I'm going to be getting a new quad pretty soon and don't know which one to get i have rode a 400ex and really like the way it handles and i love honda's reliability. I never had a chance to ride a raptor. Is the raptor tippy on the side of hills. Does the 02 raptors still have the problems they had in 01?
Which on jumps better?
Climbs hills better?
More reliable?
Are the 02 still geared real high?
I don't think a stock 400ex will have the power that i want. When i ride my buddies the rev limiter is always kicking in.I want the raptor for power? I want the honda for reliable and the handling.

 

Have you considered the Z400? Handling is as good as the 400EX or better, it has more power also. It likes to rev high, which might fit your riding style. I almost bought the 400EX too, until I tried the Z. Oh yeah, don't forget liquid cooled and reverse also.

 

I might consider it but i wan't something that's been around a little while. Cause you never no the problems of a new machine. Like the raptor had bad 2nd gear.

 

As far as reliability goes, you'll be happy with the Honda. I thought about getting the Z400 also, but decided to give it a couple of years, so they can work out all of the bugs. In the mean-time, I've got a great quad and it only cost me $5200 (brand new, out the door). I'll let everyone else find out what's wrong with the Z, and if it turns out to be a good bike, I may pick one up in a year or two.

 

I would not rule out the Z that easy, they have already proven that engine with the DRZ, I bought the very first DRZ sold at my local dealer when nobody knew anything about them. Rode it hard for 2 years and never had any problems, it was bullet proof, so I really can't see any problem comming about that is too major like the 2001 raptors had, I think suzuki really did a good job. But if it is power that you want, and you are will to give up a little on the handling, go with the Raptor. Just my .02 cents, good luck!

 

And to answer another question, the 2002 raptors are geared different and have the bugs worked out, I have heard very little going wrong with the 02's, I would stay away from an 01 unless you got a killer deal on it!

 

<< The 400EX is way underpowered in my opinion.Id go with the Raptor or the new Suzuki fo shure. late,zubbeyboy >>



Is the Suzuki really that much more powerful than a EX?