ATV Connection Magazine

Would you buy a Raptor or Predator?

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Posted by: KevinM

I've got a Raptor, but I actually like my brother's Predator better. Its a little more stable and more comfortable for someone my size.

Posted by: KevinM

Here's a good deal for a brand-new '04 Earnhardt Jr. for somebody.

Earnhardt Junior Predator

Posted by: skii0

Raptor 660R...

Posted by: RideRed913

Quote

Originally posted by: fasterthanyou22
What you dont understand is that we all know that the '01 660 had tranny problems.Did we hear anything coming from polaris owners when they got their 2003 predators?No we didnt.The thing is, the '01 660 was like a prototype on the market being sold.The thing is, we cant compared the '01 to anything.We need '02 and further.I have ridden the predator and ridden with them, and the 660 eats the hell out of the heavy piles.The predator is not too good for the high speed cornering because of its weight.They tried to back that up with widening it but it help just a little bit.It barely has enough power to get the wheels up in 2nd gear.I have raced predators on flat long surfaces about 3 miles long.I eat the predators away.All i have is a white bros r4.Most of the predators have aftermarket exaust systems.In the trails they are just about worthless unless you are in a group.you have no reverse to get you out of tight jams, (although i have heard of the '05 having reverse but we dont know how easy it will be to access it) and not as durable.The predator is also a lot harder to maintain because it is harder to find a dealer that sells parts.The 660 on the other hand has a lot more raw power to do the things that are fun, like jumps and hills and straits.Dunes for one thing, the 660 eats the polaris.The polaris is more evenly matched against the z400.Even the z400 would be a better all around bike than the predator.Polaris really suprised people when the predator came out because of its manual transmission.It is just too heavy to be a good all around quad, and it doesnt have the right power when you want it and need it the most.I know the way all stock and slightly modded sport quads handle because i have ridden them all except the gas gas and the cannondale line-up.If you have any questions on sport atv's that consist of all sports besides gas gas cannondale line-up and other off brand quads, i will probably know.[/]


Wow! You have absolutley no idea what your talking about do you? Actually the wet weight is pretty close between the Raptor and the Predator, only a few lbs difference. And about the Raptor cornering better than the Predator what a joke! From your post I doubt you have had any experience with the Predator. In my opinion the Predator is the superior machine. And this is coming from a former Raptor owner!

Posted by: maddog56

How cheap is the Pred? I've seen Raptors go for mid 5's otd new.

Posted by: maddog56

I've heard of 04's going for that in MI, and 05's for that price here on the forums.

Posted by: MnFriesen

my personal preference would be the preddy. If you look at all the extras you get when you buy either the std tld or le version of the pred(assuming it is an 05) the money you save on parts you can use on other mods.

Posted by: clover

Quote

Originally posted by: thewayout420
go test ride both and see which you like better..


i agree,these bikes are so close to even its hard to choose for you,so you'll have to make that decisin.Either one you get,you won't regret it.

Posted by: ridinsmooth

i like the predator not saying the raptor sucks or anything but i like the predator because its not so tippy plus i like the body on the predator

Posted by: motox26

Quote

Originally posted by: 7QuadSport7
thats not a junior thats a 500 bro


HAHA, LMAO!! Are you serious!img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif" border="0">img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">

Posted by: RAJ


Raj and his buudies live down around you.I would like to see how your Raptor does against anyone of their's.

Your new to the forums I understand that but, mouthing off and saying any quad is crap is just plain childish..why dont you enter a santioned race or 2 with your Rappy in Ohio and have your arse handed to you and your all mighty rappy?





Sure i'm up for a race anytime, just let me know.

Posted by: thewayout420

go test ride both and see which you like better..

