Hey everyone,

I've read all the "newbie" dilemma posts on here I could find, but most seem to be Honda/Suzuki battles. I'm new to riding and looking to get a Z for myself. I have ridden a friends yzf450 3 or 4 times; and that thing's just WAY too fast for a newbie like me right now, but I don't want to be sick of the Z 6 months from now, wishing I had bought something else. There seems to be enough aftermaket mods and such to pep it up later when I feel more comfortable on it, anyone have any suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks,
Jay

 

The Z is a great ride. It needs an aftermarket pipe to improve the low end. I got the FMF Ti-4 and PowerBomb header and REALLY like them. Plus, a K&N and vented airbox lid. I ride with Raptors, Banshees, and a DS. No problem keeping up. With a few more mods, it's a good desert bike. Some people are cracking their top front shock mounts (not me!), so be sure to get an 04, because they suposedly beefed it up???????

 

RR,

Thanks for the info, sounds good. I too have heard about the shock mounts being poorly welded, and a problem point for some riders. I am still trying to locate some more difinitive info on that. I'm 5'9, 155, so I don't imagine I will put a big stress on the frame/mounts anyhow.

-Jay

 

I got the Arens Bros brace, just to hedge my bets. Just installed it, so I rode one hard desert season without it, with no problems!!

 

yeah i agree with reconranger on this one. The z400 has plenty of power with a custom pipe, and especially for a beginner.