First, I'd like to re-introduce myself since I haven't logged on in a while.

Second, the main topic. My old ~95 Suzuki Quad Runner is nearing the end of it's life. I believe I have a cracked piston wall because there is a little bit of oil getting burnt in the exhaust. So rather put money into something that is quite a let-down in the first place, I just figured I'd FINALLY get a new quad. I've wanted one for 10 years, but my parents never bought me one, and now that I have the money myself after my summer job, now is FINALLY the time!

Okay, I'm posting this in the Honda section because the main quad I've been looking at is a Honda, but I'm not biased to any brand so I've got to get some feedback on the other 400cc sport models.

The Honda model I've been looking at is the 400ex. From what I've seen/read, this quad is reliable, low maintenance, and quite fast. BUT I've also read that the Suzuki LTZ 400 is MUCH faster, and my friend has one and it IS extremely fast. He says I'd kill myself on it, but it's not like I'd hop on it and try to do wheelies, jump doubles, etc. I have my own property I could ride on and practice with it, so killing myself would be less of a problem lol.

Okay, now that I've explained my situation hopefully I'll get some help. Thanks!

 

well ive ridden several z400s except the the newer fuel injected ones and can tell you the 400ex is every bit as good, OVERALL. it isnt quite as fast stock, but as you mod the z will keep pulling away, BUT the 400ex i think has slightly better handling and more low end torque. its also cheaper and easier to maintain due to its low tech design. personally they're both great quads and the newer z400s (09 and newer) are slightly wider and probably handle better then the older ones, but not much im sure. both are great quads and for the average trail rider you cant go wrong with either. if reverse is a big deal 99-04 400ex's dont have it. hope this helps

 

If you will be buying new, go with the Z unless you can get an absolutely smoking deal on the Honda. EFI, liquid cooling, and better suspension for roughly the same price make it a no brainer from my perspective.

When buying used I always gravitate towards what has been well cared for. If it is out for sale and "only needs part x which costs $20.00" I wonder why they don't just replace part x... You will be happy with either, just don't get discouraged when your EX loses the inevitable drag races against your friend.

A few side notes, your old 'Zuk probably has worn valves/seats vs a cracked cylinder. It wouldn't run well if at all if the jug was caput, and it is a 17 year old machine. Quite common for valves to go bad in that time frame.

Modifying the engine(exhaust/intake, internally) will cost more on an efi machine as you will need a tuner rather than a few $5.00 jets.

 

I REALLY appreciate your guys' help.

@ Scooter, I will definitely NOT be buying new, lol. & for my Quad Runner, I couldn't give a **** if it was a 5$ jet or if the block was compressed to a pancake, lol. The quad just didn't really do enough for me to want to fix it. Yea... I could sell it and have some pocket money after the next quad buy, but ehh...

@sportszilla, I appreciate you telling me the pro's and con's of each vehicle. If the Honda does have more lower end torque, rather than higher top speed, I'd go with the torque. The trails we ride have 1 straight away where we can almost max out our quads, so I'll be using the low end power more often than top end. All in all, looks like I'll be going for the Honda.

Also, just a note for the 250 Quad Runner. Over the past few years of riding, me and my friend came to realize that the Quad Runner (100% stock, not even new tires once in it's life) is the tankiest 2WD vehicle either of us have ever seen. It also has insane suspension. Independent front and rear makes for a great ride, and gives you some room to do some pretty crazy jumps in terms of utility quads go.

 

dont confuse low end torque with acceleration, low end is the power of idle into the midrange rpms, not low gears. a 400ex still accelerates great, especially from low rpm

 

I ride a 400ex on the trails, really suits me pretty well. I agree with the above, the 400 is simple, parts arn't to bad, and it seems to be pretty bullet proof. I'm the guy with the loud annoying pipe that hits the rev limiter whenever i shift.... my bike is taking it pretty well so far... As for cheap upgrades... People say 450r shocks improve the handeling by a lot on the front, just requires a bit of modification to work , on the rear a $90 (XC) linkage corrects the bucking feeling some people say they get... I don't really have a problem with the suspension stock... but theres a mod.. And Getcha a pipe and you'll have a real nice bike!

 

you should shift well before you hit the rev limiter... you should usually shift right before the power starts flattening out because that means its not making anymore and is actually tapering off, but thats me lol. yeah i mean i wont say the 400ex is the fastest or most high tech quad, but trust me i have ridden and owned TONS of quads and the 400ex is one of my favorites. yes i have ridden and owned 450s!

 

I don't know who would say the 450r models are their favorite. Just seems like maintenance would be a huge hassle.

I was wondering how the Raptor 350 compares to the EX.

 

honestly there is no comparison! the honda is much more refine, it shifts a lot smoother, has noticably more power all the way through, way better suspension, handling, ergonomics, wheelies better, has a better engine design etc... infact i cant think of one thing the 400ex doesnt do better!

 

the raptors probably even pricier to.