Posted by: freekyller

My personal preference would go towards the predator '05 just because it comes with reverse and many other extras as razr tires, fox shox and i believe it will beat a raptor if you mod it a little bit and it does have better acceleration because of its highr revving engine. JMO but the raptor isnt a bad bet if you have flat trail and no off chamber jumps because it doesnt have low enough cg to keep it from tipping


Posted by: AtvNut30016

If your looking for Good handling , great steering response, great suspension, and great power I would seriously look into the Predator. Reason I say this is because 6 months ago I started looked at all the sport quads for one that would fit what I wanted it for. I was looking for a great trail machine because I mainly ride trails and sometimes drag race alittle. I wanted a machine that I wouldn't have to turn around and drop another 2 grand into it to replace shocks, tires, and wheels. After looking and reading everything I could find on the internet for 3 months I decided the Predator looked the best for what I wanted. I found a great deal on an 04 Dale Jr. Predator 500 which came with nerf bars and a front bumper as extra's. Once I bought the quad and got a chance to ride it I got to see what alot of others have been telling me about them. It handles great, smooth suspension, and was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. I have owned 18 quads since 1986 and to me this is the best quad I have owned for the type of riding I do, and I have owned 250'R's , a Banshee, a Blaster, a 400 EX, a Warrior, and numerous others. You need to do as alot of people have suggested, you need to get on and ride each one to see which one feels better to you. Here is a link to the quads I have owned over the years to show you what I have rode to compare the Predator too.
http://community.webshots.com/user/atv_nut


Posted by: AtvNut30016

Just ride each one of them and decide for yourself, then buy the one that fits your better. Just remember it's all about having fun and enjoying what you have, so lets ride.............

Posted by: AtvNut30016

CTSV, I agree with what you are saying about the Predator 100%, thats why I bought a 04 Dale Jr. Predator and it came with nerfs, bigger alum. front bumper and so on. I just figured with all this and the fact it comes with Fox Shocks ,Maxxis Razr's and alum wheels thats extra money I wouldn't have to spend up grading parts as soon as I would have bought it to get it to ride and handle the way I want it to........


Posted by: heatseeker8

Quote

Originally posted by: maddog56
How cheap is the Pred? I've seen Raptors go for mid 5's otd new.


Was that this year? For the 04 model's?

Posted by: heatseeker8

Quote

Originally posted by: fasterthanyou22
What you dont understand is that we all know that the '01 660 had tranny problems.Did we hear anything coming from polaris owners when they got their 2003 predators?No we didnt.The thing is, the '01 660 was like a prototype on the market being sold.The thing is, we cant compared the '01 to anything.We need '02 and further.I have ridden the predator and ridden with them, and the 660 eats the hell out of the heavy piles.The predator is not too good for the high speed cornering because of its weight.They tried to back that up with widening it but it help just a little bit.It barely has enough power to get the wheels up in 2nd gear.I have raced predators on flat long surfaces about 3 miles long.I eat the predators away.All i have is a white bros r4.Most of the predators have aftermarket exaust systems.In the trails they are just about worthless unless you are in a group.you have no reverse to get you out of tight jams, (although i have heard of the '05 having reverse but we dont know how easy it will be to access it) and not as durable.The predator is also a lot harder to maintain because it is harder to find a dealer that sells parts.The 660 on the other hand has a lot more raw power to do the things that are fun, like jumps and hills and straits.Dunes for one thing, the 660 eats the polaris.The polaris is more evenly matched against the z400.Even the z400 would be a better all around bike than the predator.Polaris really suprised people when the predator came out because of its manual transmission.It is just too heavy to be a good all around quad, and it doesnt have the right power when you want it and need it the most.I know the way all stock and slightly modded sport quads handle because i have ridden them all except the gas gas and the cannondale line-up.If you have any questions on sport atv's that consist of all sports besides gas gas cannondale line-up and other off brand quads, i will probably know.



Wow. If ignorance is bliss..why do you sound so unhappy?

Raj and his buudies live down around you.I would like to see how your Raptor does against anyone of their's.

Your new to the forums I understand that but, mouthing off and saying any quad is crap is just plain childish..why dont you enter a santioned race or 2 with your Rappy in Ohio and have your arse handed to you and your all mighty rappy?


