Looking for opinions, both good and bad, on the above quads....

Wife has an LTZ250 now that we are having an issue with. Dealer can't pinpoint the problem so it's not being fixed either. I'm tired of my wife being frustrated with the problem. I figure if I gotta buy a new one, I might as well upgrade.

Thanks for your input...

 

I have an 05 Z400 and my son-in-law has an 05 ex400, Just my opion but the Z is A much better choice.. Can't really say about the Raptor 350 never had the chance to try one.

 

The z400 has the most power, and it's much more top end oriented than the 400ex and warrior which are happier to put around with good torque compared to the rest of their powerband. If your wife enjoys going fast and likes the throttle I'd suggest the z, but if she's content to cruise around still have some midrange punch I'd say the ex. The warrior has lots of low and midrange power for its size and is a great trail bike, but doesnt quite have the power the 400's do. If you're just looking for something with a little more power then it's a great choice.

 

Thanks for the quick responses.

My wife is definitely a "Mom" first and rides in the back on trail rides. She is totally content in 'cruise' mode and doesn't 'rip' around. Most of our riding in SoCal is desert riding on hardpack trails. We do the Glamis sand thing once a year for 3 days. We go to Colorado every year for 8-10 days and ride the forest trails there.

Without a doubt, I'd say that suspension is more important than speed.

Due to the issues with the 250, *reliability* is topping the list right about now. That being said, I don't know of anybody else having any issues with the LTZ250. Just our dumb luck...

 

Sounds like the 400ex is your best bet IMO. Good low end and midrange to put around while still having power when you need it. Very good suspension and handling charachteristics, the z400 is highly based on it.

 

I would say 400EX as well. Or mayb even a Raptor 350 or the 300EX. Those are all very good for the trails and geared nice and long for putting along.

 

I own both the EX and Z.

The EX is a great trail bike. Its engine will lug down, and it can be ridden slowly through tight technical sections. It is my weapon of choice for riding single track trails in the San Bernardino Mountains, at least until I get a dirt bike. Also makes a descent desert ride. Superb handling!

The Z is probably the best all-around machine there is! Good desert or trail machine. The engine hops up real nice and it is considerably faster than the EX (important in the sand). Its engine likes to rev though, so it isn't as willing to lug down like the EX when trail riding (you need to do some clutch slipping, etc.). Superb handling!

The Yamaha is a warmed over Warrior with an ancient engine. I wouldn't go there.

 

and what makes the 400ex's engine any better? it has just as old of a design. contrary to what people say and believe, the 400ex is NOT that much faster than the warrior. it has just a tad more top end.

 

The 400ex really does have newer technology than the Warrior. The engine is 4 valve versus two. Makes a difference. Hands down, its a much quicker machine and less reliant on gearing.