Hi Lilred,

again, it is like I was saying.....there is a butt for every seat. The Z400/KFX400 is probably one of the best selling quads out there right now. My Kawi dealer says he can't keep them in stock. Here are my personal opinion pros and cons on the 400:

Pros:
Lightweight, nimble, lots of power, good trail bike and hill climber. So far, low mantainence. Good jumper, good wheelies.

Cons:
High compression, so very jerky at low speeds which makes it tough to just putt around on.....which everyone wants to do from time to time. Very narrow seat. Beats me to death and leaves my wrists screaming after a short rides.

IMHO, the Z400 only wants to do fast, *****-to-the wall type riding. I consider it a younger man's machine personally.

The VForce is the machine for me. It is comfortable with tons of power, but can also be used to just putt around on. I doubt there is a true "perfect quad" out there that will do everything someone wants it to do, but for me the V comes the closest. It probably would be perfect if it were only 120lbs lighter!! However, sometimes that extra weight has it's advantages.

On our ride at Big Rock last weekend, I can tell you that my buddy that was riding the Z was telling me the impact to his wrists left him pretty sore. We were riding at times thru dry creek beds at about 35 mph and it was very bumpy.....hoever I thought the VForce hadled it all very well.

I am anxious to see how the Elkas will yet improve the ride and hanling. I hear on this forum the improvement in significant.

Best of luck on your decision.....heck, do a post regarding the pros and cons on the 400 and get some other opinions, as I am sure there may be many whom disagree with me.

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

 

hey lilred where do you live.. and how old is your daughter. Im 17 and your daughter must like quads if she was riding in the mud with you guys.

later

friesen

 

MaoZ,

I am not much of a jumper but I can tell you that powersliding is my most favorite thing to do on my V ! I have a special spot in one of my ride areas that has a large flat spot with one lone tree in the middle. The other day I found the sweet spot on the V and was doing big round circles around the tree in one big continuous powerslide drift. Major entertainment value !!!

Enigma

 

Thanks for the great responses guys! Really good stuff [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] It sounds like a Vforce and aftermarket suspension down the road might be just the ticket. Just to clarify, my two options are: stock Vforce or new Raptor with all new aftermarket a-arms, swingarm, bearing carrier, steering stem, rims and new Razrs front and rear. Does that change your equation at all? Both are the same price pretty much. Thanks again [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I ride almost exclusively with two guys who have Rappys and one who has a Predator.

We have been hitting a local MX track lately, and I have no trouble hitting 30+ ft doubles...and 20 ft table tops. Power sliding in turns...no prob. Stick the throttle and you get immediate respose. When we go trail riding...my wheeler stays on its wheels way better than the Rappy and its almost as stable as the Predator.

Contrary to what I've seen here...the width is no trouble in the tight woods of KY. Also, with nerf bars installed...you can bump your way through tight corners.

I like "the feel" of the Force way more than the Rappy. It just "feels" good (more stable and easy on the body). If you ride one for awhile...you get the picture. BUT, as Brewster keeps saying "there is a butt for every wheeler".

 

Hey one more thing to think about...two words:

GROUND CLEARANCE!

Think about it if your doin' trail riding.

 

Hey...a couple more things to think about....

***No oiling a chain or worries about it breaking!
***No getting your breaks wet and worries about not stopping!
***Less maintenace (can't tell you how many times in the little while I've owned this machine that I've had to wait patienty for others to adjust / fix / etc...while The Force just GOES)

 

friesen , we live in Michigan, and yes, she does love to ride. As for her age, she is a bit old for you. Those two grandsons of mine are hers! Yes, she is 24 and married, sorry. LOL

 

yeah that is a little old for me! lol!! ohh well.