Hello all. I'm new to the forums here but have been lurking around for a couple of days doing my research. I've been riding motorcycles for over 20 years, both street and dirt. I've ridden quads a handful of times in the past and am now ready to purchase a new one. So far, my research is pointing me towards a Honda. I just got back from local dealers and I sat on a Raptor, YFZ450, TRX450 and a TRX400. I just liked the way I felt on the Hondas. Very comfortable and natural. The seat on the YZF seemed a little stiff.

Although I don't require the fastest machine available, I would like something with respectable speed and pep. Another thing to consider is that I'm a relatively big guy at 6'2" 210 lbs. The riding I plan to do is fairly diverse - wooded trails, sand dunes and dirt. With all that, does anyone feel that I'd be better suited towards the 450 or 400? Is the 400 enough power for a slob like me? I also sat on a Foreman or two. They felt really big and comfortable, and though I could be wrong, I just don't picture them being as maneuverable as I'd like, so I think I'm aiming at one of the sport ATVs.

Thanks in advance for all your advice.

 

450r...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

If you have been riding bikes for 20 years go for the 450. The 400 just don't have the power.

 

Sounds like you require an all-around machine, and the Suzuki Z400 is the best all-around machine out there! One would be an absolute fool to pay the same MSRP for a 400EX as for a Z400. I pick the 450R for fast, wide open desert riding. I pick the 400EX for really tight, semi-technical trails. I pick the Z400 for everything else.

I own all three of these machines, so you aren't getting any brand loyalty BS here!

 

Unless you are going to get into some racing at some point save yourself the money and get the 400ex. It will fit the bill with your type of riding. Now with reverse, it is even sweeter. I had researched it for 2 years before I bought my first atv and I also was leaning towards the 450s. Eventually settled with an 05 Raptor because of reverse, comfort, and liquid cooled. The 450s are totally aimed at racing. If I were to buy right now I would be getting one of those black 400EXs they look sweet!

I know you really shouldn't base buying your quad because of reverse. It gets used if you have it.

 

Personally, I would wait a little longer so you can see what the 2006 models offer. I think this will be the year of change. If I were buying a quad today and not planning to race mx, I would not go with the 450r simply because it lacks electric start. Not sure where you will be riding but I have stalled many times in tough situations especially riding around Hatfield McCoy area in WV.

I would probably go with the Suzuki z400 as mentioned earlier. Or, save yourself some bucks and get a used 400ex. No reverse but this shouldn't be a problem for a guy as tall and your size.

I am surprised didn't like the feel of the Raptor. I enjoyed riding the Raptor when it wasn't causing problems. I up'd the ante by adding 10-14 HP on mine and went through bearings, bushings, sprockets like crazy. Got tired of performing all the maintenance.

/Jon

 

I didn't even consider the Suzuk. Not that I have anything against them, but Ijust hadn't heard much about their quads. I can check those out at a dealer also. Is the Z400 more of an all-around machine than the TRX400? I'd like to have reverse, although that isn't a requirement for my purchase. I also read that alot of 450 owners don't have any issues with the kickstarter.

 

buy a honda they will last you forever as long as you do the regualr matience you would have to do on any other brand of quad

 

The Z is everything the EX is, and more. Slightly better handling and suspension, reverse, a lighter feel, way more motor (and it will hop up real well some day when you are ready for more power), and this motor is proving to be every bit as reliable as the venerable old EX. The EX just doesn't make sense in the face of this kind of competition.

 

Kickstarting depends on where you ride and who you ride with. You will know what I am talking about if you are the guy behind someone with a 450r who stalls it on a hillclimb and you have to stop too. It is easy to kick start a quad on level ground but not at all when you stall coming out of a creek, etc.