Posted by: heatseeker8

Not as good as others??? UNREAL..For you info there is NO single quad out there thats the "BEST"..at anything...you have proved you a newbie and that all.

Posted by: speeeedy

i have had the pleasure of riding 04 pred (mine) a 05 tld (wifes) 05 le (mine/buddies) the 05 wheelie way easier than my 04. for trail riding the tle trans is perfect. for drag raseing get the std trans. the le is a great deal with everything you get. i have riddin a 03 or 04 rap and it feels tipy and the trans is a piece of crap. it is always breaking. with the pred ad a rath intake a good exaust a cdi and it freakin ripps. i dont care what ant yamaha owner says but i beat 450 all day at dumont. PREDS ARE FAST! and VERY reliable. hope this helps.

Posted by: 86LT250RFatty

raptor, i like the feeling of having an extra 160cc under my butt.

Posted by: mucky

I dont like either one, didnt feel comfortable on them. but I would get the raptor way before the pred.
bigger motor and not as heavy

Posted by: YFZ660R

To make it easier on you, buy both! J/K. This one is really hard. probaly many Raptor owners or Predator owners have gone thru this one. I sure did, it's a choice of preference, like me, I like the way the raptor looks better than the predator. I also like the fact that the raptor is a yamaha, little stuff is whats going to pick one.

Posted by: maddog89

the pred's are heavy,the raptors are top heavy,,,take your pick

Posted by: Raptor660Rshee350

Both are awesome for trail rideing, the raptor is a little easier to wheelie on beacuse the front end is so light and there is so much low end torque. They are both fast, the only thing i dont like on the pred is the gap between 4th and 5th gear. I would go with the 660R to answer your question.

Posted by: 7QuadSport7

thats not a junior thats a 500 bro

Posted by: VelociRaptor350

Go throw a leg over both and see what feels better, quad controls, etc. are all spaced different so see what is more comfortable for you if you don't get a chance to ride both, you can always modify something that your don't like about the bike afterwards.

Posted by: VelociRaptor350

Quote

Originally posted by: spoRtRax450R
quadsport u are truly dumb


Agree 100percent

Posted by: XtremeSkier

Predator, the extra 160 doesnt make much of a different IMO, Only thing i would take over a pred is a YFZ

Posted by: RaptorRider619

Never rode a predator but I really love my raptor.

Posted by: jon06

Im posting this here so i get unbiased answers like you get the Yamaha or Polaris forum. Just wondering which was better and which would last longer? I am 6ft 170 and im pretty much gonna be trail riding and wheelies but thats about it.

Posted by: jon06

Another thing is i dont want the Special Editions cause im only 17 and really cant afford the extra money.

Posted by: jon06

I will want an 05 and the MSRP is like 6199 but i dont know what kind of deal i can get or not?? Plus im paying in payments so i wont be able to haggle them down that much.

Posted by: jon06

thats cool

Posted by: spoRtRax450R

quadsport u are truly dumb

Posted by: drgnerth

I have rode both machines. The predator is wide(don't know how tight of trails you ride on),03 models are hard to wheelie on, and have a crappy intake setup. The raptor is to narrow, have been known to pop the carbs out of the boots, and the older models have transmission and starter problems.

Posted by: strubby

I can't give much info on the Raptor, only what I've read. I know a few locals that have them don't like how the ride in the trails very much. Too hard to handle, can't much throw it around. I'm guessing the heavier Pred may give the same prob? But I rode a Predator several times (Troy Lee) and liked it a lot. Good handling and steering response in my opinion. I also like its stock set up and wouln't need to modify it for a while if I bought one. They are heavier than most of its competition, but I jumped it several times and it flew very well. The tweaked Fox shocks most likely had a bit to do with it. They are cheaper new, but you can find a Raptor cheaper used probably because there are more of them around. I personally am a Yamaha fan, but just have had no experience with the Raptor. You MUST try both yourself, because other's opinions are most likely going to be different from yours. Like others have said, either way, you'll probably love them both. Good luck.

