piggy back front shocks

 

yeah i new the 05's and 06 Suzukis have piggybacks, but the old ones did not, so the new ones probably do have better suspension but the older ones i couldn't tell the difference between the suzukis and the ex's shocks

 

EXACT copycat (03-04)? nope. It is 398 cc instead of 397 obviously they did something different when engineering... and it is liquid cooled.. which is a big improvment! And dont say the frame cracks cuz mines and 03 and has never cracked once, and i ride it to hell and back.

its not a copycat.. it just has more power.. its that simple..

the new ones dont just have more power, but also have better suspension.

 

Since you mentioned sand and having a DS at one point, why wouldn't you consider a Raptor? Hopefully nobody tells you that the z400 can keep up with a Raptor especially in the sand. Although it was true that a z400 could keep up with a Raptor when it first came out, it seems time has put it into the discussion category of whether it is slightly faster than a 400ex - too sad since you have to question the credibility of what everyone posts.

You will be disappointed if you get a 400ex or z400 and ride in the sand. You will miss the acceleration. That is the one thing I have always missed about my Raptor. The feeling of hitting the throttle on a straight section. It is almost enough to make my eyes tear thinking about it.

A 400ex is more than almost any rider can handle in the woods. I had a Raptor with Elka suspension and other mods and was always bothered by the fact that I was faster in the woods on a virtually stock 400ex. Problem for you is you aren't talking about woods riding are you?

/Jon

 

I've thought about a Raptor....Owning a 650ds almost goes hand-in-hand with being anti-Raptor though....I guess I'll have to get over my bias. I live in Utah, so I'd like an all-around quad. There's one spot for sand, a couple for the mountain trails, and a couple for the woods. Does a 400 really suck that much in the sand?

 

My advice is get over it and admit the DS is a great bike but too heavy to be a "sport" quad. If you can't throw it around, it is too heavy. I would say a 400ex would suck in the sand for anyone coming off a DS650. Your average new rider would jump on a 400ex and think it was great but your ruined - just come to terms with it. :-) Take the DS650 and offer to swap a ride with someone on a 400ex. I used to let people try my Raptor out all the time especially since the dealers won't let you. I often thought you could run a business having each one of the sport quads and letting someone try them all out for $75 bucks each for a 20 minute ride. If I were spending $7,000 and trying to decide between a DS650 and a Raptor, I would pay $150 to make sure I was making the right decision.

The new Raptor is going to be a big seller if you could wait for one of those.

If you do go used and decide on a 400ex, I would try to find a low hr 2000. You will get the same quad as a 2004 less some really minor changes for quite a bit less money. For some reason, the value is viewed more by the year than the hours on it. Personally, I shop by the number of hours. I would much rather have my girlfriend's 2001 400ex than my 2003. She doesn't get to ride nearly as much. Her bike is just cleaner than mine.




/Jon

 

If they're the same price get the Z. Even if it's a couple $$$ more I'd still get the Z. It's proven just as reliable as the EX since it came out and is overall a better quad. Handles the same, has more power and slightly newer technology. Either one is a good choice just the Z is the better choice of the two.

 

Big "if" finding them for equal prices - problem is you can't buy an older z400 but can still find great low hour 2000-2002 400exs.

In my book, reliability is a test of time. We know that the 400ex is reliable because it is virtually the same as when released in 1999 and those are still going strong. The Suzuki has a few more years to put in yet.

My last post on this topic is to say that in my opinion you would be wasting your money to buy a z400 or a 400ex unless you just kind of rode your DS650 around and didn't really run it to its capability.

Good Luck in whatever you decide. At least if you do buy a 400ex or z400, you can always resell. Quads depreciate to a point and then just remain flat after that.

/Jon

 

I want to 2nd this post...


I have both a 400EX, and a Z400... The Z400 is faster, has better suspension, longer suspension travel, and respongs must better to mods than the 400ex.

As for reliability.... The 400EX has been proven... The Z400 is newer, but thus far the ONLY problem they have had was the Frame of the '03's, but from '04 to current, they have since fixed that problem... As for reliability, i would have to said they are equal.

I will say tha 400EX does sit a little but lower than the Z400, so it gives you a little tighter feel when cornering, and jumping...

They are BOTH great quads. You won't be dissapointed with either.. Personally the watercooling of the Z400 alone makes that a smarter choice imo.. My 400EX gets HOT when you ride it hard... The Z400 NEVER gets hot like the 400ex...

As most people said, the Z400 just has little extra's that make it a better overall choice, ESPECIALLY for the same price. The 400EX really is due for a serious update... But it seams most manufacturers are more working on larger CC's... Like the 450's...

Hope that helps...

-ThaChad

 

I'm really wondering why you want to go form a 650 to a 400? I would either look out for a Raptor 660R, 700R or even the Predator. Like someone said above, you will miss the acceleration and the power of your DS with a 400. But that's your choice.

The Z400 is like a redesigned 400EX, they did copy Honda specs and improved them like they always do. Admit it, the 03's models did have frame problems, you're lucky if it hasn't cracked yet. Power wise, the Z is a bit stronger throught the powerband. It handles a bit better also, and suspenison wise they both handle great. One plus the Z has over the EX is the reservoirs, they don't improve the ride, but they cool down the shock so it would be least likely to bottom out.

think about your decision. I don't want to see you come down to the forums b!tching that any of these quads is not for you.