Performance:
The power of the motor almost reminds me of a 2-stroke. The low end is a bit flat but it has a hard-hitting mid-range and top end. It doesn't seem to have the low end of my modified 400EX but makes up for it in the mid-range punch. It almost seems as if it could use a taller gear because it pulls on top end until it hits the rev limiter. On top end it runs very strong and doesn't vibrate as much as a Yamaha Raptor.

In a hare scramble environment the motor is very strong in the midrange and needs complete concentration when accelerating through the trails. The mid range punch is very helpful in the open sections of the course. Hill climbs were not a problem and the heavier front end helps keep the wheels on the ground. I did stall it several times on some creek crossings due to the motors lack of low end compared to the 400EX and Raptor. This isn't really a problem and only requires a bit more throttle and clutch.

The lack of low end is also noticeable on the MX track when coming out of the corners. The Predator likes to be in a higher gear than a piped 400EX or Raptor to keep from bogging. Riding style is more like a 2-stroke by comparison than your typical, low-end grunt of a 4-stroke motor. Plenty of power is on tap for quick acceleration when needed for clearing jumps and the motor is very responsive.

I got a chance to try it out on a local fairground's half-mile oval track to see how it performs at higher speeds and was very impressed. My buddy Nub, a former motorcycle half-mile racer, brought his 2002 Raptor along and we spent about an hour or so wide open around the track in mock races to see how they compared. Believe it or not, the Predator was faster in the straights, and handled much better in the corners. I was amazed the Predator got to a higher speed than the Raptor in the straights but I suspect an airbox mod or pipe on the Raptor would've changed things.

Not long after we tested on the oval track with the Raptor Nub purchased a new, white, Yamaha YFZ 450 and we took them back out once again. The YFZ 450 was almost equal in power to the Predator with mine having a slight edge in top speed. Since then, and after his 450 broke in a bit better, The YFZ 450 has gained a bit more mid range and equal in top speed.

Suspension:
The rear shock is a dual spring, clicker type shock with reservoir. I did not adjust the rear from the factory settings because it felt pretty good. I am a 220lb, 6' 1" guy so a lighter rider may want to change the settings to suit their riding style. On the front the suspension is a non-reservoir, spring adjustment only, single spring shocks. (Although they are set up for for accessory reservoirs if so desired).

I was impressed at how well the factory Fox suspension soaks up the terrain. This is the best stock suspension I have ridden and is very good at soaking up small bumps along with big air landings. Compressing the suspension before a big triple was also easier than expected and the Predator soaks up harsh landings very well. The landings that would've been somewhat painful on my 400EX were not an issue with the Predator. Air time was very predictable and I could raise or drop the front end as needed.

Tires and Wheels:
No complaints here. The rolled edge Douglas rims are as strong or stronger as any factory rim and the tires are much better for aggressive riding. The 400EX's rear tires sidewalls rolled under more than the Predator's and I like the thicker sidewall

Comfort:
The seating feels a bit taller than a 400EX but not as tall as the Raptor. Handlebar bend fits my style fine and controls are as good as anything else out there. I thought I would dislike having a plastic thumb throttle lever but it has not been a issue after 6-months of riding.

That's my riding impressions of the Predator. Continue on for my things I like and things I do not like about Polaris's first attempt at a performance racer.

Things that bug me about the Predator