First ATV: Sport or 4x4?
#11
12-05-2011, 06:46 PM
400ex sucks in the snow (as just about all sport quads do compared to a 4x4)
you should be able to find a good wolvy 450 on cl for $3k.
#13
12-06-2011, 12:30 PM
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#15
12-06-2011, 05:13 PM
#16
12-06-2011, 06:48 PM
That 650 V twin is a lot faster than you think, it will give you all the speed and performance you need to make trail riding fun, and the fenders will keep you a lot drier than a sport quad. I love my Grizzly year round, and it can work as hard as it plays, try plowing your driveway with a Z 400 !!
#17
12-06-2011, 09:10 PM
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You may check with the guys/ladies in the Kawasaki forum if you havent already. I ride and arctic cat and I know that Arctic cat used the Kawasaki 650 v twin for a few years,but they seem to have had belt issues in the past. They would go into "LIMP" mode which will only allow you to run im guessing 15mph or so so the belt doesnt get damaged. There was talk about shimming. Anyways im not sure if there was any issue with the Kawasaki bikes but thought you should look into it.
#18
12-08-2011, 02:59 PM
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Been around a Z400. Rock solid reliable machine and you won't go wrong with it. I wouldn't spend more than $2500 for one, about the same as a 400EX because they're just not worth more than $3000 unless it's new, then I'd just go buy used.
How long is the snow on the ground. If you have feet of snow on the ground for 3 months a year then I'd go with the 4wd. More than 6" of wet snow and you'll still have a blast but you will have the Z at redline all the time. Yeah, I could plow that field with a horse but a tractor would be easier, see the analogy?
Conversely I think you'd have more fun on the Z in the summer but I come from the sport side of ATV'ing so I'll admit my bias there.
If you're truly unsure, spend the lesser amount and ride for a year or two. Your quad won't depreciate much and if you regret buying the Z (or vice versa since you said you lean toward the 4wd) find a 4wd. Don't think that those machines are the only deals out there, be patient and you'll find you get a better deal. You'll get in trouble when you think you have to have it NOW.
Buy a helmet regardless to which quad you buy. Don't be stupid and most of all be respectful. We have enough trouble as it is with people wanting to close all our riding areas without the other side posting examples of idiot's out there.
Have fun.
How long is the snow on the ground. If you have feet of snow on the ground for 3 months a year then I'd go with the 4wd. More than 6" of wet snow and you'll still have a blast but you will have the Z at redline all the time. Yeah, I could plow that field with a horse but a tractor would be easier, see the analogy?
Conversely I think you'd have more fun on the Z in the summer but I come from the sport side of ATV'ing so I'll admit my bias there.
If you're truly unsure, spend the lesser amount and ride for a year or two. Your quad won't depreciate much and if you regret buying the Z (or vice versa since you said you lean toward the 4wd) find a 4wd. Don't think that those machines are the only deals out there, be patient and you'll find you get a better deal. You'll get in trouble when you think you have to have it NOW.
Buy a helmet regardless to which quad you buy. Don't be stupid and most of all be respectful. We have enough trouble as it is with people wanting to close all our riding areas without the other side posting examples of idiot's out there.
Have fun.
