400ex vs z400 for woods
Aug 27, 2003 | 11:11 PM
#16
Pro Rider
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 216
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400ex vs z400 for woods
the 400ex is a great trail bike. reverse is just one of the nice things to have if you ever need it. i wouldn't trade my Z for one though. its newer and has a little more power, still easy to ride wheelies. all these reasons plus the handling is what made me like the 400ex and when suzuki came out with a step up,(reverse, faster rev, and liquid cooling) why not get the newer bike. i don't use the reverse very often, but it is there if i need it in some real tight situations. there both good bikes for woods riding, ground clearance could be an issue with both. have seen 400ex in ad for $3999. so maybe 4300+/- OTD.
Aug 28, 2003 | 01:33 PM
#17
Pro Rider
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 645
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400ex vs z400 for woods
Both make excellent trail machines.
The Z has some very real frame issues, whether people who own them will admit it or not (If you haven't had trouble, you will - especially if you have cracked a 400EX frame). I've repaired a couple Z frames and seen many, many more with bends and/or b reaks in very bad locations - seen many not finish races due to chassis failures. After studying the frame, it's not difficult to see why they have issues & why they are not as strong as Honda or some Yamahas.
If you go the route of the Z, and you ride hard, expect to spend some time and/or money strengthening the frame & subframe - the sooner you do it, the better.
Pros for a 400EX - slightly lighter ready to ride weight, initial purchase price is cheaper (especially if you buy used), parts are much cheaper, excellent reliability, excellent power characteristics and handling for trails.
Pros for a Z400 - reverse, good engine that develops a small amount more power than a 400EX, similar handling as a 400EX.
Overall the two are very comparable. Judging by your sig, you've got experience - If you're looking for something with more performance, check into a YFZ or wait for Honda's announcement about their TRX450R on Sep 10. Despite what some will say, either should make an excellent trail quad for a performance orientated rider.
Decide what's important to you, then make a decision.
The Z has some very real frame issues, whether people who own them will admit it or not (If you haven't had trouble, you will - especially if you have cracked a 400EX frame). I've repaired a couple Z frames and seen many, many more with bends and/or b reaks in very bad locations - seen many not finish races due to chassis failures. After studying the frame, it's not difficult to see why they have issues & why they are not as strong as Honda or some Yamahas.
If you go the route of the Z, and you ride hard, expect to spend some time and/or money strengthening the frame & subframe - the sooner you do it, the better.
Pros for a 400EX - slightly lighter ready to ride weight, initial purchase price is cheaper (especially if you buy used), parts are much cheaper, excellent reliability, excellent power characteristics and handling for trails.
Pros for a Z400 - reverse, good engine that develops a small amount more power than a 400EX, similar handling as a 400EX.
Overall the two are very comparable. Judging by your sig, you've got experience - If you're looking for something with more performance, check into a YFZ or wait for Honda's announcement about their TRX450R on Sep 10. Despite what some will say, either should make an excellent trail quad for a performance orientated rider.
Decide what's important to you, then make a decision.
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