I'm looking to get a new atv, and i can't decide which atv ( 2008 Honda 400ex, 2009/2008 350 Raptor, 2006 Kawawsaki 400) I should get. Which quad is the best in all catagories? I was reading the "Don't Buy a Yamaha" forum, and now i don't know if i should get the raptor? Any advice?

 

This is how I would rank them in order

1)KFX400- this is probably the best all around quad you can get for 400cc. It's quick, reliable, and has plenty of aftermarket support. (exact same as Suki Z400 or Artic Cat DVX400)

2)400ex- these are great machines as well and are close to the KFX and Z400. I'm not a huge fan of air cooled motors.

3)Rapotr350- It seems like Yami left the 350 in the dark. They made the 250 nicer with a way better set up. So it's self explanitory why this is last in my ranking.

Good luck man. I don't think you can go wrong with Kawi or Honda. Sit on them both and see what fits you the best and see what you like the feel of, and go from there.

 

thanks. Do you know how much the 2006 kawasaki would cost if i bought it froma dealer?

 

First thing, the Raptor 350 is a warmed over Warrior. I rode a Warrior for years, and it was the worst quad I ever owned. They handle heavy and they handle clunkey. I rode my friend's Raptor 350 the other day, and it wasn't much improved over the old Warrior. Pass this one up!!! Yamaha just didn't get it quite right on this one. (Same goes for the Raptor 660).

The Honda 400EX has an engine that will lug down. So, it is good as a tight/semi-technical trail quad....maybe the best of all time! It is a little underpowered by today's standards, but will hop up with a few simple mods. Great handling, great frame geometry, good suspension.

The Z400 and its clones (Kawi and A Cat), are a Honda knockoff with a different engine. The Z engine is superb, and it likes to rev (but not as much as the 450's do). So, I like it for more open country and faster more open trails, but not for the really tight stuff where the EX excells. Again, great handling, frame geometry (right off the Honda), and great suspension. Engine is water cooled, and faster than the Honda (but doesn't like to lug down). Really responds to some basic mods!!

The Z is getting fuel injection for 2009, if you are looking for a new model!

 

When will the 2009 Z come out?

 

It won't be out until September of this year, but it is going to be a sweet little quad.