You also got a hell of alot of toys for being 16 years old. Wonder who throws down the money for all that stuff??

 

WTF!! Reliability...can't argue that, the EX is pretty bulletproof. BUT-Easier to get HP out of??? Time to bring out the hip waders because we're stompin around in a load of BS! I used to own a 440EX and my Z would absolutely HUMILIATE that quad! Sold it to my next door neighbor so I still see it all the time and there is no comparison in the power department.

I also have to say my Z has been very reliable...even in its current form. Some people had problems with the frames cracking above the shock mounts but that problem has since been fixed. Or...do like I did and spend $10 to have reinforced welding support the weak area. Big whoop.

Now I must say I do like the EX, but I believe the Z to be a better all around quad...JMHO!

 

I have both the Z and the EX. The Z definitely needs a pipe and open up the airbox, minimum, because the stock motor is weak on the bottom end. I say get the Z, then you will have both! Ride the wifes EX for trails, and the Z for the fire roads.

For desert riding, if I had to give one up it would be the EX. It is just to down on power. That would kill me though, because I have it's suspension so totally dialed in! It just sails through the big desert whoops.

 

Ill be honest here with you, The Z mods better than the EX, and the pro riders on the Hbomb squad say that the Z is better than the Ex modded ( i know, i didnt want to hear it either [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]), That doesnt mean the EX stinks, but they say the Z just jumps better, got more power, and handled better under modification. I rode one just the other day (Z), and i loved the thing, it kinda reminded me of my 450r just without the power or suspension stock.

 

There's a big difference between the ex and the z. We have one of each. The Z has reverse. There are multiple shootouts in the mags. The z handles better in the trails. The Z also has a super comfy seat. My boyfriend has the ex and everytime he rides my Z, he doesn't want to get off of it. I whip past him when he gets off of it and has to turn the thing around because it doesn't have reverse. He's a diehard Honda guy, but is having second thoughts.
My advice, if you know anyone with a Z, take it for a test drive, you'll love it!

 

I ridden around a couple of Z's and I've watched them race. They are not much, if any, faster than a 400ex. There is not enough difference powerwise to compensate for any lack of riding skill anyway. The Predator, however, walks away from both. I wouldn't rule one of those out if I was buying new. Used, you can probably get the best deal on a 400ex.

 

What do I know I only have a Eiger. Only thing I can tell ya is, its damn nice having a reverse when you get into the rough stuff. Not that it will get you unstuck all the time, but will some of the time and those couple of less times LIFTING and LUGGING the quad out of the mud is all that less wear and tear on the body. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] REMEMBER!!!!!

As far a speed and power. If the wifes EX makes you happy then get another one of those. Remember on the trails you can only go so fast. Those trees come by very quick and close. But Im an old man that thinks about that stuff, so don't listen to me. lol