #1 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 01:15 AM

I have been checking out a bunch of quads and Seem to keep going back to this question. I have heard Raptor's are top heavy is that the case? I know a few of you guys own them. I am 5' 8" and 210lbs and a medeocre rider(quads) so please help me out. I don't want to end up with the wrong bike and not be happy.

tattoo · #2 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by muzlehead@Sep 6 2005, 09:15 PM
I have been checking out a bunch of quads and Seem to keep going back to this question. I have heard Raptor's are top heavy is that the case? I know a few of you guys own them. I am 5' 8" and 210lbs* and a medeocre rider(quads) so please help me out. I don't want to end up with the wrong bike and not be happy.
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pre-2006 raptors are a bit top heavy,you would have to widen the rear to make them handle better,plus you need brass balls to keep pushing that machine hard into the turns.TONS of motor ,too much sometimes,but a blast to ride.

the new raptor should not have any of those(top heavy) problems.

hmmm ...Ill sell you a 2003 raptor at a good price ,then you can modify it.

3footcyko · #3 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 02:01 AM

i agree, took some gettin' used to jumping, very grabby in the front end, pushes in turns, but lots o' fun :rider:

muzlehead · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 3footcyko@Sep 6 2005, 11:01 PM
i agree, took some gettin' used to jumping, very grabby in the front end, pushes in turns, but lots o' fun :rider:
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How much wider would ya need to make it?

ridnwarrior · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 01:07 PM

I believe the '06 Raptor 700 is wider than the 660 from '05.
The October issue of ATV Sport has a great article that spells it all out for you.
If you are thinking of buying any quad, invest in the magazine first.

toofast4uu · #6 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 01:21 PM

I have a 2002 Raptor....Yes, they are top heavy...

I added a +4" axle to the rear, and better shocks up front, plus razr2 tires all around. Plus a set of Renthal Bars, and a twist throttle, because I just like the twist better (might be from my 20 years of riding 2 wheels!)

adding the axle definitely made a big improvement over the stock....plus dialing in the suspension, also made another improvement.

You should try to ride all the quads you come in contact with....I personally like the seating position that my Raptor has, more than the position of the YFZ or TRX....

Decide what kind of riding you intend to do as well....If your going for a brand new bike, than the new Raptor sounds like it's got the best of all worlds....so I would consider that...If your going for a used bike, then I know where you can get a Raptor already set up pretty well for $3700....click on the link at the bottom for some pics...

DJW · #7 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 08:51 AM

The bike is alittle top heavy, but I think you need to consider what kind of terrain you will be riding. I found the Raptor to be good at going fast on flat hard packed dirt. It is fun for showing off jumping or wheelies. It is not good for riding rough or rocky terrain. It has to much motor for the chassis. When riding at Paragon or Hatfield Mchoy, I found the 350 Raptor to be a better bike than the 660. Bottom line, if you are going to be riding in open pits the 660 is great. Just about anything else, look at another bike.

I have both the 660 and 350 Raptors for sale. They are both 2005, with low hrs. The 660 is showroom condition and the 350 is real nice. I have bought 4x4 models that suit my riding preference.

If interested in either one, email : ddwaddington@msn.com

rpyfz450 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 02:25 PM

The Raptor is the "big block" of the ATV world. You don't have to rev it and it still makes a lot of power. You hardly ever have to down shift, just hit the throttle and it pulls. Besides installing a wider axle, just installing better tires seems to improve stability. There's also a $0 modification you can do to the rear suspension that will lower the ride height substantially.

If you don't mind shifting gears a lot, the YFZ450 is a good option. It's a little more stressful to ride, but probably more rewarding. The YFZ450 is also 45 pounds lighter than the Raptor and handles jumps, actually the landings, much, much better.

RideOrDie125 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 10:26 PM

in no way are the raptor and YFZ to be brought up for suggestion to buy in the same page, the raptor and YFZ have TOTALLY different ergo's. the raptor has so much more room and is much more comfortable, the YFZ is not comfortable stock, if i were to buy one i would be putting 1/4 inch risers and high bend pro tapers and new more comfortable grips, but thats just my opinion, however im jsut stating how different these two machines are

MarGinJoey · #10 (**permalink**) 09-27-2005, 01:51 AM

DJW/Dan....
Forgive me for noticing but, You are selling the following.....

350 Raptor
660 Raptor
....yet you bought....
4x4's (2 or more?) to suit your riding preference.....
but your profile mentions
2 - 300ex Hondas...

What are you, Rockefeller????? :hysterical:

By the way, I've ridden a few 660's, I didnt notice they were top heavy, not compared to my Kodiak

Boy those bikes make some nice torquey numbers huh?

MGJ