Just purchased a 700XX, it was a really hard choice between the XX and the Raptor 700R. I Bought a new TRX 450R about 9 mo ago added the HRC kit, etc it was a real beast tons of power, but I ended up hating the bike. No low end, shocks were very harsh, I simply just could not make it work in the woods. I tried everything before I gave up and sold it. During this time I kept kicking myself for not buying a raptor 700, this was before the release of the XX. So for months I was dead set on a Raptor. Then the 700XX was released and I read the mags reports on the quad, seemed to be a huge disappointment from Honda. Mostly due to the fact they stated it lacked low-end and required clutch work in tight stuff, it weighed 500lbs and Honestly I hated the looks of the XX when I first seen it. Well more reports started coming out on the XX that sounded a little better and the time came to buy my Raptor. I decided to dismiss the major mags and make my own decision based on my requirements and years of riding. So I headed to the Yamaha/Honda dealer ship where I could see each quad side by side and ride each one. Once I seen the XX in person it looked much better. The low end power as in right off of idle is great and the XX pulls fairly hard seems really corked up with a lot of potential. Raptor felt good also, I have ridden a few of these, good low end but the power delivery of the Honda was much smoother. At low speeds and whacking the throttle to say 50% they are really close, I felt the Honda had a little more in my opinion. But the HUGE difference was in handling and suspension. The XX was much plusher and soaked up all sorts of messed up terrain and jumps. I went with the Honda after being dead set on a raptor 700 for months, but this was only after I was able to ride the Honda to see the difference. So far I have found Dirt wheels review of the XX complete BS the quad is nothing as they described it, it is just awesome it can chew up nasty rutted, rocky up hills with ease and tons of power. The only thing I think the mags have stated correctly is in regards to the XX is how it pushes the front end in really tight slow turns, but I can deal with that. I can’t wait to see what this beast will be like with the big 3, it is defiantly corked up and on the lean side.
