Should I trade my 2003 LTZ400 for a 2005 Honda 400EX? I have someone that want's to trade me but I'm not sure about it, I don't know too much about ATV's i'm just getting into them. So I was wondering would this be a good trade or not? Thanks!

 

The 03 Z400 frame was prone to cracks in the shock mounts. Might want to unload it while you can?

Depends on your riding conditions. The EX is the ultimate tight trail quad! The engine will lug down, and loves to be ridden slow between the trees and rocks. Its top speed, is however less than the Z. The engine is old school air cooled, and maybe the most bomb proof engine of all time!

The Z likes to rev, so it is a better choice for faster more open trails and wide open country. Good engine reliability.

Both handle very similarly, seeing that Suzuki simply copied the EX's geometry. The Z is probably slightly better suspended.

I had an 03 Z, but it would always take off nose low from any jump, no matter what I did. The EX on the other hand, flies like a bird! I ditched the Z, and stuck with my old EX which I bought new in 99. It still runs every bit as well as it did the day it was new 10 years ago!!!

 

Is the 400ex is in better shape, go for it........ value wise, they are pretty close, in fact the 400ex might hold its value even better.

Yes the 03 z400 is faster, but all things being equal the 400ex can holds its own just about anywhere on the trails.

As Recon points out the 2003 z400s had some frame issues, as it was a 1st year machine. If it was a 2005 z400 I'd say no way, because by that year they worked out the bugs, made some changes, and put out a much better machine.

If you are that new to ATVing you might prefer the 400ex anyway. They are more trail friendly and have better low end grunt courtesy of a push-rod engine. The z400 is a DOHC engine and needs to be ridden as such....The 2003 year especially as they had weak low-end in stock form and really only started making power in the mid-range.

If the 400ex looks to be in good shape, I think I'd probably consider it strongly.....

 

Okay thanks everyone I appreciate the help!!

 

What kind of terrain do you ride????

 

I basically ride, Farmlands, clay pits, open roads, and trails. I don't do no jumping.

 

How much faster is the 03 Z400 than the 05 Honda 400EX?

 

Well if both are stock the Z will be a bit quicker....... I'd say depending on the riders the z400 would be ahead by as much as 2 quad lengths by 4th gear.... It is not that dramatic of a difference, and a good rider on a 400ex will probably be able to make up the power to an average rider on a z400......top speeds they are pretty close so that is probably a wash....

The difference between the two is not enough to use it as the final call on which to buy IMO. If a 400 is not fast enough, neither the Z nor the EX version will be enough and you might well move to a 450 machine.

 

ok, so then I should do the trade then???

 

For me, it would come down to which one was in better shape. All things being equal I'd take the z400. But if the 400ex is in better shape, less hours etc.... I'd take the 400ex.

Just be wary, as there may be an ulterior motive at work since it is basically a lateral move for him too.....unless he really needs those few extra horsepower that badly.....