(07 through 09 models) Out of the two what has more bottom end throttle? I know the zukis liquid cooled and honda is air cooled. What one would you say to be more reliable? I heard the suzuki is a little faster but the honda is a wheelie machine. How little is the top speed differences between the two?
Thanks.

 

Having owned a 05 dvx and a 03 400ex I would say the Honda has more bottom end. I would say that the Cat prolly has a little more on the top but it wouldn't be a lot. As far as a wheelie machine, that is one reason that got rid of the cat, you couldn't keep the front down.

 

Well I cannot say for the '09 z400 as they have supposedly increased low end.

But for the other years the 400ex has more low end, but the z400 kills it on top. And with a nice slip-on the z400 low end picks right up to a nice trail level.

Top speeds they are both around the same give or take a couple MPH and conditions.

They are both nice, but the z400 has more potential and much better suspension in stock form.

Reliability they are both very good..... the 400ex is a legend in that area, but the z400 has made a pretty nice history for itself too. With proper maintenance I think they are probably equally reliable with perhaps the 400ex getting a slight edge due to its simplicity of being air-cooled (less to break) and being a push-rod engine (again less to break) .....but the valves on the 400ex need adjusting a lot more too which is added maintenance in that aspect.......

 

With the 09 Z being EFI now, I'd take it and it you need to, just make a simple sprocket change to get a little more lower end.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. What about the 450 models? Is there quite a difference in pros and cons? Would honda have a slight more reliable 450 engine, and suzuki have a little more top speed? I would think jumping up to a 450 race quad, they would all have drastic changes from the 400s. I care a lot for reliability so who has a reliable 450 engine?