ATV Florida Forum

Recently, I sold my Banshee and purchased a new Brute Force 750i. I love the Brute Force and it makes sense for me as I will use it to travel in to and out of my camp in the Big Cypress at times when I don't need my buggy.

However, this past weekend, I rode Ocala with Chillinthemost and realized I need another sport bike as well as my Brute Force. Granted, everyone in our group (with the exception of one) rode utility bikes and Chillin drove the Rhino. However, high speed sections and long whoops are not best taken on a Brute Force.

Therefore, I've decided to buy yet another bike. I'm struggling with which one to buy and have narrowed it down to either a new Raptor 700 or a new DS650x. I can tell you, I am leaning toward the Raptor. However, I've heard great things about the DS650. I am not concerned about being the fastest or racing the bike. I can hold my own as long as the bike is up for it. Mind you, I am 6'3" and 300+ lbs. Therefore, the bike need sot be a big one.

I'd appreciate any constructive comments on both bikes from folks who have/do own[ed] or ride/ridden each bike. I figure I'll buy within the next 3-4 weeks. My riding style is basically the same as Chillin's; however, I probably won't be doing many FTR races. I love high speed trails, massive hill climbs and the occasional fling on a MX track.

Thanks for the comments!

Between those two I would take the Raptor hands down. It is more than 100 pounds lighter, is lower to the ground and handles better. The DS650 isn't good for the woods or MX. It is for dunes and desert. It is too tall, too heavy and too wide. I forgot to add I never rode the Raptor but i have the DS650. I didn't like it one bit. Compared to my 450R I thought it was dangerous for my riding style.

i have rode the raptor 700r and love it !! it is perfect, my friend who has it flys over the whoops and it handels great, i also like the DS650 but seeing how big u are i would probly check out that DS650 because i think it sits higher and probly handel better with you on the whoops and going over some hills and many other things, good luck on deciding on which quad u will purchase,

thanks, dustin

my friend has a DS and itS GOT POWER THE THING WANTS TO WHEELIE when u give it gas stock :o

The  DS  would  be  more  apt  to  take  your  weight  but  I  think  the  Rappy  would  be  better  overall.   Next  time  ya  see  Matt  thump  him  on  the  noggin  for  me. ;) ;D

I've owned a Raptor 700R and it is a great bike!!  The power on the Raptor is B@ll to the Walls power 8)

Just from what i have read in dirtwheels i would say that the raptor would be the better choice.  It seems to have a load of power and is very light.

rappy :)

I would wait because I heard that Harley is coming out with a bike for big "husky" guys :-* it is going to be a 6 stroke and will have leaf spring suspension and dual wheels in the rear. GIT IT RAG

I had an 01' DS 650 for a few months but it just wasn't something good for the tight trails and you can forget about Croom. The DS has tons of power but the Raptor seems to hit harder because it was so much lighter and turned much sharper. If I were racing flat out the stability of the DS would be great. Other than that idk what to tell you other than go with the Yamaha.

gonna be a big wait :D

I'm not husky, I'm just big boned. Besides, Chillin's just mad because: (a) I can eat more wings than he can; and (b) I wouldn't give him any of my strawberry crepes at Bob Evan's.

Thanks for the comments folks. I am going with a raptor.

Not so fast. For a bigger man the DS is the way to go for comfort hands down. I'm not sure if there is a big difference size wise between the Raptor 660 and the 700 but I have ridden my brothers 660 and I own a DS. The Raptor seems small after riding the DS. You can keep it pegged thru the whoops on the DS if you have the nuts and the power band is like nothing else in it's class. HOWEVER,it is a heavy bike without reverse and it sinks like an anchor in the mud but for the big man it's like a caddillac on steroids. I'm 6ft 2 and 245 lbs and it's perfect for me. Everything else I have ridden "honda 400,,Z400,Predator,Raptor,Scrambler 400 Warrior etc seem very small and harder to control for me personally. Maybe I'm just too used to the power to weight ratio and feel more comfortable on my DS so it's all in my head.LOL. You are welcome to try mine before you buy if you like.

Raptor 700R all the way!

I own a Raptor 700r, I personally think the DS would be the right quad for ya.  The raptor max weight for a rider is 220.  Now, if you buy custom shocks like Elkas that are custom made for your weight and riding conditions, then I would say get the Raptor.  I have to get custom shocks because my weight is 165 and the quad with all the power mods throws me around like a rag doll on the hoops .  The DS weighs almost like a utility quad.  Good luck on your decision

Thanks guys for the responses. I appreciate it very much.
Cableguy, that's cool of you to offer the opportunity to ride your DS. If I can arrange it, I'll take you up on that offer.

