400ex or z400
Apr 17, 2005 | 09:38 PM
#1
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Weekend Warrior
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400ex or z400
I am going to be purchasing a new ATV in the next couple months and have narrowed it down to these two bikes. I know Honda is always known for reliability but which bike do you think would be better? I am talking in terms of speed, handling, and any other things 1 bike has that maybe the other doesnt. I just want to get more information before I decide which one to go with. Mainly, the riding I do would be wide open areas, little bit of trails, jumps, and hillclimbs. Thanks for the replies.
Apr 18, 2005 | 12:23 AM
#2
Red Rider
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400ex or z400
I own both, so you aren't going to get any brand loyalty BS from me! The Z is by far the best all-around machine you can buy. I only choose the EX when I am riding real tight, semi-technical trails (it is now my daughters hand-me-down bike). I choose the 450R for wide open desert, and the Z for everything between.
The EX will idle along in 1st gear, and doesn't mind going slow. The Z on the other hand, likes to rev, and doesn't like being lugged down. The Z has more motor than the EX, and it is proving to be every bit as reliable as the venerable old EX, and it mods up very well for more power. The Z handles a little better than the EX, and has a lighter feel.
The EX will idle along in 1st gear, and doesn't mind going slow. The Z on the other hand, likes to rev, and doesn't like being lugged down. The Z has more motor than the EX, and it is proving to be every bit as reliable as the venerable old EX, and it mods up very well for more power. The Z handles a little better than the EX, and has a lighter feel.
Apr 18, 2005 | 11:41 AM
#3
Shed Knocker Rider
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400ex or z400
I agree with everything recon said about the two, as always[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
But I'll add that if your not as experienced I would recommend the EX. It is a little bit easier to handle for a newb, and a little more easier to maintain. Either way your will have a good machine, the real tie breaker is that the Z has more performance.
But I'll add that if your not as experienced I would recommend the EX. It is a little bit easier to handle for a newb, and a little more easier to maintain. Either way your will have a good machine, the real tie breaker is that the Z has more performance.
Apr 18, 2005 | 12:55 PM
#4
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Weekend Warrior
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400ex or z400
Thank you very much for the info. It helped out a lot. As I can see for this post and in other forums I posted the Z seems to be the better choice so that is what I will be getting. Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it
Apr 18, 2005 | 04:33 PM
#5
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400ex or z400
I'd have to agree with most of what has been said here, except for one thing.
IMO the Z/KFX has no problem just putting around in the woods. Yes is LOVES to rev, but it also feels happy just to cruise around in 1st and 2nd gear. It doesn't sound like it's making much torque at the low RPMs but it's there. I've just about idled up some pretty big hills in 2nd gear. It's funny because about midway up the hill you can hear the engine make a noise that sounds like it's going to bog a little, but it never does and the throttle response it so quick from that point on up that just a little pump of the thumb brings up the RPMs really quick. I'm not sure if that can be attributed to the TPS they put on the 05s or what, but it feels almost like the throttle respose of an EFI engine.
The only real problem I had with buying a 400ex, (and I looked at the 05s before I bought my KFX) was the price. They wanted MORE for the 400ex at my local dealer than I paid for an 05 KFX400.
I personally couldn't see spending the same or more money on a quad with less suspension, and less engine. The 400cc Suzuki engine has proven to be very reliable since it's inception so I felt pretty comfortable buying one. Of course it has a long way to go in that respect to meeting the 400ex and it's awesome track record of service.
I think either way you'll be happy.
IMO the Z/KFX has no problem just putting around in the woods. Yes is LOVES to rev, but it also feels happy just to cruise around in 1st and 2nd gear. It doesn't sound like it's making much torque at the low RPMs but it's there. I've just about idled up some pretty big hills in 2nd gear. It's funny because about midway up the hill you can hear the engine make a noise that sounds like it's going to bog a little, but it never does and the throttle response it so quick from that point on up that just a little pump of the thumb brings up the RPMs really quick. I'm not sure if that can be attributed to the TPS they put on the 05s or what, but it feels almost like the throttle respose of an EFI engine.
