I am going to buy a new sport quad. I was sold on the 400ex untill I seen the new Suzuki that is coming out. Here is my question. How do you like your 400ex, and would you recommend it. Any pros and cons would be helpful.

thank you.

 

Here is my likes and dislikes of the 400ex. Note that I use if primarly for trail riding.

Likes

Great Handling on tight trails
Jumps great
Good power, especially after adding a new silencer
Easy to maintain and work on
Good design and quality build
Plenty of aftermarket accessories available

Dislikes

No reverse (usually bites me about once a trail ride)
Low ground clearance (typically though for a sport quad)
Cold blooded
Rear brakes don't last long when encountering any mud

Overall, I really like my 400ex. I would still probably choose it over the Suzuki in the first year of production on the Z400. Once the Suzuki's are out a while and they get any bugs worked out, I probably would lean toward the Suzuki at that point.

 

I was going to wait for the new Suzuki too. I even had a down payment but took it back to buy a used 2000 400ex. I couldn't wait for the new Z to come out and I wanted to wait to see what happens with the Z (bugs) and what any other manufactures might come out with. I saved alot of money and I really like the 400ex.

 

Your from cleveland, hmmm, I'm from youngstown, any places to ride up there?

 

Not really just some little local spots. There are some pretty good spots that are an hour or so away. I really want to go to Wellsville but don't know if I am allowed to.

 

I own a 400ex and honda has been in the performance quad market for a long time. Suzuki I am sure will do a good job and the motor is already proven stronger than the 400ex and just as reliable. BUT, I would suggest buying the first model year as well, or at least wait for a high serial number. I agree with the rest, let them work the bugs out of them and test them, then make sure the improvments are done prior to your serial number.
I like the 400ex, but I am biased towards honda. I bought a early serial number the first year the 400 ex came out and that was a mistake. A friend of mine has a 99 as well with a high serial number and he has had great luck with his.

 

Best all around machine I've ever owned, I've owned a lot. Plenty of hopups, great handling, and reliable. No reverse is kind of a drag but I generally ride forward.

 

I've had mine a month. I like it more and more each time I ride it.

With all of the positive things it has to offer, I have easily adapted to not having reverse, and I thought I could never live without it.