I just bought the wife and son a 250 and 90 quads, after getting a DRZ400 for myself, I have relized, that 2 wheels is not for me. Now the question, do I get a honda 400 or a Suzuki 400? I like my wifes 250 with reverse, but need more, the Honda 400 does not have it, and do I want water cooled is is that just more to brake?

 

You won't be disappointed with the handling of either machine!! The motors are somewhat different though. The EX has more low end torque and grunt, where the Z engine does its best work at around 6,000 rpm. If you mostly ride trails (like at Hungry Valley or Pinnacles), the EX is entirely adequate. If you ride open country (desert or dunes), you will appreciate the extra high end power of the Z. And, the Z has more hop-up potential. If money is an object, you should be able to get a REAL good price on an EX. The EX is rock solid reliable. The Z's are still pretty new, but reliability is good so far and water cooling is a nice feature.

 

I bought the Z this summer and have had no problems. It is a little faster than the ex, but not a drastic amount. I was able to beat my buddies ex with a white bros. e-series and k&n, but his tires were not as good so I took him on the whole shot. Top end the Z is definitely a little faster. If you've ridden the drz you know how the motor is, and the Z handles very well. I think it's definitely the way to go. Same price as an ex with liquid cooling and reverse, and I've been a honda guy for a while.

 

Sounds like it just comes down to price, I have a couple of calls out to some freinds, one with a freind at a Honda dealer, and one at a Suzuki dealer, so I will just see who can give me a better price.

 

I don't know about speed comparisons??? I rode Newyears (long desert cross-country ride) with a girl who had a bone stock Z. I was on the EX, because my Z had a blown rear shock (nice to have a backup bike available!). The EX has an FMF header and pipe, and a K&N and is geared down a little (one tooth larger in the rear). We ran in the middle of the pack with about 40 motorcycles (we two were the only quads). In the technical stuff she was holding me back, but IN THE OPEN WASHES SHE DROPPED ME EASY (oh the humiliation, but I attribute it to my lower gearing!!). The guys behind us on motorcycles (about 20 of them), said they could see my flag but never could catch me, so I was at least able to maintain a little of my pride.

Jack 400-Where do you ride???

 

Barstow and Lucern valley.

The other question is where to sell this DRZ400S? The Honda dealer wont touch it, and the Suzuki dealer already has three used dual sports.

 

ASK THE SUZUKI DEALER IF THEY INCLUDE SPARE FRAMES,SKOCKS,AXLES,SWING-ARMS AND SO ON IN THEIR OTD PRICE YOU WILL NEED THEM!!

 

Get the 400 you won't be sorry. Reconranger made some great points too!

 

I have two Z's and have had them since the first week they were introduced with absolutely no issues what so ever. I ride pretty hard, jump a lot, and am always on very tight trails so reverse is a must and is wonderful. These motors are tried, tested and true since they've been in the dirtbikes for quite a while and have proven very reliable. When it comes to hop ups, dollar for dollar, mod for mod, you will get more out of a Z than an EX. BUT, you can get ex's super cheap right now, so that can offset that balance somewhat. I have, however, heard of people getting Z's out the door for just under 5100, so don't let those dealerships push you around, call around, shop around. Sometimes a few hours on the road can save you serious dough. You are picking between two very good machines and you won't be disappointed with either (unless you love reverse like I do). Good luck and I know of a really good forum that is loaded with info on the Z. PM me and I can email the address to you, it can't be posted on this forum.

 

Man, I tell you this. If it was me, it would only be a matter of which color. It I wanted yeller, I'd get a zukin and green would be the KFX. I like that old 400ex, but the 400 Suzi and kawi are the bomb. I'd probably get them over the Raptor even. Not big into sport quads, and wouldn't want to pay full price on a Raptor, but I think I could manage to cough up $5300 for a KFX 400. I'm starting to want one for some reason, though I have absolutely no use for it.