[fullthrottle]

I just read the new article in DW about the new DRZ450 quad from Yamaha and there was not one word of criticism about it. There are a couple of things that bug me. When the predator article came out they complained that it didn't have reverse. There's no reverse on the Yamaha and not one word about it!! Also they say that the Yamaha "shoots" off the line without wheeling. But when the Predator did the same thing they called it "Nose Heavy". What a load of crap. I know that we all have a great quad in the Predator, but what I don't understand is why CrapWheels won't give us any credit. I certainly won't be buying their magazine anymore.

 

[sausagemc]

You don't notice how the "big jap" manufactured quads always get a big huge article when they come out, and the fact that yamaha tosses a set of new 7500 dollar quads at them o test may make them just a lil happy.

other things to consider, the 339 (sorry yfz450) is actually a race bike, where as the pred is considered a race ready trail bike, which rev could be more useful, i think rev is ghey, frankly if you really need it, then you are just to lazy to push your bike out of the garage.

however, yamaha has had a long friendly way with dw, and frankly dw tested that bike as a race ready not to be trailed bike. kinda sad, i still think the 339 is the uglist bike out there... even with the cool alien looning head on the 339 motor.

 

[robg]

You mean 439 right?

Rob

 

[montymarko]

Yeah and what about having the same shootout as the july issue of atv action but not including a predator and they called it a high performance shootout of 650's or higher the predator showed up these bigger machines two months ago and its what not in the same league or something maybe a new class should be started for the predator or maybe a new racing league or something.

I guess I am also trying to figure out why the machine isn't getting better recognition as a kick ass haulin mach.

 

[robg]

Here's my take on this... I can see at least two possibilities:

1. Polaris isn't paying these guys off like Suzuki and other manufacturers are.

2. The mags only like the Japanese machines and really have never liked Polaris or Arctic Cat, the two domestic makes. Bombardier seems to do about the same too. If this is the case, then I'm curious to see how the Arctic Cat DVX400 (aka Suzuki Z400) does, since the Z400 has gotten such rave reviews.

It doesn't really matter to me because fewer Predators means we have a much easier chance beating up on the other makes at the races, the dunes, and anywhere else.

Rob

 

[sausagemc]

yup 439, and yup screw the reviews.

I believe I have a good machine that is a first year model with few bugs. and those have been addresses accordingly.

 

[kstanka]

I agree with all of you, several years ago DW said the scrambler was never going to go anywhere, auto drive on a sport machine?.... 2003 Kawasaki releases an auto sport machine and it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, every other mag loves the pred, it won the big bore shoot out in the July issue of atv action, sure the tranny could use a little help and maybe rev would be nice but it is still heads and shoulders above the competition. Besides, we all knew it didnt have rev with other machines on the market did when we bought it, as far as the "nose heavy" comment, this machine was never built to wheelie, its long 250r like frame was for stability, yet have you ever heard DW criticize the 250r for not being wheelie prone. All your comments above are right on, if it’s not from Japan and not one of the big 4, then DW labels it bad! I refuse to purchase another DW mag or any other mag they are vested in.

 

[sausagemc]

Here Here.

I tell you what, nose heavy??? my ass it is nose heavy. My banshee was nose heavy, the pred comes off a jump and instantly tries to aim itself toward the landing of the double.

AND

I have yet to take a wicked hill climb and not thank god I have 220 6 foot body to hold the front down, BUT unlike the 400ex and 250r's and z-400's I have ridden, the pred is let off the gas and punch it slowly and it carries the frontend about 1 foot off the ground.

So when the big 4 are flipping down the hill or you have to spend 400 to get an extra 1.5 inches in the swing arm, screw dirtwheels. I have had a lot of quads in my day, and frankly I currently own the best all around machine I have ever had. and OMG it is a polaris.

 

[sandfanatic30]

I agree with the above, and I was a hardcore 2 stroke rider comming from a lt500. I think the predator would give a stock quadzilla a run for its checkered flag. Have you ever noticed the big 2 or more page ads in dirt wheels from the big 4, that must bring in some green aye!

 

[oggjay]

It's all about the "ALL MIGHTY $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$".......