Any years to avoid

[Crewchief47]

I'm considering selling my 02 CR250 and getting an ATV. I used to have a Blaster when I was younger and even then it was too small for my size. The reason I'm going back to 4 wheels is mostly an insurance issue and the fact that most of the guys I ride with have gone that way. I kind of want to stick with a sport model so I'm looking at Raptors and Banshees. I may consider the Warrior or the 450 also. My biggest question is: are there any model years of any of these models that I need to steer clear of? I'm not afraid of doing a little wrenching, just don't want to have to do ALOT. No dune riding at the moment or in the forseeable future and while I don't mind getting muddy on a ride, I don't ride to get muddy. Mostly bush lot trail systems, tight single tracks. Thanks for any input.

PS. For any of you that don't recognize the username, I'm coming over from the sled side.

 

[clutch]

A Banshee with pipes makes very good power but unless you are an experienced 125 rider you may not like the way the power comes on (fairly pipey) The suspension leaves a lot to be desired and it has no reverse. They are also on the thirsty side and will use a lot more gas than a Raptor or any other four stroke. The stand up riding position is very uncomfortable also.

All the Raptors are very good trail machines with a huge bottom end and mid range hit. They are lacking on the top end without a pipe and jetting mods. They are very comfortable and are a natural fit if you are comming off a bike as the gas tank is kind of high for clamping on to. They are easy to transition from seat to standing for agressive riding. Stay away from the 01 models as they are prone to transmission failure even in stock condition. Reverse is a definate plus on these machines for riding the trails. They will use about half the gas of a Banshee.

I had a chance to ride a YFZ450 with lots of mods and they have banshee type power and have very good handling. I didn't like the smallish feel when riding it. They are not as comfortable for a big rider in my opinion.

As you can tell I favor the Raptor.

 

[maim]

wolverenes are pretty good as well if they have the front axle disconnect kit for the 4x4. yamaha brought them back this year with raptor style plastic and auto trans.

there are a couple of guys on here who have em. gives you the 4x4 when stuck in the mud and the trailability of a 2x4 for cornering and stuff.

 

[SledderSteve]

My biggest question is: are there any model years of any of these models that I need to steer clear of?
PS. For any of you that don't recognize the username, I'm coming over from the sled side.

Welcome to the dirty side. 8)

Regarding your question, clutch nailed it in that the 01 Raptors had bad tranny problems. Otherwise, there don't seem to be any notable bad years to avoid.

I also agree with him about the Raptor as a trail machine as I felt too big on the YFZ 450.

 

[boondoctor]

I agree with above on the 450. I had a hard time deciding my self, the 01 had tranny problems, some early ones also had starter issues. I bought a left over 04 Raptor last year.Drove it nice for the 3 hours, oil change , and started playing. At around 20 hrs, adjusted the valves. I installed a Pro Circuit slip on for more low end, k+n airbox filter, and k+n powerlid, jetted it and let me tell ya, what a differnce in performance. Stock they are pretty plugged up in exhaust and intake. Quad is a blast. Spring is coming, and im looking at 22 in rear tires to help in the mud, and reinstaling my 12 tooth countershaft sprocket.

 

[grizznrappyhappy]

I agree with all the above. I have an 04 Raptor and love it. It is a much better bike than the YFZ450 for trail riding. The yfz is better for MX, however, but that's not my style of riding. I just bought 22" rear Razr2 tires (put them on yesterday), and I can't wait to use them. I still need to open her up and do the full exhaust, intake, and jet kit... Those EFI Rator 700's are sweet from what I hear. Huge improvement over the 660s. Good luck to ya.

 

[boondoctor]

I agree with all the above. I have an 04 Raptor and love it. It is a much better bike than the YFZ450 for trail riding. The yfz is better for MX, however, but that's not my style of riding. I just bought 22" rear Razr2 tires (put them on yesterday), and I can't wait to use them. I still need to open her up and do the full exhaust, intake, and jet kit... Those EFI Rator 700's are sweet from what I hear. Huge improvement over the 660s. Good luck to ya.

Let me know what you think of the Razr2s, im tossed betwween those and irazr"s.

 

[Crewchief47]

Thanks for all the input guys. As a result, I've turned my attention to 02 and up Raptors. The bike is in the "Auto Trader" www.trader.ca starting Friday. Crossing my fingers.

 

[blades]

hey crewchief47, what is your location?

 

[Crewchief47]

hey crewchief47, what is your location?

Windsor, Ontario right across the 'ditch' from Detroit.

 

[blades]

OH OK, I WAS THINKING THAT YOU WERE CLOSER. I HAVE A VERY NICE AND ALMOST NEW O5 THAT i POSTED A FEW MONTH AGO ON THIS SITE BUT I NEVER GOT AROUND TO POSTING ANY WHERE ELSE. THE THING IS LIKE BRAND NEW, I PUT ALL KINDS OF STUFF ON IT ONLY TO LET IT SIT IN MY GARAGE. i RIDE MY GRIZZLY ALMOST ALWAYS DUE TO THE MUDDING AND HARD CORE TRAILS THAT I RIDE. ANYWAY THATS COOL ..I WAS THINGING YOU WERE ON THE COST OR SOMETHING.

 

[Crewchief47]

The dark side is calling and it's saying "TRX250R". Hmmmmmmm........

 

[Port-Parts]

Hey crewchief don't tell anyone but I have one of those dark side toys in my garage! Doh!

PS - its for sale if your seriously looking!

 

[Crewchief47]

There's a damn near bone stock 86 here in Ontario for $4100 I've been eye-balling. That's about $1500 less than the 02 and up Raptors are going for. It looks mint in the picture, but it's four hours away, so I haven't had a chance to look at it real close. What do you want for yours? Keep in mind I'd have to drive from basically Detroit, plus bring it through the border, yada, yada, yada. It looks real nice too.

 

[blades]

I was not sure if you are asking me or the other guy but if you are asking me about the 05 raptor please include a number or an email address for more information on the quad. It does not have many hours on it at all and is most certainly a great find! I'm sure I could not have taken it out more the 6-10 times at most. it has its basic scratches on it from the brush but that is it. it still has a shine and the blue is still blue. if it was the other guy that you where asking then please excuse me for misunderstanding.

Blades