2001 Cagiva Raptor 650 review from United Kingdom

No faults.

I bought my Raptor 650 last September for £2500, so usage thus far has been limited by the long cold winter. I've no problem with riding in winter, it's just that I've found a problem with carburettor icing on this model, and I have a nice warm car as well.

For anyone brought up on Japanese models, this bike is a revelation. You get the reliability of a Suzuki engine, with the styling flair and handling that only an Italian manufacturer can provide.

In a nutshell, it has heroic perfomance, is beautiful crafted, handles better than anything else I've owned or ridden (that's over 100 other different bikes), and has stupendous brakes (Brembo).

I think it's going to be a little thirster than my previous bike, but that's probably because I'm finding it difficult not to use the performance - this bike is a real flyer!!

Insurance is only group 10 - so cheap for me at 51.

The only Japanese bike I ever owned, that was nearly as good, was a 350 YPVS Yamaha.

If you've ever wondered about trying a Raptor, my advice is give it a go, you'll not regret it - I can only wonder how impressive the 1000 model must be.

My last bike, a 2001 model Suzuki Bandit 600, wouldn't hold a candle to this bike except its MPG - and lets face it, bikes these days are all about fun - I have diesel powered car if I'm worried about running costs.