This has probably been asked so many times that it has bacome mundane, but i am new here so forgive me:

I am looking at getting a new, maybe lightly used 4wheeler, it would be used for trail riding and a bit of playing around playing in the snow a bit mountain trails, rocks and sand. I was leaning twards a z/kfx, but i have never rode one before, all the reviews say that it is an awesome machine.

I was at my cousins tonight and she had just got a new raptor 350, which her husband let me ride for a bit, i was impressed, it felt like it had good power, but nothing compared to his yfz450.

I am just wondering which is the better quad as for upkeep, and maintance costs and issues, which is the quickest adn which is the most fun.

Oh yeah while i am at it what is a good piping system for it, i have an in at rockymountainatv that can get me parts at cost plus 10%

Thanks

 

The Z's powerband is a little pipey for slow, technical riding. You might have to do some clutch work in the rocks, etc. The old tech 350 should be good at that kind of situation, but absolutely nowhere else.

The Z is a dead solid reliable machine. If you are looking at machines in this class, check out the 400EX as well. I prefer my EX for tight, slower, semi-technical trails. And my Z for faster more open trails, and the open desert.

 

I was looking at the same ATVs you were, and ended up leaning towards something else for different reasons. But here's what I found.

The Z/KFX (just depends on what color you like, white, green, or orange) was the best one in that class. The 400EX is rock solid though. However everyone I talked to said the Z/KFX was just as reliable and faster, better handling, etc.

 

HotrodTyler, The Z will fit in right between the 350Rappy and the YFZ performance and handling wise. You would be getting better suspension, fater motor, better chassis, and a more technically advanced machine in just about every way with the Z. Both are proven reliable, and both will be fun rides. Maintenance should be somewhat less on the Raptor, but not by much. You can find used Z's easily, and used Warriors are a dime a dozen. The 400EX is also a decent choice, Very comparable to the Z. Earlier models don't have reverse though, and stock to stock, mod for mod, the Z is always just a step ahead. If you really need better low speed performance, $15.00 and 15 minutes can solve that on any quad by installing a new countershaft sprocket with a lower tooth count. If you are routinely riding with YFZ's you won't need to worry about low trail speeds though. As for exhausts, a search will turn up plenty of opinions. For trailriding you really need a low/midrange tuned exhaust. HMF is very popular and gives gains everywhere, but especially where you need it for trails. Dr.D is also good. Yosh practically wrote the book on Z exhausts. Bottom line is they will all give you improvement over stock. Just a slip on will save you about $200.00 at the sacrifice of maybe a few HP. Good luck with your shopping!

 

Z

 

i was just telling some1 about this. Go with the Z u wont be disappointed i promise! It is extremely reliable and quick(DOHC). They also have better egronomics than the 350 if ur small it doesnt matter. but i've sat on a 350 and they are 2 small 4 me. This a pic of me sitting on a
KFX check it out. when i was there i saw the raptor but i dont know if it'd meet up 2 my standards. If u can swing the extra bucks go for the Z u wont b disapppointed.

 

I know what you mean by the raptor feeling small, i rode it for a extended period of time, i felt a bit big for it and im only 5'10"

Today i stoped in to the dealer and he had 06's for 5600ish 05's for 5200 a one new 04 that he was selling for 4800. I like the blace trim on he 04 better but i like the suspension setup on the 05's i think i need to find somebody to loan me one so i can give it a thuroal test ride before i ly down that much money if i am going to buy new though. Are he prices about right for the quads

 

Yeah those are pretty good prices right in the ballpark i would go with the '05 and maybe talk em down to $5000