Posted by: strubby

Either way, the Pred is cheaper new. If you're buying used, there's more chance of finding a Raptor deal.

Posted by: proraptor

I own a raptor and love it. I was also in the same boat as you but to me the predator is super ugly and the raptor looks awesome....Also I would buy yamaha before polaris.

Posted by: PURE510

im 17 years old i owned a rapter and now i have the predator and i liek the predator so much more

Posted by: Morewood

Hey Jon,
I have to agree with most of what ATVNUT has to say. My experience has been similar to his. I have an 01 Raptor and an 03 Predator TLD. I prefer to ride my Predator most of the time.
You are from Missouri and you mostly trail ride and like to wheelie. Unfortunately, the Predator is the best on the trails and the Raptor the best at wheelies.
If you are buying new machines, you will find the Predator is much lighter in front now since they shortened the swingarm in 04. I would look into an aftermarket CDI box on the 04 or 05 Predator and buy that for a good combination of trail riding and wheelie capability.
My Raptor is not too good on the trails...it mostly excels where you can open up that big 660, like on the long sand climbs.
My Predator is the most comfortable quad I have ever ridden, great ergonomics for me, best handling in almost all types of riding. My favorite quad to date, and I have ridden almost all of them.
Sit on them and see how they feel to you. Some folks don't like the Preddy seat, but it fits me just fine.
Best to ride them both as well, if you have a dealer that will let you do that.
Most of the "bugs" are out of these machines now, so you will enjoy either one. If I had to make your choice, I would definitely get the Predator.

Posted by: Morewood

fasterthanyou22,
Here's the thing.....we have probably beaten this to death (again).....but, I own both of these quads and I prefer the Predator. I ride it 90% of the time. See my previous post, and see my signature data.
Comparing Yamaha to Polaris is not the same as comparing the Raptor to the Predator.

I can only speak to the 01 Raptor and the 03 Predator that I own, both first year models. I have set both up to be fast....equally fast. The Preator simply handles much better and is much more comfortable than the Raptor. The Predator is better on the trail and also better in the dunes. JMO, from first hand experience.

Now, having said that...things change each year. The stock 04 Predator was improved and the 05 was much improved. Raptor fixed some of their tranny and starter problems. Now the 2006 Raptor is a 700 with EFI. Let's see what the Predator does for 2006.

They're all good.

Posted by: Morewood


Many good points made in this thread.

Like some of you I have been riding for many years and have ridden them ALL many times, including the Cannondale. However, Jon06 asked for "unbiased" answers. Since I own both (01 and 03), and I like them both, I may be "unbiased" (??). I am average size and weigh 180 with gear. Each rider is different. I prefer sand dune riding. Handling in the dunes is more important to me than drag racing.

My unbiased opinion for Jon06 is that the Pred is a lot better all-around ride. Simple answer!...JMO.

BTW - the Z400 is a great little all-around quad, but certainly does not have the power I need for climbing some of the biggest sand faces, and for speed.

Contrary to some opinions, I DO understand the 01 Raptor tranny problems (I'm an owner!). Fortunately, I did not beat mine and have had no problems at all with it. Nor have I had any problems with the 03 Pred. with mods. Both are fast. My Raptor with Alba kit (no engine work) beats ALL my buddies 02, 03, and 04 Raptors. My Pred is equally fast. I am not that good a rider that I am making all this difference.

Most Pred riders just bolt on the PP pipe, with few other changes. This approach doesn't get the power we all want, especially when we are used to the snappy 250R's and Banshees.
I don't believe in engine work because I do not want to give up the reliability of stock. I want to be riding the dunes, not broke down in the dunes! (See my signature block.)

I prefer to have reverse, but I can get by without it, as we have been doing for 20 years. Smart/experienced riding makes a huge difference, and also I ride more sand than trail.
If Jon06 is riding unknown trails with rookies, he may HAVE to have reverse.
Of course, the 05 Pred has reverse as well as the Raptor.