You guys have given me more to consider. I honestly think I need to ride both bikes before buying.

Thanks again.

I love the Rappy but was wondering why you overlooked the KFX 700. It's a big quad that has a lot of power. It's also automatic. I know several people that own them and love them. Just a thought. Good luck in your deceision making.

i know cutngrs is tied up with the kids and softball and baseball, but hit him up and ride his.  he is 240 lbs and goes to hard rock with his son and rides the courses there and he loves his DS.  i would ride the ds before i made my decision.  yo chillin, how you/family doing?  haven't seen you guys in forever.

I'm not a Bombardier fan at all, and think the Raptor is a better choice for most people, but in your case, I have to agree with cableguy and a few others...it's very likely the right machine for you

I tell you guys, I really like the way the Raptor looks verses the DS. The KFX is okay, but I ride a bit more aggressive than it's capable.  I really think I need to ride a DS before making up my mind.

Thanks again guys.

We are all doing great, Smoke. Thanks for asking. How is married life? I see you have your toys for sale, whats up with that?

O.K, For starters, I dont think you`ll have much fun replacing belts on the trails with the Kfx !!!
 Now on the other hand I do own a ds650 also, and for a man your size it rides like a cadillac !!!, You are welcome to ride mine anytime, all the power you will ever need, I will line it up with any rapturd 700 anytime. I have not been beat by one yet, except for Chillin on his Yfz450??
   You all know that I have one, must have gotten lost in the Banshee senerio somewhere, But let me know if you want and you can get up on it anytime ( only cause you know chillin) or everybody would be calling  ;)

Don, I told him that I have ridden yours and it was nice. I'll be up riding you know where in the next month or so and maybe you can ride with us and he could give it a try.

Go with the Raptor!

[attachment deleted by admin]

Dont be FOOLED, be COMFORTABLE, be fast,
Just give me a shout Matt!! ;)

[attachment deleted by admin]

Dynodon:

Chillin told me about your bike and said it was real nice. I appreciate the offer to try yours and I will take you up on it. I will more than likely come ride at "you know where" next month with Chillin. I used to ride there back in the ATC 250r days all the time.

I look forward to meeting you. I will not buy until I ride both. More and more folks seem to like the DS. I stopped into the local dealer here in Bradenton yesterday; however, they had none in stock. Talk to you soon.

thanks

like dino sayed  i will take my ds in onf and spank  any rapterd  the trails out there are planty wide  crome is a bit on the tite side   the ds is a much more powerfull  quad it has a lot of midrange  and for a big guy you will love it  and i too will be there  you know where  and you can ride mine 

We will see you fellas " you know where"  8)

I owned an 04 DS and loved it. It has tons of power, awesome suspension, and is an all around great quad. It is the only one outside Honda that I've seen professionals call a "bulletproof" engine. It has great quality parts and is built to last. From the long travel suspension, to the 530 O-ring chain, to the durablue guaranteed axle, and stainless steel braided lines. The down side is that it site high and is not very capable on mx tracks if you want to compete with the smaller lighter 450's.
The Yamaha sits much lower and is not quite as wide and also has good power, but for a bigger man the DS is the way to go. It really does handle like a Cadillac with that smooth suspension and tons of power. Also for a couple hundred dollars in mods you will outrun just about anything unless it has a couple thousands worth of mods.
I suggest taking Dynodon or Cableguy up on taking theirs for a spin. Cableguy has his set up like mine except for the ported intake (which can be done at home with a dremel). That mod greatly improves throttle response and troque. not bad for a free mod.
 Either way good luck with your purchase.

IAM 6 FT 3 AND 300LBS AND I LOVE MY DS650!

find some people who have these bikes and ride em, or go to the dealership and take a test ride.

i would get the ds 650 they r so fast and nice  and they r very comfortable
i road one this past weekend and it was sooo fast all it had was LT duel exhaust  and boy its nice  this will be my next atv if i dont get a 450r

Thanks for the continued comments. The DS is looking more and more favorable to me.

I would buy a 2007 Raptor 700R. Yamaha will have work out all the little bugs by then! Just my 2 cents!

Theres barely if any bugs, Why wait 4 months??

I don't know what bugs he is talking about, does he own a 700R?