All I know is a bit about the 250EX.

50-52mph top speed.
12.5 rwhp
100 yard drag in 9.4sec on pavement.
17lbs lighter then the Z.
229cc

How does the Suzuki compare?

Can you get a hitch for the Z?

 

Just went to my dealer today and they have 3 Z-250s. They sold 1 and the other 2, including a white one are awaiting assembly. I'll be getting a Z-250 {in white} or a 250ex soon. I'll definitely test ride both before I buy. On paper the Suzuki looks better and the Ozark was a better performer than the Recon, so I suspect the same to hold true for the sportier siblings too. I'll post back and let you know what I find out about them.

 

Comparing a 250ex and a Z-250 will be the same as what happens when you compare a 400ex to a Z-400. the Z is the better machine. im not bashing the EX but the z-250 is more powerfull and looks better. and with a similar price tag, it is a better Value too. the Z-250 is closer to a true 250(246cc) as compared to the ex's 229cc. they should call the honda the 230ex.(LOL)
but both are great for having fun on[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

About the only advantage the 250EX might still have is a smoother shifting transmission. The Ozark's transmission was said to be pretty notchy and unless they made some changes, the Z-250 probably will be too.

 

Atv Connection tested the Z-250 recently. they siad the tranny shifted pretty well. i trust atv connection over the other big magazines since atv connection isnt biased from what i see. the Z should be a pretty awesome quad. i just dont see why the put a dang shaft-drive on it, that is the only reason im not getting one. and a Clutch would have been cool too. but whatever the case may be, i think the Z is gonna be totally awesome. i cant wait for the local Zuki dealer to get one so i can check it out.
but it is definately gonna be better than the EX in all ways, Guarenteed.

 

I have ridden both, although it has been a while since I rode the 250EX. Here is what I can tell you.

The Z250 is a neat little quad. The motor is very responsive, and it will Wheelie with ease. The shifting is nothing like the Ozark, it is smooth and positive. The suspension is pretty good for a lightweight Sport Quad. The rear swing-arm has been significantly reinforced over the Ozark, and the rear reservoir shock has been moved from the swing-arm cross member to the rear-end housing itself.

My Wife and my Nephew (Both real similar in weight) raced several times, with my Wife on the Z and my Nephew on the Ozark. Granted, the Z250 has a Yoshi Slip-On on it, but it is also still very tight, and there is definitely more performance to be gained once it starts to loosen up. Anyway my Nephew was pushing the Ozark pretty hard, and my Wife wasn't even hammering on the Z and she was still beating him by 4 to 5 Quad lengths every time in a 90 to 100 yard race.

The 250EX has a peppy little motor, especially for only being 229cc, but it isn't going to match up with the Z250 power wise. The one thing that I didn't like about the 250EX, is that it was a little tippy, but that can always be fixed with wheel spacers. The 250EX is very agile and has the usual spot on handling that Honda is known for. In all honesty, they are both great little Sport Quads, and you will no doubt have fun on either one. The fact is that the Z250 is going to be just a little bit better in every aspect. Suzuki has made a habit of one-upping Honda on everything, and the Z250 is continuing that trend.

The other thing that is neat about the Z250, is that there is already a complete line of aftermarket parts for it. A lot of the dealers had the parts, like Nerf Bars, Bumpers, every Skid-plate front to back, Exhaust, Decal Kits and Seat Covers, before they even had the Quads.

 

The Z is definately a lot better than the EX. And is my dealer like the only one that doesn't have accessories for my Z yet?, they haven't even seen any yet. And they can't even get another Z in until next month

 

wow, i didnt know zuki shipped them out yet. how do you like the thing? have you been able to compare it to a blaster by any chance yet? im like 190@5'11 but i loke smaller quads over the bigger ones. you think the Z would Carry me around ok?

 

SuzukiZ250Kid,

The dealer that I got my Wife's Z250 from, had the aftermarket stuff a week before they got their first Quad.


PmanX8,

The Blaster is still going to be Quicker, but I think that the Z is going to be a better ride in the long run. As far as how this Quad will do for someone your size, it will haul you around just fine, but it is a smaller size quad, and you may feel a little cramped on it. I'm quite a bit bigger than you, and I think it is a fun quad to ride, but it is better suited for smaller riders.

 

well, i just went and looked at a new Z-250 and 03 blaster today. and i came to a conclusion. i pick my new blaster up tomarrow[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img].
ya call me crazy but i liked it more than the Z. the blaster feels more comfy.(Plus i love that one of a kind 2-stroke SMELL*) [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]