Okay, let me first define what my criteria for the best is.

First and foremost, reliability. Nothing else matters is it won't last.

Second, would be maintenance, or specifically, the quad needing the least. I like Yamaha YZF450's but would not get one based upon the fact you are supposed to change the oil every 20 hours with the factory reccomended $60 synthetic oil, and valves need to be adjusted every so often.

Third would be speed. I want something fast.

Finally, I would prefer something that doesn't look ugly. I just rode a couple year old Suzuki 400, and it was a ton of fun to drive, except it was very ugly to me. I realize this one is mostly opinion based, so its not as important.

Please let me know your reccomendations and why.

 

The 450s are hard core racing ATVs with the same high strung motors found in 450 motocross bikes.

So a Suzuki z400 will not need a rebuild before a R450.
Like so with a Honda 400ex vs a TRX450R

You do not get a extra 10hp out of 50cc without paying for it somewhere.

Reliabilty and power is the 700 raptor, it has the power of the 450s but unlike the 450s it makes the power lazily.

You find the 400 Suzuki ugly? I find all sport ATVs look the same but are just different colors.

2008 z400

 

You're going to have high maintenance on any of the 450s and Yamaha makes a good one. You should forget about 450s altogether if you don't want that much maintenance. You can get a z400 or any other 400 and trim the plastics to make it look different.

 

The '09+ z400 has plastics that look more aggressive, and better IMO.

 

Thank you for the input. I think I'm gonna stick with my gut and probably just get a Raptor 700.

I think for the speed I want that a 450 would do it, but given how much I don't want to be turning wrenches on it, I think the 700 fits what I want in a quad better.

 

The 700 will have the HP power of the 450s and will have more low grunt ft/lb torque and be reliable.

There is just no replacement for displacement.