I can get either a 2005 Honda 400ex or a 2003 Suzuki Z400 for the same price $2800, same condition and pretty close on hrs. I know this is a Honda forum but is the a difference in the bikes that should swing my decision? I kind of like the looks of the Suzuki better but not if the Honda is clearly a better bike. Also is the price a good deal? Both bikes have minor scratches but no cracks, tires are stock and still in good shape, nothing visibly wrong with either.

 

The Suzuki will be the better allaroud bike, the performer of the two if you will. The 400 is a great bike with a solid air cooled engine while the Z is water cooled dual overhed cam that likes to rev. Think of it this way by the EX for slow trail riding the Z for eveything else!

 

Like Dodge said, the EX will bog down on trail rides but the Z likes higher RPM's. It really depends on which type of riding you do... I trail ride, so I bought myself a 400ex

 

What they said! The EX if you ride tight trails, and the Z for everything else.

The EX is no slouch on the top end either, but the Z is faster on the top end. Only problem with the Z is you will have to do some clutch slipping if you want to ride it real slow on a technical trail.

 

if you want to trail ride and you prefer the Z...juist cange the sprokets to acheive a lower final drive so it dosn't lug out when going slow....a fairly cheap and easy solution

 

The 2003 suzuki's did have frame failure problems. Around the upper shock mounts check the welds. If there is any cracks or broken paint on the welds, walk away.