My friend just bought a 400ex and I need to keep up to him. I want either a Z400 or a 300ex. I know the Z400 outperforms the 400ex and it would be a good choice. The 300ex is a Honda and I know they are reliable. I don't know anything about Suzuki and want your opinions. The only reason I am not going for a 400ex is that it doesn't have reverse.

The plus side to a 300ex is that they are older machines and I can find them cheap. Z400 are more expensive[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] So what do you guys think?

 

I'm kinda-sorta where jed is except I'm trying to decide between 400 EX and the Z400 and its clones. (I think I'm too big @ 6' & 225 for a 300 EX).

I've found brand new left-over '03 400 EX's for $4,399 vs: brand new '04 Z400's for $5,199 and brand new KFX 400's for $5,299 at the same multi-line dealer. I believe the '04 400 EX's are going for around $4,899 at this dealer.

I realize the '04 400 EX's have some improvements (bigger carb) but when I compare the price difference between an '03 400 EX and a new '04 Z400 the difference is like $800. And when you factor in financing to the equation, Honda has the better deal there right now, too - 4.9% for up to 60 months vs: Suzuki @ 6.95%. The savings in price and financing charges is over $1,000 and that's money I could use for simple hop-ups on the EX and still have cash left over.

Granted the EX doesn't have reverse and I admit reverse is nice to have - especially when you need it. But I'm getting close to sacrificing having a reverse gear for the savings and potential better reliability.

 

If you live and ride in tight woods and are small of stature [example = 5-7 & 125lbs] the 300ex will do you just fine and with some cheap mods can motor quite nicely. If you live out west or ride in wide open spaces the Z400 is the way to go. I am guessing you live in the woods if reverse is important to you. 300ex's DO run forever too.

 

I've found a good deal for $3900 CAD: 1999

Great shape, nerf bars, DG bumper, skid plate, super trap muffler, reduced to $3900. or $115/mo. oac.

There's another one for $3800 CAD: 1997

4 stroke, lots of sport performance, light weight. Priced to sell @ $3800 or best offer or $110/mth catcard OAC.

I think the 1st one is the much better deal, however the 2nd one seems to be very close to my area. Which one would you recommend? I find the '99 300ex looks a bit nicer than the '97 as well

 

If you decide on a 300ex call around to dealers and ASK them if they have any 2002 holdovers. Yes I said 2002 not 2003. I bought a brand new 2002 holdover 3 weeks ago for $3237 (us dollars). I called 5 dealers in the area, and 2 still had 2002 holdovers, but you had to ask about them, they "forgot about them" , either unintentionally or not, i dont know. They still had several left at that time. Could have bought a new 2003 for around $3600 I think.

I am 5-11 180 and it fits me pretty good, but I mainly bought it for my son to grow into. Right now he is 12, 5-3 120 and can ride it really well, only took him 10 min to catch on to the hand clutch.

 

if your friend has the 400ex i wouldn't get the 300 unless you like eating his dust. i havent found the performance to be that much different on the 400's think the rider makes more of a difference. that is all based on dune riding though.

 

The Chicago Cycle Center ad in the Michigan edition of Auto RV has both 03 400 EXs and 03 Z400s for $4399, iirc.

 

Guys, which one is the better deal?

For $3900 CAD:

Great shape, nerf bars, DG bumper, skid plate, super trap muffler, reduced to $3900. or $115/mo. oac. Year: 1999

For $3800 CAD:

4 stroke, lots of sport performance, light weight. Priced to sell @ $3800 or best offer or $110/mth catcard OAC. year: 1997

Please tell me which you would buy.

 

Dont waste your time with the 300ex. I have a 300ex and its a good reliable quad, but as soon as you step foot on a 400ex or a z400 youll be shooting yourself in the foot. Also, if you are ever serious about getting into any type of racing, the 300ex is not the way to go. Also, them 300s are very expensive you listed, around my area, 02 400exs are going for 3500 and lower. So make sure you look around. But mainly, i wouldnt recommend going with a 300ex.

 

what is wrong with you people? Can you not read the "CAD" I put after the price. Don't you realize that not everybody lives in the United States and that there are Canadian Dollars as well. READ MY POST AGAIN!