Okay, I'm torn between the two. I'm not trying to start another this vs that thread, I'm just looking for some honest opinions. First, about me:

37yrs old
6'5"
185lbs

This will be my first ATV. I've rode friends and neighbors quads a few times. I have some experience on dirt bikes.
I'm really interested in ATV's and am thinking about buying a new one for myself and my wife. I live the Ft. Worth, Tx area and would mainly ride trails/fields. Im hoping this can be a hobby I'm involved in for a long time. I have a 3yr son who is already tearing it up on his power-wheels battery powered quad.

After doing a bunch of reading/research, I've narrowed it down to the 400ex and the z400 with the nod going to the z. I like doing my own preventive maintenance but my experience is limited when it comes to the more technical stuff. I can probably work my way through a valve adjustment, but, I probably wouldn't try to take on anything more complex than that. I would probably keep the quad close to stock. Maybe a new exhaust, skid plate, etc...but that would be about it...for now.

I want a quad that is not too machine for a newbie, but not something I would grow tired of quickly. I also want something that is easy to work on and reliable. I read somewhere that the z has some valve issues and that concerns me. I'm not interested in changing valves out, etc....Everything I've read, though, gives the nod to the z. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

 

I have owned both. Both are excellent machines with great handling. Frame geometry is almost identical. The EX has a long record of being bullet proof, and the Z will probably prove to be just as reliable in the long run.

I like the EX for very tight woods trails. It's engine will lug down and you can put it in 1st and idle through the technical stuff. Along with its little brother the 300EX, it's the best tight trail quad of all time.

The Z's engine likes to rev (but not as much as the 450's do). When riding tight trails, it requires some clutch slipping, which gets old fast. So, I would pick it for more open trails and wide open country. It is a fair bit faster than the EX, and responds very well to some simple mods. It is the best all-around machine out there.

 

you didnt really mention what type of riding you are doing, But i'd get the z400 either way.

are you looking to buy used or new??? lots of z400 riders in TX, you could probably find a good used one.

 

both the z400 and 400ex are great quads but the z400 is a little bit faster...I would go for z the its a great all around quad especially in trails

 

Thanks for all the help! For the riding I'm going to be doing-trails and fields, I think I'm going to get the Z. Seems to be the best fit for me and I've heard nothing but positives about it. I'll keep you posted....

 

Just curious, did Suzuki go back to the aluminum clutch cover on the 07 Z's, or are they still using that wonderful magnesium cover?

 

they had a recall on the 05's and 06's......and the 07's have the aluminum clutch covers

 

Good deal....I'm a big fan of the Z, probably one of the best trail quads ever made. Nice to see Suzuki stepped up and took care of their customers.

 

id go with the 400ex its so sexy and good for the trails and climbing hills and it weighs alot less than the z400 and they r tuff as hell iv ran the **** out of my 400ex and its runing like the day i got it almost five years ago true to the name BULLET PROOF

 

Z400 better machine and not a honda