The only real problem I had with buying a 400ex, (and I looked at the 05s before I bought my KFX) was the price. They wanted MORE for the 400ex at my local dealer than I paid for an 05 KFX400.
I personally couldn't see spending the same or more money on a quad with less suspension, and less engine. The 400cc Suzuki engine has proven to be very reliable since it's inception so I felt pretty comfortable buying one. Of course it has a long way to go in that respect to meeting the 400ex and it's awesome track record of service.
I think either way you'll be happy.
Apr 18, 2005 | 05:41 PM
#6
T Rex Rider
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From: Oeste Del Tejas
400ex or z400
As far as putting around, you could always gear down the Z/KFX a little for tight trails. Same price, I'd buy the Z/KFX.
Still think you can save $ on a used 400ex though. Unless you plan on racing, which one's faster in a 100yard drag really doesn't matter.
Still think you can save $ on a used 400ex though. Unless you plan on racing, which one's faster in a 100yard drag really doesn't matter.
Apr 18, 2005 | 05:53 PM
#7
Shed Knocker Rider
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400ex or z400
I havn't ridden a 05' Z, but I bet the new 400ex's will run with a stock 04' Z. That closer gear ratio really made the 400ex quicker. More shifting, but quicker.
And as for suspension, the Z is smoother, but I feel the EX is a tad more stable and flies as good as the Z. Like I always say, if you are a casual trail rider either is fine, if you want a little more performance go with the Z. The only thing hurting the EX in that area, is it's engine, it is a fine engine, it just simply won't put out the power as the Z will when modded.
And as for suspension, the Z is smoother, but I feel the EX is a tad more stable and flies as good as the Z. Like I always say, if you are a casual trail rider either is fine, if you want a little more performance go with the Z. The only thing hurting the EX in that area, is it's engine, it is a fine engine, it just simply won't put out the power as the Z will when modded.
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Apr 19, 2005 | 12:58 AM
#8
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400ex or z400
The 05 400ex are pretty much the same thing as the 04, the reverse is the only major difference, you really cant even tell they messes around with the gear ratios and stuff, you can hardly notice any difference and also it weighs 386lbs in 05 instead of the 375lbs in 04. On the other hand the 05 Z/KFX400's you can tell they had a improvement, better suspension, the messed with the clutch and ect... but if honda was smart they wont not have set the price of the 400ex lower than the Z/KFX400, cuz they would get better business. Also the 400ex tops out at 65mph stock and the Z/KFX400's do about 70mph give or take! Really being that the 400ex is the same price as the Z/KFX400's your better off with the Z or KFX, they have more power, more upgraded suspension, and just are an all around better machine. The truth is they are both great but if the 400ex was still at the 04 price i would say go with that! But as it stand the Z/KFX400 are the better choice.
Apr 19, 2005 | 09:59 AM
#9
Shed Knocker Rider
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400ex or z400
I havn't seen a dealer yet where the price is more than 5300. They just retail at 5799, that means nothing.
And as far as not being to tell a difference with the gear ratio's, go ride one or learn how to ride, there is a difference. I think they could have done more, but THERE IS a noticable difference. Quit reading Dirtwheels.
And as far as not being to tell a difference with the gear ratio's, go ride one or learn how to ride, there is a difference. I think they could have done more, but THERE IS a noticable difference. Quit reading Dirtwheels.
Apr 21, 2005 | 11:46 PM
#10
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400ex or z400
Originally posted by: motox26
I havn't seen a dealer yet where the price is more than 5300. They just retail at 5799, that means nothing.
And as far as not being to tell a difference with the gear ratio's, go ride one or learn how to ride when your not high, there is a difference. I think they could have done more (yes), but there is a noticable difference. Quit reading Dirtwheels and read playboy its better!!!!!!!!!!!.
I havn't seen a dealer yet where the price is more than 5300. They just retail at 5799, that means nothing.
And as far as not being to tell a difference with the gear ratio's, go ride one or learn how to ride when your not high, there is a difference. I think they could have done more (yes), but there is a noticable difference. Quit reading Dirtwheels and read playboy its better!!!!!!!!!!!.