I am not claiming to compare the 05 Raptor and 05 Pred. beecause I do not own them. But why bother, now that the 06's are coming out. Get on the 06 models and decide for yourself. That 06 Raptor with EFI may be a powerhouse!

They are all good....grab the one YOU like.


Posted by: Evolution

Quick debriefing- Are you riding stock or you gonna mod it out. Raptor's are cheaplier built (i mean not tuned as well) the predators come stock decently tuned.. I would suggest a predator if your gonna leave it alone and if your gonna mod it go with the raptor. And the power part there neck and neck 160cc but remember the predator has another cam. And i hate to say but both quads do have the same style of plastics (what quad dosent, very little changes) Plus The predator has aftermaket suspension already and tires that pick up much better, and have ACCLAIMED higher Hp than Rappys im not sure ive heard they come stock with 42hp and the rappy is at 38 and the 05's have 50 but thats just a load of crap

Posted by: Martino

I rode both last weekend I own a raptor and they pretty much tha same as far as power but the Raptor is a little more comfortable becuz the seat isnt as wide but my roomate who 6'6 kept rubbing his knees on the front fenders and didnt like but ur a winner either way u go

Posted by: Davidraptor350

At abernathys you can get a brand new raptor 660 for $5,194.00 with no taxes and hidden fees. But its in Union City, Tn

Posted by: CTSV

I recently purchased a 2005 predator non Troy Lee. I think the regular Predator is one of the best all around sport quads out right now. With the changes they have made thru 05 it has become a very good wheeler. Stock for stock I have to say it is hard to beat the Predator. I have owned a Raptor, several banshees, Quadzilla, etc. and am very happy with the Predators performance all around. I think you get much more for less money with the Predator. I am surprised that so many people buy the Troy Lee, due to the gearing? The regular one performes better for most riders and eliminates the gap between fourth and fifth making it quite a bit faster thatn the Rapter, stock. My .02

Posted by: ACFreerider

I would much rather have the raptor then the predator. top heavy doesnt matter to me plus its got more potential.

Posted by: flinter

alright well i have to start by saying im not a big polaris fan but that flippin predator suprised me at top end. torque wise they are nothing to my raptor. and the comparison is stock vs stock this was when my buddy has a 04 pred and my 01 raptor. they just dont feel as comfortable as the raptor but i would trade suspension any day. the fox shocks that come on them are sweet. but when it comes to a wheelie he!! u pretty much have to stand on the rear grab bar to get the front end up. i will end by saying if u get the raptor u wont be sorry one bit

peace

Posted by: Bradsixpack

You should buy a predator! I have a 2005 le predator and it is great! They handle great and have alot of power! You can ride a wheelie for a long ways! They are great on the track and on the trails! And the 2005's Have Reverse! Which is the greatest thing you can have when trail riding.

Posted by: fasterthanyou22

man...you guys are all messed up when you are comparing a polaris to a yamaha.everyone knows that yamaha would be the more reliable of the 2.just by seeing the scramblers and trail bosses and all of that crap.the 660 may be a little narrow but it is no big deal.it is very easy to jump and wheelie.i have only ridden a pred once or twice and i mean, if i had no choice i would take it, but when you compare it to the raptor....there is no competition, it has way more bottem/top end and it is just a way better all around bike.you can get so many inexpensive mods for it that just make it cruise.like if you get really any aftermarket pipe it is gonna have a good 5 mph increase.i just dont see how the heavy predator would win over that many ppl.it cant pull wheelies and it just isnt as fun to ride.to ride it you have to work a lot harder to do the things you want to do.the 660 is a lot easier to jump wheelie and a hell of a lot better trail bike.you are getting a hell of a lot more for your money if you buy the 660.

