This may be an old topic but I'm thinking about getting a new quad, I have a Banshee now and I am looking to sell it and get something new. I have rode a Raptor and like it but the suspension on the Predator looks good to me. Somebody please help!

I own, or have owned about all the performance quads. I purchased the Predator about 6 weeks ago and couldn't be happier. I bought it because it gives you that most goodies for the buck. I didn't want to do like I did with my 400ex. 440 kit cam ect. to get the power I want. Same with the Z400. I did pipe, filter and jet the Predator for the extra power. I ride almost exclusively in the dune and it has great power, good suspension, a wide stance, etc. I've ridden several Raptors and it seem tall and not as stable to me. I preferred the Predator. I got it for $5,600 plus taxes. Best bang for the buck I think!

Desert Rat, do you think that the Predator was as fast as the Raptor. I have ridden a Raptor and I think that the power was sufficient. Basically I am scared to buy a Predator and it not have enough power for me.

how much do you weigh?

~A

I weigh 250 pounds and am able to easily beat a Raptor so Im pretty sure you will be able to beat a Raptor no doubt.

My Predator has plenty of power. It comes on mid to top end, not much bottom end. I'm a dunner use to riding a 2 stroke (310r) so I'm real happy with it. Nothing wrong with the Raptor (great quad also), but the Predator has every bit as much power stock vs. stock with a wider stance and more travel for less money. You can get considerably more out of a Predator with the Polars Pure Sport aftermarket slip on silencer (White Brother) without any jet change. Real simple add on for anybody. I was pleasantly surprised at how much. I also opened up the airbox on mine and added a K&N filter. This required a jet change to a 160 or 165 from my stock 150 (4,500 elevation). I dropped the needle clip one notch and installed a 50 idle jet in place of the stock, I think it was a 48. I'm still playing with the jetting. Have not quite got it right on. I negotiated a discount price on this stuff as part of the quad purchase. We've got a real good motorcycle dealership for such a small little town. It's nice to have a choice in sports quad. That was not possible just a couple years back.

It sounds like the Predator would be a better buy. The only thing that I worry about is the motor being dependable.

You just never know. Fuji makes the Predator motor and they have been at it a long time. It is the same risk with the Raptor (all new design)and even the Z400 motor. The Z motor is based on a prior production dual sport motor.

Hey Desert Rat, I appreciate all the info. I think I need to ride both before I'd buy either one.

Too bad dealerships do not allow demo rides.

~A

i really like my predator. it does feel heavier riding than my 400ex did, but the power more than makes up for it. it does have potential for more power for sure. it feels alot more stable than the raptor. the z400 has nothing on this bike.

The Raptor motor is not a new design. It came straight from a motorcycle thats been for sale in Europe for years.