yes i completely agree with ss97 - the 450s are racing quads they are mainly for the tracks and most of them do NOT have reverse which can be a pain if u get stuck in something in your trials and yeah maybe u can handle a 450 but i believe u will feel more comfortable on the 400 it is meant for the trails and HAS reverse. also the 450s are high maintenance

 

Never did I say the 400's were "boring" or did I? Hmmm? Nope, I sure didn't. All I said is that the 400 ( 400 meaning the trx400 ) is slow compared to the 450. Matter of fact, every 400.

Don't get me wrong, they're fun bikes, (hell I'll have fun riding a blaster) but if you're looking for something up there, 450 is the way to go. Or perhaps 700??

 

The only thing I see wrong with a 450 for you is it may see some slow riding duties with the daughter. A 400 class or open class(700 Raptor) are better suited to that type of thing. You can never have enough HP for the dunes, and dune riding is mad fun. If you live close enough to make it out 2+ times/year I wouldn't hesitate to go for a more powerful machine.

 

the raptor 700 is a great machine too and is faster than the 400s of course - so yes so if u think u want something just a little faster than a 400 the 700 will be great---and great at the dunes too!

 

I wouldn't say I am a COMPLETE noob. Lets just say it has been about 10 years since I be done any serious riding. I will probably go with a 450 due to the fact that once I get back into it and get a new feel for it I pill probably be able to not "waste" any power. Racing could be a possibility as well not competition yet but some racing none the less.

Thanks again for all the replies!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'm really enjoying my DVX 400 (same as Z-400). The power is crazy and more than enough for all the trails I ride, and having reverse is a must for me. I've ridden a couple of 450s and I'm just not a huge fan. I don't like having to rev the **** out of the motor all the time and they're just not as comfortable on the trails. Plus the added maintenance is just crazy.

I've never ridden dunes so I can't really attest to the performance of a 400 in the dunes, but where I am, I just don't really need more power.

If you want more power than a 400, check out the Raptors like some have said, and also the Polaris 525s (525 S (solid axle), 525 IRS (IRS, obviously)). I've heard they're just stupid fast. Plus the new 09s look terrific IMO.

If you're looking for a fast, cheap, used thrill, a nice, newer (2005+) 400 can go for $2500 or so. Or you could look for a Predator 500. My cousin just picked up an 03 for $1300! I nice one, with reverse (I forget which year it got reverse) can go for around that same $2500 mark. Used Rappy 700s can be had for around 3500. Sure beats the $6K plus tags on the new ones!

If your bent on new though, definitely get in the hunt for a closeout 09 model. Now, as they're rolling out the new models is the best time to buy new.