The Z has quite a bit more top end rev than the EX. And, EX has more low end grunt than the Z. As for reliability, well I am doing a 200 mile desert ride this weekend, and I have to say that the EX is already loaded in my trailer!! Just haven't had the Z long enough to trust it on something that long (and I don't have a desert tank for it yet).

The EX makes a fine trail bike, and the Z is best for open country, where you can rev it to the moon!

 

Get a 400ex or wait for next years z400 to be released. I wouldn't buy a first year of a quad just for the unproven reliability. I am speaking for all quads. If and when Honda ever comes out with a new sport quad I will wait until it is proven reliable before I would buy one. Look at the raptor, it's first year wasn't good but now that the bugs were fixed they are a damn good quad. But the main decision maker will be where and how you plan to ride the quad.

 

I agree, I wouldn't buy any quad the first year it comes out until they work out all of the bugs. That is why when looking for a used 400EX I wouldn't buy a 99'. Another thing, it's really hard for anyone else to match Honda's build quality. I've had two Honda street bikes, I currently tow my 400EX with a 96' Honda Prelude with over 100K on it that I've have beaten to death. All of the Hondas I've owned have all been heads above the rest, reliability wise. If only Harley Davidsons were made by Honda.

 

I just bought a 03 400 ex last night and I too was in the dilemia on what bike to buy. Should I get a 400ex or a z400. For me it came down to price and performance. I bought my 03 for 5000 OTD, while the suzuki dealer wouldn't budge off the 5699 Msrp plus 250 for freight and tax, title, etc(atleast in my area). It would have been over 6 grand for the suzuki. Now, I know the suzuki will outrun me, but I truly believe that performance equals consistency. If it breaks down all the time, that is not performance. Not to say the suzuki will do that, but it is an unproven bike so far. This is the first atv I have personally owned, and I wanted a solid, reliable bike that will perform without many complications. I feel I made the right choice.
-scott

 

Ive owned 2 400EX's, a CR, a 350X, a 200X, and I currently own an 88' Zilla.

Every Honda I have owned has been bullit proof. I never had any problems with any of them. (I did one top end rebuild on my 85' CR125 in the 5 years I owned it, and one top end on my beat down, raced 99' 400EX)

My Zilla, suspention and frame wise, has been great. no problems with anything and it takes my beating perfectly.
I had to rebuild the motor due to the crank bearing problem, I recently had to replace the water pump seal, and my
lighting coils are weak. Although its so much fun having all the torque of the big 500 2 stroke single, I dont trust it nearly as
much as I did with any of my hondas. I dont think that will ever change.

The Z could be completely different though!! I just know the Hondas are really great.

-Matt

 

When I went to get my current ride, I was torn between the ex and the Z. That was until I did a little research and realized the Z is just the ex to the next level. The engine is VERY reliable and proven so in the DRZ Dirtbike. Even if the only thing the Z had over the EX was reverse, I'd still choose the Z. Plus, I've read where people can get the Z for 4995.00 now, so price wise, why not just go for the gusto. The ex is a great machine, but I LOVE MY Z and don't look back, unless I'm looking for those in my dust.