Hi, I need help for buying a new sport quad. I ride open areas, un-even terrains, and slow mountain climbing. I've got a Renegade 500, and a Raptor 350 which I'm changing for.
I've learned on a Honda 250ex, and liked it, (reliable and the feel of it) but it was really low on power after 2-3 years, so I sold it ½ year ago.
I've been thinking of the Kawasaki KFX450, but what and when should I maintain it? Does it have good low-range? Can it wheelie good? Can it go through some rivers? And is Kawasaki not a good or worse brand than others? Or should I be thinking of the Honda 400X or the LTZ400 instead?
I'm buying used btw.

As much info as possible please.
Thanks.

 

Personally, for the riding you do I would get a Z or the Honda 400.

"Slow mountain climbing" and the 450 really don't mix.

I think you would gave a great time with the Z or Honda.

 

If I buy a pipe and a bigger sprocket, wouldn't it be good then?

 

And how does it compare to my raptor 350?

 

Not in my mind.
The 450's are a race engine. Built and made for racing, not trail riding. Their torque curve is very very very peeky. Much like can you use a Shee for trail riding? Sure, but there is many better quads for that.

The short skirted pistons cause a lot of rock which is not good for long rebuild times.

The Honda and the Z are much better quads for what you want to do.

 

The Z or the Honda will beat the 350 in every category I can think of. It would not even be close.

 

I mean't the 450, but does the LTZ really have better low-range than my raptor? I've heard it doesn't have so good torque.

 

how do u like your renegade 500? i love that bike. you ride hard? is the frame holding up good?

 

I LOVE my Renegade. Looks good, Sounds good, Good torque, Not too fast, Can't wheelie stock, but get a pipe it'll wheelie. I don't feel it has any cons yet.
I like to ride hard, but can't always. Because I don't have any skid plates for it. Probably gonna get some soon, so I don't have to worry about breaking anything.
Good for everything, Climbing, un-even terrain, work. But of course it's not as sporty as a real sport ATV (heavy to move around) because of it's 280kg.
Best quad ever.
But now

 

I can't imagine buying a 400 if a 450 is an option. I guess for trail riding you really want a reverse, otherwise the power of the 450 is never a bad thing. I have an LTR 450 and I love it but it is 50" which makes it less desirable for trails on the east coast... in which case I'd suggest a trx 450... good used one for around $3K on CL