Both machines handle about the same. The best thing about the EX is that the engine will lug down, and this is a great advantage when you are riding tight or semi-technical trails where you have to go slow. I just put it in first gear, and idle my way through. The Z on the other hand likes to rev, so in technical stuff you have to work the clutch which gets old on a long ride, or just have to ride faster than you want to. As far as top speed, the Z is considerably faster than the EX.

I pick the EX for the trail, the Z for more open trails, and the 450R for the wide open desert. Of all my bikes, I have to say that I probably have the most fun on the EX! We have some wicked woods trails in the local mountains, and it is my favorite ride up there.

 

what kind of paddles do you run on a ex. i have sandskate 2's on my kfx, thinking about haulers