Hey guys, looking for opinions on which one is more reliable, easier to work on, and has longer longevity.
My dad is looking to purchase a quad this spring, and he's considering these 2 models. He'll mainly be exploring logging/fire roads. He wants something that will do fine going pretty slow sometimes (when riding with my mom and sister, Kawasaki Bayou 250 and Kawasaki Lakota 300 respectively). I ride a 2001 Warrior 350, so there's a chance I might sell it to him and get the Ltz400, if he decides it's not for him.
What's the power difference between the Warrior 350 and the LTZ400? I know it will have a higher top speed, but for light trails when not going full out, would the power difference be noticeable?
Which would be more comfortable for long rides?
Is the fact that the LTZ400 we're looking at had the valves just shimmed a concern? One of my buddies had a 2006 (I think) CRF250X, and it needed a rebuild almost immediately because of something to do with the new valve technology not lasting, so I don't want to get into something like that...
I like old school reliability, (both my dad and I ride xr250s...) so it being more of a modern "high tech" 4t makes me nervous. Do they need rebuilt all the time like the crf bikes do?
I'd totally go for a 400 ex, but we both really value having reverse, and the ones new enough to have reverse are a little out of budget...
Any other quads we should be looking at? >$2K
Thanks in advance!

 

We have the information you seek on the ATV Connection homepage, here:

https://atvconnection.com/articles/a...quad-shootout/

 

Thanks so much for your detailed response! It sounds like the 300ex would also be a solid choice. I kinda think the ltz might not be what either of us is looking for, but at the same time, it could be fun, until it's time to do maintenance.
How would the 300ex compare to my warrior 350, and my sister's Lakota 300?
​​​​Thanks again!
Courage

 

The Honda 300EX fits right in with the machines you are currently riding - stone reliable, affordable and offers very comparable manual clutch trail-performance.

Since you are familiar with the Lakota, Kawasaki did offer a manual clutch, sport oriented variant of the chassis from 1987 - 2004 in the Mojave 250 (KSF250). They're getting a but more difficult to find these days, but all of these models discussed would fit right in with your current riding stable.

 

Thanks so much! Really appreciate all your info!
I know it all depends on how it was ridden/maintained, but under normal conditions, at how many hours of riding would an LTZ400 need a new top end? How about for a Warrior, or comparable low tech quad?