ok, I'm 16 and weigh 160 and 5' 11".. my first 4wheeler was a suzuki eiger 400, I thought it was a good quad but as soon as i wrecked it into the back of someone else going 5 mph and it caused $800 damage I rode someone's 250ex that they were selling and I was instantly hooked. I ended up buying it (great quad, easy and simple to ride, got it for $1800 from someone who just wanted to get rid of them) but I definitely need more power, I ride that 250ex like theres no tomorrow.

The 07 trx450r is a beast and I really like the black plastics with red flames and a red frame, but it doesn't have reverse and thats something I almost have to have, I use it all the time.. then on top of that, my friend said something about it being so powerful that the front end is hard to keep on the ground to a point where its not fun, and he said its impossible to ride with a passenger. plus, some people I talked to say that they are too high maintenance for someone to ride casually, as I'm used to only changing the oil in the 250ex every 1 1/2 months and that's it. I don't know if this is all true but another question, is there a reverse kit or something you can buy for it?

right now I'm leaning toward the 400ex because it has reverse, it costs $1000+ less and the friend who said the 450r is too powerful/not fun said that the 400ex is more fun, but he does weigh 210 lbs and I weigh 160.. someone else said that the 400ex is lower maintenance and will hold up better for casual riding. I don't know if this is all true or not, but I'm buying a new quad sometime before christmas, and I'd like to clear some stuff up so I don't get stuck with something I don't want

thanks alot guys! I appreciate any responses

 

The 400EX is just like your 250 - almost zero maintenance. Change the oil and clean the airfilter every once in a while and it will run for 25 years.

450R requires a little more maintenance but isn't that bad. You need to change the oil more often and get the valves checked once or twice a year. But that's it. That motor is rock solid too.

If you're looking at the 450R you should also look at the YFZ. The same is true about the maintenance but it has a lot better handling.

 

by the way do any of you know how they get 6-speed transmissions in the 400's and 450's? from what I understand they come with 5-speed stock, but I test-rode someone's 400ex and it had 6 gears, another person's 450 i saw had 7 gears, how would I go about getting something like that? because I do like going really fast..

..reminds me of this one time when I took my friend's bombardier outlander 800 for a 50 mile spin on paved roads going like 80-90mph the whole time, that was unexplainably fun..

 

i heared this same que on here about the extra gears and reverse kit for 450r im 16 as well. i think you just forgot what gear you were in i do it al the time on my 300ex or you just got stuck in 2gear and thought you were in 3
i also do that. the 400 ex is 6speed if you add reverse to but in a 6or7 not going to happen their isnt room in the trans to do. it if you do find a way to do it you may gain only 2-3mph if your going down hill. the engine wont have the power to turn the extra gear because it wasnt design to have it. as for a reverse kit there isnt one for 450r again no room for it was takin out to save weight because it's made to race me i'm going to be getting a 07 450r soon. but seeing how you need reverse you may need to look at the raptor 660 or 700 their just as fast if not faster then the 450r and they have reverse. it is ture that the power of the 450r engine and having a very light front gets the front up very easy but you can adjust the clutch so it dosnt hook as hard i did it on my 300ex its good in a drag because you get the hole shot but in 5 the engine slips slowing you down.

 

Hey, lived in Morgantown when I was a kid. Nice area! Probably changed a lot since then........

I assume that you will mostly be riding trails. The 450 is geared tall and likes to run, so it is my pick for the open desert. I don't ever take it on tight trails, because it would require to much clutch work.

The 400EX and Z400 are great trail machines. The EX will lug, but the Z likes to rev more (but nothing like the 450), so I like the EX for the tight stuff, and the Z for faster more open trails, and some open country riding.

 

OK Steve, the only quads I've ridden that have six gears were Yamahas, and no, reverse doesn't count. Where do you ride? That possibly will dictate the type of bike that best fits you. If you flip any bike and believe your in control of the clutch, than that's some serious hill/woods stuff. It's all about control, I would rather have the power on tap (that I can control) than not have the power when I need it . Ride Safe..

 

TRX250Rs have 6 forward gears...

400EX is a tough bike. but to topic id say for the price and how you want to ride, get the Z400. nice blend of what you want.

if you want to spend more on a good all around machine, then get a raptor 700 or find a good used 660. If reverse is something you HAVE to have you basically eliminated the 450R yourself. But if the 450 class was something you were after id divert your attention to the new kawasaki 450 (it has reverse and EFI) or the YFZ - handels better than a 450R....

 

I'd go with the 400EX or Z400 if you are riding trails, the EX being better for tight trails. I'd only go for a 450r or YFZ if you are running all track. On the maintenance side EX's and Z's are very low maintenance, and the 450r is low maintenence too, but a little more. So if i were you i'd stick with a 400ex or z400 and pick based on which dealer can give you the lowest price.

 

the 400 is more low maintnance and it's a ton of fun but the 450 is alittle more maintnance, more power made for your friend who id 210 pounds. i don't know if you'll be 160 pounds and 5'11 for the rest of your life but i would keep researching on both of them and find out whats best for you. also think of the price!!!.