If you're looking to push your quad to the limit, installing a raptor 700 long travel kit is easily one of the best upgrades you can make. It's the kind of modification that completely transforms how the machine feels under you, turning a platform that's already plenty of fun into a high-speed desert-eating machine. Anyone who has spent significant time on a Raptor knows that while it's got plenty of grunt, the stock suspension can start to feel a little limited once you start hitting the big stuff or trying to keep up with high-end builds in the sand.
The Raptor 700 is arguably the king of the dunes, but it has a bit of a reputation for being "tippy." Because it sits somewhat high and the track width isn't super wide from the factory, you really have to use your body weight to keep it planted in high-speed turns. That's where a long travel setup comes into play. It's not just about having more "cushion" for the landings; it's about the geometry. By widening the front end and changing how the shocks interact with the arms, you're basically giving the bike a whole new personality.
Why Long Travel Matters More Than You Think
When people talk about a raptor 700 long travel kit, they often focus on the "long" part—as in, more inches of travel. And yeah, that's great for soaking up deep whoops without bottoming out. But the real magic is in the width and the leverage. Most of these kits add about two or three inches of width to each side. That might not sound like much on paper, but in the dirt, it's a night-and-day difference. You can dive into a corner with way more confidence knowing the quad isn't going to try to bicycle on you.
Think about it like this: if you're standing with your feet together and someone pushes you, you're going over. If you spread your feet out wide, you're solid. That's exactly what happens to your Raptor. The wider stance lowers the center of gravity relative to the width, which makes the whole machine feel more stable and "planted." It lets you carry more speed through the rough stuff because the suspension is doing the work instead of your shoulders and wrists taking the brunt of every impact.
Choosing the Right Components
Building a proper long travel front end isn't just about swapping out the A-arms. You have to think about the shocks, too. A true raptor 700 long travel kit uses "long travel" shocks, which usually have a longer body and a different stroke than your standard aftermarket shocks. You can't just throw a set of +2 A-arms on your stock shocks and call it long travel. Well, you could, but it wouldn't work right. The geometry would be all messed up, and you'd probably end up with less performance than you started with.
When you go with a dedicated kit, the A-arms are designed specifically to work with a longer shock. This allows for a better "motion ratio," which is just a fancy way of saying the shock can be valved more precisely. Because the shock is longer, it has more oil capacity, which means it stays cooler during long rides. If you've ever felt your suspension getting "mushy" after thirty minutes of hard riding in the heat, that's shock fade. Long travel setups help fight that off.
The Reality of Installation and Setup
I won't sugarcoat it—putting a raptor 700 long travel kit on your quad is a bit of a project. It's not something you're going to knock out in twenty minutes with a single wrench. You're looking at taking apart the entire front end, including the brakes and the steering tie rods. Most kits come with extended brake lines, which means you'll be bleeding the brakes once everything is bolted up.
One thing people often forget about is the alignment. Once those new arms are on, your toe-in and camber are going to be all over the place. Taking the time to dial in the alignment is the difference between a quad that tracks straight and one that feels like it's trying to wander off into the bushes. It's worth spending an afternoon with a tape measure and some patience to get it right.
Also, don't forget the rear end. While the "kit" usually refers to the front A-arms and shocks, if you widen the front and leave the rear stock, the handling can get a little funky. Most guys will at least add a wider rear axle to match the new front-end width. It keeps the machine balanced so the back end isn't "hunting" while the front end is glued to the trail.
Riding in the Real World
Once you've got everything dialed in, the first ride is usually a "lightbulb" moment. You'll find yourself hitting sections of the trail that used to make you let off the gas, and instead, you'll find yourself shifting up. Those nasty, rhythmic whoops that used to swap your back end out? A raptor 700 long travel kit helps the front end stay level so the rear can just follow along.
In the dunes, it's even better. Carving bowls becomes much more fluid. You can stay higher on the wall with less effort because the quad isn't fighting to tip over. And if you like to jump, the landings are where you really feel the ROI on your investment. Instead of that harsh clunk when you miscalculate a flat landing, the long travel setup just soaks it up and lets you keep rolling. It's a massive confidence booster.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Let's be honest, a high-quality raptor 700 long travel kit isn't exactly cheap. Between the chromoly A-arms, the high-end shocks (like Fox or Elka), and the extended lines, you're dropping a decent chunk of change. So, is it worth it?
If you're just puttering around flat fire roads at 15 miles per hour, probably not. You might be better off just spending that money on gas and tires. But if you're an aggressive rider, if you love the desert, or if you're hitting the local MX track, it's the best money you'll ever spend on your Raptor. It changes the quad from a fast trail bike into a legitimate performance machine.
There's also the durability factor. Most aftermarket long travel arms are built way tougher than the stock aluminum or thin-walled steel units. They use better ball joints and bushings that can actually be serviced. So while you're paying for performance, you're also getting a front end that can handle more abuse than the factory parts were ever designed for.
Final Thoughts on the Upgrade
At the end of the day, the Raptor 700 is a legendary machine for a reason. It's got a motor that just won't quit and a chassis that's versatile enough for almost any terrain. But like any mass-produced vehicle, it has its compromises. Moving to a raptor 700 long travel kit is how you strip away those compromises.
It makes the bike safer because it's more stable, faster because it handles better, and a whole lot more comfortable for those long days in the saddle. Just make sure you do your homework on which shocks you want and take the time to set them up for your specific weight and riding style. Once you do, you'll probably wonder why you waited so long to make the switch. It's a total game-changer for anyone serious about their sport quad.