Hey guys!
Im new here, love the site.
Anyways, im going to get a quad this week and I want to make sure I make the right descesion before I spend all my money on it. I rode a Z400 all weekend and had an absolute blast. Im coming off a KX125 bike, and the Z was just about the same "quickness." I liked the handling, but would like a bit more motor. Will a pipe add a lot? Im also real worried about the frame cracking. Im only 16 and after buying this Ill be mostly out of cash. Is the 2004 KFX400 fixed? That is the one I am going to get if I end up with the Z. If I dont get the Z im going for the Raptor. How do these two compare? Has anyone switched from a Rap to a Z or vice versa? Im 200 lbs, so power is up top on the concern list, and I do a lot of fire road riding, so being able to do around 75 is important to keep up with everyone, but I dont think that will matter much with a pipe the Z must be around there? Anyways everyones input is greatly appreciated, thanks for the help.

 

the craptor doesnt even compare to the Z for handling at all. The Z is one of the best handling quads out there. But if you have the money for a raptor i would go out and buy brand new trx 450r! But yeah they fixed the frame problem and havent heard anythinga bout it lately so i would say your fine. A white brothers slip on or a CT pipe would be the choice for me on either quads.

 

Go for the z. It's a great deal and the motor responds very well to modification. As for the handling, it's the best out there aside from the new yamaha and honda 450's.

 

What I would do first and formost, if you get a z400, strip it down and immediately have the frame gusseted. Do this before you start having problems with the frame. Its good practice to take a quad apart and put it back together. This is what I would do if I was to have gotton another stock frame after my old one got beat to chit.

Outside of that, typically a pipe kit is sufficient enough power increase for most people..... Stock suspension isnt that bad, but it isnt anything to write home about..... Nothing can be said yet about the new honda, but in terms of the yamaha, they do have the better stock suspension. If its your intention to upgrade the suspension anyways, then a z400 is the way to go. This will give you a little more room to spend the money on upgrading engine components.

 

EndlessMike, I'd be a little concerned about the Z400 and top speed of 75mph with just a pipe/jet and your stats. Truth is, you'd need to regear it to get there, which would obviously decrease the acceleration. If you need to do true 75 mph runs, then I'd go for a bigger bore with the raptor or DS. Piping and regearing those two would be no problem for 75+. BTW a stock Z400 does high 60's MPH.

 

I have a K&N, vented airbox lid, FMF PowerBomb Header and Ti-4 Pipe. Really woke up the low end on this engine!! In Mass. I assume you will be doing mostly trail riding. So some more low end is a great thing! High end is no slouch either. No frame problems after one winter of hard a$$ desert XC and one summer of mountain trail riding.

 

Thanks for you help so far guys, its really making this easier for me. Im still stumped though. I liked the Z's motor, but would like a bit more, and im worried that a pipe wont do it all. Do you Z guys ever have a problem where you needed more power? My main concern though is the frame cracking. Im probably going to get an 04 KFX, but are the frames fixed? If they break do the dealers cover them? What if I bought a used one from a private party? I assume im screwed right?

 

welcome to team green,this machine is awsome,with some small mods you will not be disapointed.

 

i have a similar system. il be 15 and spending 5300. its way worth it. when will you get yours im getting mine this spring. z all the way

 

Hello..i bought a z about 6 months ago i have nothing bad to say about it i have jumped every thing in sight no problems you would really have to hit something solid or land really hard......z is the best way to go in my book......