Blaster2fast: Thanks man facts are facts...

mudslinger400z: You know you have a hell of time staying infront (if u can get there)

SRK399: First off I dont know you, second dry weight??? do u ride ur bike with no fluids? it may have a lighter dry weight but wets a different story. MSRP around is higher on the kfx/z only cause its newer and has reverse. Im not saying the 400ex is more advanced in the engine department cause its not it just more reliable and come time to mod or fix (the suzuki) it will be more expensive than the ex.

 

my buddies got one(yellowexracer on here) and its nice, suspension is pretty good, not quite as plush as mine but nothin i'd put against it, nice n light so you can throw it around and wheelies easily too, since you do half woods half track i'd say the ex is a great quad for you,

 

I love my 400ex, it is light, has decent power, and with a few light mods, it will have very good power. If you consider the 2004 400ex, you get a bigger carb. I heard the 2004 400ex beats z400. My 400ex with a white brothers complete can easily beat a z400. As for overheating, I rode my ex for 8 hours straight on a very hot day, it never overheated. I am sure the z is a good machine, if you like a poorly done copy of the 400ex.

 

Poor copy? riiight....

Crackhead, the dry weight tell you alot, even with the reverse and radiator, its still lihgter than the EX... dry. When both are filled up with gas, oil, ect (coolant in the Z), the Z may be a little heavier due to the extra liquids.

Anyways, its the Honda forum and Im not out to bash any Hondas... he asked for the truth though

 

Is that new or used? If money is a limiting factor, the EX is a good choice.

 

Hey guys!! thanks for all of the info.. i got a little more then i needed.. i think crackhead has been the most help and those of you that are saying he is the most honda biased... i disagree... i asked pros and cons about 400ex and you guys bring in the z... its not a factor for me because my money is limited to 3500-4000$ crackhead (and a few of you other guys) were the only ones that gave me useful information i dont really care about the z i know it is better stock for stock brand new... but i dont got that kinda money im only 17 and work for 7.50 lol... so yea! and i am by no means a honda head... i am yamaha by heart but i beleve the 400ex is superior quad for price range... thanks for all the help guys!!!anyone have any ideas on things i should look for when buying a used 400ex?

 

just look over it and make sure everything is on there right. Dont buy without test driving, make sure the clutch is tight, starts on the first or second push of the button, might wanna check the spark plug this will tell u how the previous owner used it (running rich or lean) check the airfilter if its dirty ask when was the last time he cleaned it (very important), check for wear on sprockets if theyre rounded at the tips they will need replacement, listen to the motor when its on u shouldnt hear a clicking sound unless it has an aftermarket cam stuff like that , make sure the axle isnt bent or that the a-arms arent bent.

 

The best reason to own a Honda is the replacement parts are much cheaper. Checkout the prices on factory axle, a-arms, steering stem, etc and then do the same for the other models. You will see a big difference. I am into quading for fun but I don't want it to cost every cent I make nor do I like to waste money. I fell like my Raptor is a money pit. Always breaking and always needing something to keep it usable. I haven't ridden it more than twice since May and don't miss it much.

The biggest things to check with a 400ex is the frame, subframe, and the engine. I wouldn't worry to much about the front wheel bearings, the rear axle bearings, the swingarm bearings, the chain and sprockets. Make sure the previous owner didn't bend in the tubes on the frame from running without a skidplate.

The other thing I check for is factory bolts. Too many hardware store bolts could be a trouble sign.

Check out the brake rotors too. Some people don't replace brakes enough and wear grooves in the brake rotors which eats brake pads.

/Jon

 

I have been riding for about 15 years and started on a 1988 250x and have han nothing but Hondas. I currently am out of commission due to a pretty serious accident on my 400ex but I will say that over the years I have never had a single problem with any of these Honda quads. I am probably a little bit partial since I have never really ridden the other manufacturers bike. It is my opinion that overall the 400ex is the best all around ATV. It is so maneuverable and easy to handle plus its durability makes it well worth the $$. If you want a race bike than buy a race bike but for trail riding you will not be dissappointed at all with the 400ex. Reverse is something that can be overlooked.Just hit the throttle and whip it aroound! Good Luck!

 

Yeah that's true crackhead especially if the ex rider is as good or better than you. I joked and said it's fun to beat ex's but seriously it pisses you off royaly when you loose to them too. It's very possible to loose a race to an ex especially on a mx track. We have a track and currently we only have two races left in our season and a raptor is first in points and me and my buddy on an ex are neck and neck for second and then there's another ex in third. I think the ex weighs about 15pounds less than a z or kfx wet. Dry weights don't really mean shizz since they ain't going to be runnin without gas and oil. I don't think the ex is that underpowered at least in a drag I'm always fairly close with them. As for the originator of the thread I guess I got on a little z kick for a minute and I do love my quad but there ain't no cons really to a 400ex all I see is pros for them.