its my first bike i like the 400ex but i just cant deside

 

I'm in the same boat. I've been riding with a group of 4. A raptor 700, 2 z400's and a 400ex. I'm the rookie on a 250 and I'm ready to buy a bike to keep up. The honda is the weakest of the 4. Was hoping the 08 honda would catch up but it didn't so now I'm looking at maybe an outlaw 525s but it's going to be a higher maintainence bike.
Any good opinions and recomendations?

 

but did your mates 400 ex compare like s h i t compared to the z400

 

No, the 400ex seems like a good solid machine and does great on trails. On the track there is a pretty noticable difference in speed and suspension. Enough difference to lean me away from the 400ex when it's my 6grand I'm spending.

 

The comparison between the EX and Z seems to be the most frequently asked question in the forum! These are the only 400's that there are.

I have owned both, so you won't get any brand loyalty BS from me. First off, the Z is an unabashed EX knockoff! Suzuki simply copied the time proven Honda geometry and ride, plain and simple. They did put a more modern and faster engine in it however.

I like the EX for tight trails. It has an engine that will lug down and does great in the slow tight stuff. Bottom end power is torquey, but it is slower on the top end than the Z. Dead solid reliable! Great handling and it is supposed to have gotten suspension upgrades for 08. The highest quality machine I have ever owned!

The Z is more revy, and prefers fast more open trails and more open country. I find the Z a bit of a pain on very tight technical stuff, because it requires some clutch slipping (but nothing compared to a 450). Again, great handling and this engine is proving to be ultra reliable.