best quad for the desert

[UndercoverFab]

i`m looking for somethign good for the desert and the dunes, I love my banshee but i want something with less maintenance more low end and that i dont have to stop riding to let cool down all the dam time, i`ve been looking at raptors and bombardier 650`s, has anyone ridden a new 400 suzuki or that new 450r honda?

[desertratt]

the 450 honda isnt out yet. i ride a yamaha 450 in the dezert and it works great!

[DMSRACE]

I have a Raptor and runs great with no problems....the new 450 is damn near a race bike...the Raptor has great bottom end...does seem to be a little short geared, but that can be fixed easily...

[UndercoverFab]

did they fix the clutch basket problem on the raptor? i was looking at one when i got my banshee but i heard a few people had clutch problems with them, is that yamaha 450 good for bigger guys? i`m 6`1 and 245 pounds.

[desertratt]

im 6' and 225lbs. it feels ok to me. but i do plan on getting a taller steering stem and a dezert seat.

[Travisfab]

I have a Bombardier DS650, and I love it, but for financial reasons it is for sale, if anyone is interested. The bike is like a limo in the sand, it is so big and comfortable to ride. One thing about it is that it doesnt quite have the snappy-ness off the line like a banshee, but the powerband on it is so wide.
If you are interested let me know- Its an 02', white bros exhaust, dez tank, etc. etc.

[gunny]

the z400 rocks as does the new yamaha 450
you can check out some reviews on www.off-road.com (http://www.off-road.com)
each of these bikes were aquired and given the complete run through by the atv staff

[Vtr_Racing]

The new 4 strokes are nice if your looking for a new bike. You will be dissapointed with the 4 strokes if you are expecting the power similar to your Banshee. They wont be close.I like 2 strokes myself but it depends on what you want to do with the bike. Trails and dunes like you said you could find a good Honda 250r foir a decent price that already has most of the cool parts on it and maybe even a bigger motor if thats what your looking for. Good luck.

[Team_Heathen]

I have a DS 650 and absolutely love it. I am 6'4" 215 lbs. It works awesome anywhere. One of the guys I ride with has a LTZ 400. It is a really nice bike if you are a smaller guy. I ride in the mtns, desert and sand with no complaints. When I bought the bike I compared the 400's, the Raptor and the DS 650. The 650 is built way better and it is the most comfortable. The only thing I wish it had is reverse but other then that I wouldn't change a thing. I would stay away from a two stroke just because of the EPA restrictions that will only get worse.

[UndercoverFab]

i went with a raptor, i rode my buddys this past weekend and loved it and i was told they fixed the problem with the clutch after the first model year, i loved my banshee but it`d get really hot in the summers out here and i couldn`t see it living out in the desert all day with 100+ heat. the ds650 was nice but it was alot of machine to throw around.
does anyone know a good site for quad parts? i`m looking for a dez tank and extended rear axle, start making new front arms sometime this week. the yamaha dealer just scratched his head when i asked about aftermarket parts.

[desertratt]

there are so many quad sites. just depends on what exactly you want. terry racing (http://www.terryracing.com/)
a yamaha lovers site (http://www.bluetraxx.com/phpBB/index.php)
try either of these should get you started

[ACID_RAIN28]

Nac's Racing
Baldwin motorsports
CT racing
Kellner motorsports
Alba motorsports

All of the above have websites.

Ususully acerbis makes larger dezert tanks than IMS and get a durablue axle.

[UndercoverFab]

update,

after having my quad for 5 weeks i`ve broken an axle, developed two frame cracks and have a seriously worn set of sprockets, and to top it all off i`ve been told my quad probably won`t be able to get a sticker out in california but i haven`t found out for sure yet.
does leager or roll make a strong raptor frame?
i`m either gonna keep it put a durablue axle on it some new sprockets and pick up an aftermarket frame or go for a 450r or yzf 450.
I like the raptors power and suspension but i`ve never had problems like these appear so quick with a brand new quad, i rode a 450r at a local show out here for a little while and it was awesome but i`m worried it might have some teething problems being a first year production.

i`m open to any opinions or suggestions i`m either gonna order parts or go to the honda dealer next monday.

i dont know if this matters but i`m 230 pounds and ride pretty aggressively and often, but i dont race.

[DavyD]

Im 230 also, and have had my 400ex for 2 years now with no problems at all...
i ride real hard also, my axel is a little tweaked from jumping alot but no cracks in frame or anything...
get 450r, 1st year for honda is ok. they put so much R&D into it.
D

[Team_FUBAR]

for one, dont put a durablue axle on it....break easier....

and its a raptor..u gotta gusset up the frame etc......
better suspension and stuff will help prolong the frame life...

[ACID_RAIN28]

We don't make frames anymore at Laegers, let alone Raptor frames. I only make them for the pont de vux race in france once a year. No one that I know of makes the Raptor frames, I do how ever know of all the spots where they crack, I have been talking with a local motorcycle shop about building an aftermarket frame for that bike, but I don't think it is worth my time. I would suggest that you have it gusseted, I can send you the info on where and how to repair them. There is one that I just did that a 6'4 200+ lbs marine rides and so far so good.

As for the 450R it has been in development for a long time now, if you get a new machine get it.

[UndercoverFab]

i`ve already fixed the frame but i`d appreciate that info you have on where to gusset it anyway, 450r`s are on backorder out here if i ordered today i`d have it in april and even then i dont know if it`ll be able to get a sticker in california, chances are i`ll be heading to a honda dealer once i move.

[ACID_RAIN28]

well I have a chassis from the 1000 a couple years back and it is tore back, they mainley break just infront of the bend at the top of the frame, then at the bottom of the middle tube connectin the top of the frame to the bottom rails, the shock bar could use some triangulation, and then there are some spots from stem forward that break. the motormount plate on the front needs some gussets aswell.

[Team_Heathen]

should have bought a DS650. I ride the crap out of mine and the only thing I have had to replace is the chain guide and it is a year old. No cracks and the bike works awesome....

[Mikey]

There is an internet rumor that the early 450R frames are breaking above the swing arm bolt and production has been suspended. Farr's Baja Mil was #000038 and did not crack/break. Wait 'til next year and you might get a magic button too.

[ACID_RAIN28]

I haven't heard anything about the frames cracking and I would be the first to know if Farr's bike cracked. Probably just a bunch on yamerhar groupies starting rumors.

[Vtr_Racing]

Yeah, I havent heard that one either. After speaking with the guys who have been riding them, they havent had any issues with them, cracking or breaking yet. Ill be at the Worcs race this weekend in Austin and Ill ask around, think Eichner`s riding the Kawasaki in the Worcs series and I dont know who will be on the Honda 450. Honda did just come out with a contingency for riders who are on the 450 in the Worcs series.

[UndercoverFab]

i fixed the dam thing and now the motor plates all fubar`d, i`m done with this thing, i paid 5 for it added a bigger tank and made some wider arms, got a guy coming to look at it today who offered me 5500, for that price i`ll toss in the rims and sand tires i bought for it and wash my hands of this pos http://www.race-dezert.com/vb3/attachments/old/images/graemlins/mad.gif