I'm a sportbike /diirtbike guy. I rode an 08' YFZ450 at Glamis for the first time ever and loved the dunes. What a blast, can't believe I never got into ATV's before now. So I'm 250lbs and I have it down to a YFZ450 or a Raptor 700, it will be in the sand pretty much 90%. What are the pros and cons of, these bikes in the sand? Also between 2006 and 2009 what major changes were made on these bikes? When I go to look at them, they both look to be unchanged between those 4 years.

I have a rappie 700 R and this atv while it doesnt rev as high as the 450s has so much power and torque you can literally walk the bike up the hill w out screaming it. It has reverse and is more comfortable for a bigger rider.Yes its a little more top heavy but its not Blaster sized either for some 1 6 foot or bigger.I dont ride sand but I ride rocks and coal,the 1 hill I got high centered on,if I hadnt had reverse I would of been huffing and puffing to turn bike around and get it pointed back down the hill.If you ride mx then yes the yfz 450 would be your bike if not go w the raptor.I think you'll be happy w either 1.

I'm 6' 250 lbs and own an '07 700...really awesome machine. My son has an '09 450r and what a haul-ass machine it is also. If I were in your shoes I would go with the 700. And if you decide on the 450 I would get an '09 or later model.

To my knowledge...

1) all 700 are the same, but in '08 the front shocks are piggy back versions with more adjustments.

2) The '09 and later YFZ's have wider suspension, fuel injection, hy-brid aluminum frame..ect.

The 700 raptor is a good bike BUT I have won about 90% of all drag races against the 700 raptor. I have a 2007 YFZ450 Bill Balance.
Finger holes is where I like to go the most at the dunes and I have never had to get someone to assist me in getting out not saying I have never gotten stuck.
The YFZ450 is perfect for this because you can bog it down to just about nothing and when you hit the trottle the power is there.

Oh ya, a set of Haulers for rear tires helps a lot.

Edited by Frederick0801, 03 November 2011 - 05:26 PM.

i was in the same position and decided on the raptor because it was a grand cheaper and has a really soft ride and is very stable and bieng 250 lbs. i can throw it around as good as my buddies on thier dirtbikes it is the most fun atv i have ever ridden

Keep in mind the maintences on the 450 as well....Personally I've ridden a few raptors, theyre cool and fun but as far as my preference I'd much rather a 450 anyday. Just seems more balanced

Compared with a 450, the Raptor feels like a big, heavy, hard-to-turn pig.  I rode one at Glamis, and was wishing I had my 450 instead.  As far as 450s go, I'm partial to the Honda.

the handeling is going to depend on how big you are and weather you can throw the bike around

RedSonya said:

Yea...it sucks to not be able too ride a 700 very well. My son rides a 450 also but, can still handle my 700r with no problems. I'm partial to Honda's also but, their 700 is a Pig.

...seems like wikki checked out around hallows-eve...

I was in the same position about a month and a half ago.  Now, you might have gotten a quad by now, but heck, better late than never.  I was totally stuck, not sure whether to get a 700 or 450.  After riding both I went for the 450.  I just love the stability and confidence the chassis and stance gives you.  I do stuff on my 450 that I wouldn't dare on my cousin's 700.  As far as power goes, you can't go wrong with either.  I am a bigger guy, only 14 but I am 6'1" and 205lbs.  I have drag raced my cousin and won every time save one.  All that said, I personally would go for the 450, but it's up to you.

If your going to be in the sand most of the time just get a banshee. The king of the dunes