Posted by: fasterthanyou22

What you dont understand is that we all know that the '01 660 had tranny problems.Did we hear anything coming from polaris owners when they got their 2003 predators?No we didnt.The thing is, the '01 660 was like a prototype on the market being sold.The thing is, we cant compared the '01 to anything.We need '02 and further.I have ridden the predator and ridden with them, and the 660 eats the hell out of the heavy piles.The predator is not too good for the high speed cornering because of its weight.They tried to back that up with widening it but it help just a little bit.It barely has enough power to get the wheels up in 2nd gear.I have raced predators on flat long surfaces about 3 miles long.I eat the predators away.All i have is a white bros r4.Most of the predators have aftermarket exaust systems.In the trails they are just about worthless unless you are in a group.you have no reverse to get you out of tight jams, (although i have heard of the '05 having reverse but we dont know how easy it will be to access it) and not as durable.The predator is also a lot harder to maintain because it is harder to find a dealer that sells parts.The 660 on the other hand has a lot more raw power to do the things that are fun, like jumps and hills and straits.Dunes for one thing, the 660 eats the polaris.The polaris is more evenly matched against the z400.Even the z400 would be a better all around bike than the predator.Polaris really suprised people when the predator came out because of its manual transmission.It is just too heavy to be a good all around quad, and it doesnt have the right power when you want it and need it the most.I know the way all stock and slightly modded sport quads handle because i have ridden them all except the gas gas and the cannondale line-up.If you have any questions on sport atv's that consist of all sports besides gas gas cannondale line-up and other off brand quads, i will probably know.

Posted by: fasterthanyou22

And one more thing about these predators!.....How does the reverse engage?...lol.....is it like the z400 and 660 or like the raptor 350 or what?

Posted by: fasterthanyou22

Quote

Originally posted by: RideRed913
Quote

Originally posted by: fasterthanyou22
What you dont understand is that we all know that the '01 660 had tranny problems.Did we hear anything coming from polaris owners when they got their 2003 predators?No we didnt.The thing is, the '01 660 was like a prototype on the market being sold.The thing is, we cant compared the '01 to anything.We need '02 and further.I have ridden the predator and ridden with them, and the 660 eats the hell out of the heavy piles.The predator is not too good for the high speed cornering because of its weight.They tried to back that up with widening it but it help just a little bit.It barely has enough power to get the wheels up in 2nd gear.I have raced predators on flat long surfaces about 3 miles long.I eat the predators away.All i have is a white bros r4.Most of the predators have aftermarket exaust systems.In the trails they are just about worthless unless you are in a group.you have no reverse to get you out of tight jams, (although i have heard of the '05 having reverse but we dont know how easy it will be to access it) and not as durable.The predator is also a lot harder to maintain because it is harder to find a dealer that sells parts.The 660 on the other hand has a lot more raw power to do the things that are fun, like jumps and hills and straits.Dunes for one thing, the 660 eats the polaris.The polaris is more evenly matched against the z400.Even the z400 would be a better all around bike than the predator.Polaris really suprised people when the predator came out because of its manual transmission.It is just too heavy to be a good all around quad, and it doesnt have the right power when you want it and need it the most.I know the way all stock and slightly modded sport quads handle because i have ridden them all except the gas gas and the cannondale line-up.If you have any questions on sport atv's that consist of all sports besides gas gas cannondale line-up and other off brand quads, i will probably know.[/]


Wow! I have absolutley no idea what I'm talking about do I? Actually the wet weight is pretty close between the Raptor and the Predator, only a few lbs difference. And about the Raptor cornering better than the Predator, you speak the truth!From your post I bet you have had a-lot more experience with the Predator than i have. In my opinion the Predator is the worst machine! And this is coming from a former predator owner!


Me and you could become great friends with that attitude you have!

Posted by: fasterthanyou22

Ok now you are just making false judgements bud.And if you want me to race this buddy raj of yours then his quad better be mod for mod with mine, same amount in same places.And anotherthing, i am not saying that the quad is crap, you just need to comprehend that i am saying that it is not as good as others.

Posted by: TheNadine

I already bought a raptor, I'll buy a predator when I quit smoking (everyone gets the irony there)