If You Had To...

[throttlesteer]

Curiosity has my cat and just wondering what you folks think being of the Raptor clan.  If you had to give up your Rappy and buy a 450, which would you choose and why?  I'd prefer answers based on ones that you've ridden but can be opinion based too.  Lets see what you've got!

Thanks fellers!

[Troy]

I've ridden the LTR, YFZ, DS, and the KFX.  I would take the DS out of all the others based on my experience do to the fun factor.  It isn't a powerhouse at all compared to the rest of them but it flies through the air and wheelies and climbs pretty good for stock and handles very well.  The KFX has reverse but feels like you're riding a 2x6 after awhile, the yfz is badass but always sketchy like they always have been, the ltr handles and jumps very well but is pretty slow, even when modded, and doesn't feel as light as the DS.  I'm a Yamaha guy but my buddy has a couple of everything in his stable for him and his kids and I pick his stock DS everytime I ride one of his bikes.  Most of them are heavily modded out by me with good stuff inside and out but that little DS is fun as hell for some reason, I would take one in a heartbeat.

[preddy08]

If its the YFZ450R with out a doubt!!! My buddy has one and its a sweet machine! I've taken it around the track a couple of times and with out a doubt its a faster bike on the track.

[throttlesteer]

I've ridden the LTR, YFZ, DS, and the KFX.  I would take the DS out of all the others based on my experience do to the fun factor.  It isn't a powerhouse at all compared to the rest of them but it flies through the air and wheelies and climbs pretty good for stock and handles very well.  The KFX has reverse but feels like you're riding a 2x6 after awhile, the yfz is badass but always sketchy like they always have been, the ltr handles and jumps very well but is pretty slow, even when modded, and doesn't feel as light as the DS.  I'm a Yamaha guy but my buddy has a couple of everything in his stable for him and his kids and I pick his stock DS everytime I ride one of his bikes.  Most of them are heavily modded out by me with good stuff inside and out but that little DS is fun as hell for some reason, I would take one in a heartbeat.

NICE!

[Peelz]

Have not ridden any new versions. But based on build quality and looks, and features: I would choose YFZ-r..

followed closely by DS450. You can get that ds fully mx ready and it is FI as well, a necessity nowadays.

Maybe a distant tie for 3rd to Kawi and SUzuki.

No polaris. 

A: It is fugly

B: It is fugly.

C: it is a polaris. 

[Colorado700R]

To me it depends on how far I plan on modding the bike out.  If I'm going three mod, I like the KFX on the trails, yes the seat is rock hard, but it's nimble and predictable when the suspension is dialed in.  Haven't rode the Can-Am yet, but I take Troys word for it, and probably score that 2nd for three mod options.

All out building, I'll take the Yamaha any day.  Plenty of aftermarket for them already, and I'm sure it'll just grow more.

2nd place here is the Honda for me, lots of potential in that motor, but a little weak on the suspension/chassis design nowadays.

Aaron

[Colorado700R]

Funny there's no KTM option


Race Ready...Fail

[Peelz]

Funny there's no KTM option


Race Ready...Fail

I knew something was missing.

[throttlesteer]

To me it depends on how far I plan on modding the bike out.  If I'm going three mod, I like the KFX on the trails, yes the seat is rock hard, but it's nimble and predictable when the suspension is dialed in.  Haven't rode the Can-Am yet, but I take Troys word for it, and probably score that 2nd for three mod options.

All out building, I'll take the Yamaha any day.  Plenty of aftermarket for them already, and I'm sure it'll just grow more.

2nd place here is the Honda for me, lots of potential in that motor, but a little weak on the suspension/chassis design nowadays.

Aaron

Definitely not modding it far.  3 mod at best likely.  Stock suspension, K&N filter, PCIII or similar, and full exhaust.  I've just always wondered what the 450's had to offer in mostly stock form versus the Raptor.  The 450's are lighter and seem snappier.  While I do enjoy the Raptor for sure, 450s seem faster stock for stock.  I realize its a Raptor forum so probably not the greatest place to ask but I trust your opinions.

I guess I just need to ride one to tell for sure.

As for the KTM option, I figured the Polaris was mostly a KTM anyhow.

[throttlesteer]

2009 YFZ450 looks pretty strong...  Didn't somebody here buy one a year ago or so when they came out?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=238YCR-k668&feature=related

[Peelz]

2009 YFZ450 looks pretty strong...  Didn't somebody here buy one a year ago or so when they came out?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=238YCR-k668&feature=related

Hefe did, and it's a pretty sweet machine. Regardless of the homo riding it.











JK.

[Lady4Fiddy]

I have a YFZ450 and I love it! It is very fast, and is very maneuverable on the trails, taking corners, and jumps well. My suspension is great, and it definitely beats the KFX in my opinion as far as being comfortable to ride. I have one mod which is the FCI intake and that was a huge difference in power, and my friend with the KFX has a 3 mod and I am close to him with my 1 mod.

[Colorado700R]

to be fair you have two mods.  FCI, and Rejetted.  But, you sure as hell make ole Mr. Machismo nervous

[dragonz]

To me it depends on how far I plan on modding the bike out.  If I'm going three mod, I like the KFX on the trails, yes the seat is rock hard, but it's nimble and predictable when the suspension is dialed in.  Haven't rode the Can-Am yet, but I take Troys word for it, and probably score that 2nd for three mod options.

All out building, I'll take the Yamaha any day.  Plenty of aftermarket for them already, and I'm sure it'll just grow more.

2nd place here is the Honda for me, lots of potential in that motor, but a little weak on the suspension/chassis design nowadays.

Aaron

Definitely not modding it far.  3 mod at best likely.  Stock suspension, K&N filter, PCIII or similar, and full exhaust.  I've just always wondered what the 450's had to offer in mostly stock form versus the Raptor.  The 450's are lighter and seem snappier.  While I do enjoy the Raptor for sure, 450s seem faster stock for stock.  I realize its a Raptor forum so probably not the greatest place to ask but I trust your opinions.

I guess I just need to ride one to tell for sure.

As for the KTM option, I figured the Polaris was mostly a KTM anyhow.

The Polaris is NO WAY the same as KTM!
The bikes are like chalk & cheese IMHO.
But, value for money, balls out performance & allrounder has to be YFZ.
Racing & no compromise, money no object, KTM

[Hefe]

Hefe did, and it's a pretty sweet machine. Regardless of the homo riding it.
JK.

the 450R is better than all of them..