I need a little advice, I am buying a new quad this year. I am stuck between the ltz400 and the honda 450r. I owned a 400ex a couple of years ago, it was a great machine, but I found it lacking in the power department. I ride mostly trails, and get into the sand at silver lake sand dunes a couple times a summer. The ltz looks like a great machine, It has a nice comfortable feel to it ( from sitting on it in the dealership) , but I do not want to be dissapointed with the machines power(nice price also, reverse also a plus). The honda on the other hand, seems to feel really compact even compared to the 400ex. But looks to be an amazing machine. I am also looking for the quad to be extremely nimble through the tight trails, over large logs, and other obstacles. Any input would be appreciated,

Have been out of the Atv scene for a while [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I own both, and both are excellent machines, but they are different.

If you want the most motor, get an 06 R with the HRC kit. The R has a great handling frame for the trail, but the 04/05 is geared tall, which makes for a lot of clutch work if you need to ride slow. The 06 suposedly has more trail friendly gearing????

The stock Z is pretty mild, but wakes up real nice by just opening up the airbox, a UNI filter, and an aftermarket exhaust system. Great trail handling (much like the 400EX), but it doesn't tolerate being ridden as slow on technical trails like your EX did.

Personally, I ride the the R in the open desert, and pick the Z for more mixed riding that might contain some trails. For really tight slower semi-technical trails, the EX is the all-time best machine.

 

Thanks for the help reconranger. I am still undecided, I really need two quads for the different types of riding I like to do, Ahh that would be nice. But for now anyone elses thoughts will help too. I can only afford one quad, and I want to make sure I purchase the right one.

 

of those two choices I would go with the 450r and change the sproket. If you will consider other atv's I would suggest a predator tld or le. great trail quad with lots of power.

 

I would also recommend the Predator TLD, it's an amazing trail machine. I wouldn't know how it is on the dunes though...

 

ben,

I just sold my 04 TRX 450R yesterday because I felt it wasnt getting it done on the trails. I had the HRC kit, 13t front sprocket, 22' Maxxis Razrs on back and 23" in the front. I felt I did everything I could within reason to make it a trail friendly quad. I dont know about the 06, but I found the 04 not to have crisp turning in tight technical trails......the upside is that it is relatively light and can be picked up and turned fairly easily.......it will get old though. Power wise the honda will not dissapoint......Im 6' tall and weight about 260lbs and mine pulled like mad. With the 13t front sprocket, it did make lugging the quad in lower rpms more manageable without a lot of clutch work, but it made it wheelie like crazy.........4th gear wheelies were simple just by a light "tug" on the handle bars. The trails in my neck of the country are filled with deep ruts and muddy ........a real pain in the *** on the 450r. If your trails are a little more open, less muddy, and less rutted.......the 450r is a great choice. I really loved my 450r, just not the best for the type of riding I have available to me.

 

Thanks everyone for your input, I purchased a 04 ltz400 at the begining of the week. I put a Jardine slip on pipe on it the second day i had it, Pretty Loud!
does anyone know what the decibel level is for the slip on pipe on the z400, I am worried it will not be legal on state forest trails in MI. I also installed 6 1" diameter uni filters in the air box lid and jetted up to a 140 main, does anybody have any jetting recomendations with this set up, Any help would be appreciated

Thanks!!!!!!!!!Text

 

My buddy has the Polaris TLD and it is awsome in the dunes and trails.