Hhhhmmmmm , lets compare , launch a z 10 high 20 long and bail ...... Results =possible frame damage , plastics are toost , bars and levers. Now do the same with an Ex ....results = levers and possibly bars .

Ride an Ex on the brake in oil for one year resulting in "Nothing" oils changed and still runs like it was outta the box .

Mods are cheaper by far .

Now stock for stock yes the Z is better in the speed , handleing , and looks . But the reliability and crash damage factor the EX has it by the ball$

 

I personally watched a guy on a completely stock Z400 CLOBBER a piped (maybe more) 400ex. Do not even sing that BS here. Their weight was probably close.

 

Definetly the z400. I hear the 400ex weighs more. I have the KFX400 because I just wanted it in green. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

would u say a warrio is toougher or a z400

 

Ive got well over 50 hours on my Z434 since I built my motor and I am still running the stock clutch. No problems at all

 

The z-400 is much mast i own a 400ex and i rode a kfx400 which is the samething as a z-400 and its much better

 

I did a 40 mile mountain ride today. A mix of VERY TIGHT and technical single track woodland trails (Pinnacles trails for you locals), a 2 mile long rocky and very technical section of fire road, and some wide open fire roads. I chose the EX because I like its low end power and agile handling for the single track (main part of the ride).

Had I gone to the open desert today (not likely seeing it is 115 degrees!), I would have chosen the Z. On the rocky section, I wished I had the Rancher.

 

I've actually raced a z400 against my 400EX at a local track, and even though I am biased about my machine I must say that I was really impressed with the Z400, I had a hard time keeping up with him on the track. Both machines are stock.

 

I've got an '02 EX piped and jetted, and my girlfriend has a new '03 Z - I love my EX, but I have to say that if I was buying a new quad TODAY (not next month after the new Honda 450 is introduced) that I'd go with the Z. I don't do enough big air to worry about any frame problems, and for the same price, the Z is faster, has better brakes (in my opinion), and handles as well. All this, and it's the same price, the same weight, water cooled, and has reverse. Sounds good in my book.

Of course, with the new YFZ and the TRX 450 out there, I'd have to SERIOUSLY consider one of them. . .haven't ridden the new Yamahawg yet, but I'm sure it rips. I'm sure the new Honda will, too. . .we'll just have to wait and see.

One final thought - when the new Honda hits the showrooms, you can bet your @ss you'll be able to find 400EX's all over the place for cheap. If you don't need the newest, baddest bike out there, you'll be able to find kickin' deals on some lightly used bikes.

Bill

PS - Clutch problems? I've beaten the hell outta mine for two years without a hitch. A LOT of my friends ride EXs - from lightly warmed over to highly modded, and I haven't heard of a clutch failure yet. . .

 

Alright, nobody jump on me, because I don't own either one, but my next one will most likely be the EX for its reliability, price, and jumpability. If I weren't going to be doing any jumping, I would definitely go for the Z.