Hi, My 13 yr. old wanted a Blaster in the worst way and I tried to talk him into a 4 stroke. He rides VERY conservatively compared to most 13 yr. olds. He finally got his Blaster ('97) and now he PUTTS around just like I thought he would...2-5000 rpm, instead of 5-9000 rpm like it's meant to be ridden. Also, I think it rides TERRIBLE...rougher than heck. Question for those that have had different sport quads...how do the above machines compare in ride and power? Granted the Blaster is pretty quick when you stay on the throttle, but I think it's a pooch the way he rides it. How do each compare in a drag race? I would think any of the other choices would be better at lower RPMs. How 'bout the suspension in jumps? Overall ride comfort and handling? He does like to ride faster...just not aggresively. I think he'd even have more fun on a Kawasaki Lakota! He rides 50% sand and 50% trails. Reverse would be nice too (sorry 400ex).

I personally think he'd like any 350cc+ 4 stroke machine with a great suspension.

I don't want to start a war here...just would like some EXPERIENCED opinions!

Thanks in advance!

PS Gotta keep the price less than $2000. (Projects are ok to keep the price down.)

 

Budgets aside, I think a newer 400ex with reverse would be a good fit, or if reliablity isn't as much of an issue the z400s are about the best all-around performing quad ever made, they just don't compare to the simpler designs of the older quads for reliablity.

But that $2000 budget... I don't think you're going to find a 400ex or z400 for that much.

The warrior's engine can be dogged around all day with no problems because their power delivery is like a tractor from the factory. They're a heavy quad with an older suspension design, but it's still a little better for jumping than the blaster's pogo stick shocks. I've got about as high as 6 feet without bottoming out on flat landings, but it's still a harsh landing.

But throw some aftermarket shocks on the front (less than $500 for a good new set) and the rear shock from a 2001 raptor 660 (got mine for $70 shipped on ebay) and you'll have a much smoother riding and better jumping warrior. So I guess if you found a used warrior for around $1500, and threw another 500-something into shocks you'd have a quad that meets your requirements very well.

 

I've thought about keeping my eyes open for a 400ex or Z400 project for him, but he's not the mechanic type and I feel like if he's not motivated to work on it, then I'm less enthusiastic about doing 100% of it myself. I originally wanted him to get a Warrior or 300ex. Question for you on your Warrior...how is it compared to a 300ex? I've heard the 300ex has a little better stock suspension (solveable I assume with your shock upgrade ideas) and the Warrior has a little more power. Are there any major differences in the different year Warriors? What changes did they make along the way, or are they all basically the same?

Thanks!

 

Warrior never changed much through the years

Headlights moved early on

A few different carbs

Different CDI

and thats about it, so they all about the same

Warrior is a little faster than a 300ex in a drag but a 300ex is a very nimble machine in the woods

You can find a few older 400ex for around 2k in my area but not sure what they would look like

any of the 3 would probally work good

 

The warrior never changed much through the years. All years will perform the same. The first 2 years have a different frame, so nobody makes aftermarket a-arms for them, and those first 2 years were also the only years they came with a recoil starter, and the headlights mounted down low. Somewhere around 1993 they changed from square headlights to the round headlights like mine has. There were also a few electrical changes, but nothing that you really need to take into consideration when buying one.

The warrior has a little more power and speed than the 300ex, but the 300ex is a lighter machine, and some think the suspension is better. I've heard quite a few stories about the 300ex's shocks blowing out though.

 

I don't think that you are going to be able to find a 400ex for 2k without it needing a little bit of work. Around 3k would be a better estimate for a pretty nice 400, unless you get an older one. The 300ex and the Warrior won't be able to keep up with the 400 in a drag, but they won't be far behind. Pretty much any LOW REVVING four stroke can be lugged around, but they do need to be opened up every now and then. I think any of the quads' suspension will fit your kid's riding style just fine, but once you start gettin 5-6+ ft. high then you need aftermarket suspension. If not it makes for a rough landing and maybe bottoming out. Most people are going to be biased towards the warrior because this is the yamaha forum, but i think that any of the three will work just fine.

 

find a good warrior, buy mine for 3000

 

The great thing about the warrior in my opinion is that the engine sits up a few inches further then the other quads you have named. This can be very good if he would be climbing ANY hills. Of course you would know that with the engine up further it holds the front end down. I have ridden on many 400ex's stock and modded and the 400s with the mods would lift the front end up with ease through 4 gears.

The one thing I don't like about the 300ex is how small it is. Of course I am 6'2, and I doubt your 13 year old is that tall but it is something to think about in the future.

Im not downing the 400ex, and the newer models are better due to the reverse. If you were to get a Z400 check this thread out about the z400 corroding.
http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/474907.cfm

Its not a big deal, but nice to know about if your looking into that quad..

Hope I helped out just a little, my fingers are tired..

 

We were looking at Warriors, but didn't come across anything I thought was worth the money. I'm still thinking dollar for dollar a good used Warrior is his best bet (unless I can come across a deal on something else.) What were some of the problem areas on the Warriors? Frame issues? Axle strength? Engine problems? Certain maintenance issues? Finally...he's going to ask me...how fast is a stock Warrior compared to a stock Blaster? Honestly, I could beat him on his Blaster with our Bayou 220 because I ride really hard and he's more timid. Sometimes what we THINK we have is more important than what we really have. Such is the mind of a 13 yr. old!

 

Biggest things to look out for is cracked paint on the frame around the swingarm and a-arm mounts, those areas of the frame take the most load and are the most likely part to break. Also check the ball joints, because if they're worn out you have to replace the entire a-arm, not just the joint itself. Warriors are pretty tough machines, i've bottomed out hard coming off jumps on the mx track with my stock suspension and never bent or broke anything.

Stock vs stock a warrior and blaster are very very closely matched in acceleration, and the warrior is approximately 5 mph faster on top end. For trail riding the warrior will be quicker with the longer more stable wheelbase, and torquey engine that pulls hard from idle all the way to redline.