Ok here's the deal and need some input on this. I have narrowed my quad choices to this a 2006 450R (electric start) or a 2006 Z400 (Suzuki). I ride mostly trails and occasonily sand hills, Which quad would be the best choice? I know this is a honda forum, But I figured you could give a honest answer. My question is I think the Z400 might not have the power I like as I just came off a Banshee. Thanks to all that can help with this.

 

The 2006 450er with the HRC kit will serve you well on the trails. In fact, either bike will feel better in the trails than a Banshee. I can't speak specifically to riding in the sand but the added power of the HRC should give you the added boost you want. Power wise, the z400 will feel too much like a toy for any ex-Banshee rider. The z400 is just slightly faster than a 400ex. A stock z400 isn't even close to a 2006 450r.

/Jon

 

Yea my friend just got a 450r and we just took it to the sand hills. i raced a kid up a hill with a 2005 z400 and i easily beat him(we both were stock). For the trail riding i would defenitlly go with the 450r it has good excelertation which u need whne your riding trails. I would go with the 450r and im not just sayin this cuz i like honda.

 

What consists of the HRC kit? Is it cam & exhaust? How is the low speed riding on the 06? Wheelies still easy with a good balance point? I use to be able to ride wheelies on my shee forever.

 

I dont know what your trails are like but here in washington I would prefer a z400 the 450 has too much top end for the sand the 450r for sure. If your trails are wide smooth and fast the 450r would be the best. I have riden booth quads are great.

 

Actually the low speed putting factor on the '06 isn't that great. They like the high rpms. For the trails, I have kept my 426ex. It is so easy to ride and plus the seat is soft. Wheelies are very easy on the '06 450. I just comleted the HRC kit which is the cam, wire harness to rev box that bumps up 1000rpm and adjusts timing, carb mods, larger head pipe and muffler insert and air box plug. The power increase is impressive.

 

Well I thought they changed the gearing for better low speed driving? Not saying I will be driving slow all the time.

 

Yes, but on a "race" quad you can't have too low of gearing. That's where the consumer comes in and can put on a $15 sprocket and there you go.

 

Do you need to cut the chain?

 

If a bike is geared significantly too tall, then just put a front countershaft sprocket on it with one less tooth and you should be happy. Costs from $15-30 and in most if not all cases, with a good chain, will only require a little chain adjustment- no cutting! My countershaft spocket takes about 10 minutes to change. The nice thing about changing the front is you can change it back if you start running different size tires or go on a faster paced ride.