The Predator engine is NOT a Rotax. It is a Fugi, designed by Polaris, built in Japan, the Predator is assembled and the rest of it built in the U.S. It revs freely up to 9,000 rpm, feels like a DS but with a smoother powerband and much higher rpms. A Raptor feels like a thumper, this does not. IT is lower and wider than a Raptor, but not as big as a DS. IT corners better than anything. The steering geometry/linkage is brilliant, with a little linkage that makes the tie rods the same length as the a-arms, so no change in toe as the wheels go up and down. Zero Bump steer. It has a chrome moly axle and is plenty wide, even for me.
...I just got back from the dealer show, I talked at length with the engine guys as well as the riders and development guys. The motor cost 6 million in R&D. They have been fine tuning it for a year. IT comes good to go. No need for aftermarket a-arms, tires, axles, shocks. It comes with Douglas wheels, Maxi Razrs, Chrome Moly axle, and Fox Racing shocks, for which rezzies are an option. Nerfs, and a bunch of cool accessories are going to be available as well as the dune and XC accessory packages.
....The demo track had one huge jump and a set of 6 small jumps which could be doubled or tripled. We got to ride the Predator on a less dramatic track with no jumps, just lots of tight turns. Not a great track, I really wanted to try jumping it, but I can understand why they didn't let us. IT handles better than anything I have ever ridden, including 400 EX, the width, lower center of gravity, great suspension and the trick steering are a head above anything else out there.
.....Polaris has raised the standard. NO stock sport ever made can compare. [/b]
