Hiya. I have been riding ATV's for about four years, but didn't own one of my own until '02. I started with a Big Bear 400 and it was just too slow and only 4x2. Then I went to a Sportsman 600, but had to sell it when I moved to Vermont in June, '04. Now I am starting to look for a new quad, and am kindof thinking of a sport quad. I was hoping you all could help me figure out the best one for me.

I am 6' 4" and 185lbs, so no I don't think I need a Blaster or anything like that lol. I have been kindof looking at the Predator and Z400. No matte what, I don't want an automatic. I want a manual tranny with reverse, and I would be getting an 05 model. Really, I just want it for the fun, no MX and super high jumps and all out drag wars. Every now and then I might want to race a guy on a Blaster lol but not much more for racing. Light to medium trails and ice when the lake I live on freezes over. Nothing insane. But, I do want it to be comfortable and able to get me around, too. I hear that the Z400 is a little cramped, especially for someone my size.

So I guess it comes down to Predator vs. Z400, as far as which one is best for me. Bottom line, FUN. So, thanks for any help you can all give me with this decision. Any good info on either model would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks.

Stu

 

I would say either one will be a lot of fun. My experience is with the Z400 and it was the best play bike I have ever owned or ridden. Now that the Predator has revers I would say that it too is setup for fun but, I do believe that the Z400 is lighter and more light in the front end so Wheelie city but Wheelie city - good and bad depending how you see it [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] The Z400 is lighter overall and therefore may wear you out less on a long days ride.

I loved my '03 Z and I am sure the '05 would be an excellent quad.

MX

 

1.Z
2.predator (very hard choice but the Z has to be on top) I alsolike my 400EX but no reverse, oh well for me.

 

I would go with the Z400 over the predator. The Z has really light steering, descent power, and weights about 40-45 lbs less then the predator. A buddy of mine just got a Z400 back in April and its just an all around good sport quad. Im a big guy 6'2" 235 lbs and did feel a little bit cramped on the Z, but Im also use to the Raptor as it sits a little bit taller then the Z.

 

Go with the Suzuki Z400, its verry comfortable and reliable. plus its verry fun to ride, and is fast. Plus theirs a big aftermarket incase you get more serious. Good luck with your new quad.

 

No contest Predator!!

the new 05's are sweet, especially the TLD. With reverse, close ratio trans, ratchet shift, aluminum front shocks with rezzies, improved seat and steering stem, radial tires, then the wider axels, and stainless brake lines and such, i may have missed something but thats damn impressive.

i dont think you can beat that.

 

I went out and sat on a Z400 at my dealer, and it just doesn't feel right for me, I mean, I know I'm used to utility quads and all but it feels too small. I remember when I sat on a 04 Predator at a dealer, it felt ok for size but the seat itself wasn't very comfortable. I wonder if they fixed that for 05.

 

go with whats comfortable to you thats what I did
the Z400 is lighter but get the one that feels right to you
the wrong bike could mean problems later
Good luck

 

Ya, I don't think the Z400 feels right for me. The Predator feels better, though I haven't sat on an 05 yet, but I hear they are improved over the 04 for comfort. Now I'm trying to decide on whether to get the standard Predator or the Troy Lee Edition... lol.