I know the z had problems with their axles and frame. Is there ANYTHING else I should be aware of? I thought I heard something about the swing-arm? thanks for the help

 

The axle problem has been fixed and the frame problem is kinda a hit and miss situation. Many have not had any problems with the frame, and some cracked it their first ride. There is a brace that can help support the part above the shock mounts for about $70 which will all but solve the problem unless you are jumping off buildings. I personally haven't had any problems yet (knock on wood)!

 

Mine has done fine.

 

Mine has every problem youve heard about. Bent the axle...Replaced. Demolished the skid plate...replaced. Rear rotor is bent and squeeks like hell...not replaced yet. Frame is cracked....waitin on a call back from the dealer. Thats about it! To be fair...i ride this bike a lot...has maybe 30-40 hours on it in 6 mos. I dont jump it at all...but i do ride the woods and the desert...so it gets bumped around big time. I guess thats what i get for buyin a first yr model release! Or a suzuki...im not sure jus yet...

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img]

 

Thanks guys for the replies. Rivermobster, how did you ruin your rotor? Are the skids crap? The reason I'm asking about any problems is that I'm torn against buying a dale that will probably be expensive to fix, no dealers around, possible engine probs, ect... but the best quad out there or settling for a Z. I just don't know yet. I want the dale but more importantly, I also want dependabilty. Any suggestions?

 

Haulin,
Me personally I would go with the Z. I know a guy who has 2 dales, they have spent more time in the shop then he has ridin them. The only problem I ran into was when I changed the front sprocket, the chain was a bear to line up because of the swingarm. Overall they are a real good quad, the swingarm problem can be overlooked.

 

No problems with mine, I got mine last year after a few months of them being released. I did however replace the skid plates cuz I have never seen a oem skid plate outlast Redrock canyon. Just be sure you get both bottom skid plates, there is one that goes under neath the rear shock and the other is the rear hub and all. Good luck!!

 

The skids are crap. The one on the swingarm is PLASTIC!!! So u can guess what happened to the rotor after jus a few hits [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img] PRM-ATV makes an awsome one. Im jus kinda bitter at the moment cause of my frame...and all the other problems. But what im see'n is that all the NEW quads are havein there share of problems as well. Right now...im wishin i woulda took my 6K...bought a used 250R...and fixed it up reeeeeeeeeeeel nice for the same money!!! New doesnt always equal good [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Rivermobster - You got that right, but then again, there is no warranty on a built motor, at least I haven't seen one yet. Otherwise I would have done that too!! My buddy just had his Banshee gone thru, top and bottom, the shop said they broke it in and it was ready to go, it ran pretty good then towards the end of the day we were all heading back and he was just puttin down the dunes and it locked up!! We got it towed in and had to pay another 1500.00 to get it fixed. All I know it had to have a crank and pistons but all the other little goodies that go along with it as well. So either way you're just like playing the lottery, you win some and you lose some.

 

rivermobster - I am not ussually judgemental about how someone rides, but if you are doing all that damage just trail riding, maybe you need to learn how to pick a good line. If you see a big *** rock go around it!!!! Just a thought. My Z is still fine no problems. I ride both trails and MX tracks and have had no problems. I did invest in some Pro Armor protection, because I knew I pushed hard. I think people need to look a little closer on how they ride and set up their quads to suit their riding style. If you are breaking shock mounts, you are bottoming the hell out of your shocks and need aftermarket shocks!!! If you are beating the hell out of your frame, rotors, skit plate, then buy the nice metal protective parts that are on the market. At under $5200 the Z offers some room to upgrade if your riding style calls for it. All quads have weak spots, both quads new in 2003 and those that are 12+ years old. Don't tell me they couldn't make a banshee handle better then a tank after 12+ years of manufacturing. Be happy you have the best new sport quad on the market. As far as the Zuk frames go...maybe they have to start doing their testing with riders that weigh over 150 lbs. (I do agree the Zuk frames need a little help)

I think us fat *** Americans are a little harder on the frames....Zuk needs to test their quads with sumo wrestlers!!!!!