hey, i rode a kfx400 today and thought it was pretty fast but ive heard that raptors are faster, but im not lookin for the fastest quad im just lookin for a quad that is good all around. could you guys help me? thanks

 

The KFX400 is a great machine. Fast enough for most, awesome in the trails and a blast on the snow/ice.

 

i'd go 400

 

I have a Raptor (stock) and my riding buddy rides a stock Z-400 (same thing as the KFX 400). He likes his better and I like mine better. If we swapped, the results would probably swap since everyone likes what they have usually. They are both excellent all around machines and you will not be dissapointed either way. I will offer you some of my views on thier strenghts and weaknesses.

1) The Raptor is much much much faster. When we are on a straight away, I leave him like he is pulling a boat. It drives him crazy. I have raced a piped Z-400 and still beat it with a stock raptor. A piped raptor versus a piped 400 is not even a race.

2) The Raptor has much more torque which is fun in the trails. You can leave it in third gear all day long. This also comes in handy in sand dunes. The 400 runs out of gear quick, requiring more shifting. This is good or bad depending on your preference.

3) The 400 handles much better in stock form. The Raptor sits taller and will get on two wheels easily in hard cornering. The 400 will powerslide without tipping better. However, some cheap wheel spacers can make a big difference if this is an issue. With the new improvements for 2005, the handling edge for the Z should be even greater.

4) I am not all that impressed with Yamaha quality. My Kawasaki V Force is much better built (but also 115 pound heavier). The Suzuki/Kawasaki 400 seems like it is built well. I would have to give the nod to the Zuki in build quality (Yamaha guys will kill me for saying this).

5) Motor potential is a no brainer. You can make a Raptor crazy fast. The Zuki is limited by displacement (Although Doug Gust is getting 50 ponies out of his Z-450).

6) Fun to ride factor: I have to give the Rapy the edge due to the wide powerband and the abundance of torque.

7) Looks: Raptor looks better to me, but this is pure opinion.

8) Price: Raptor is about 500 bucks more expensive. Not enough difference to matter really.

Overall I chose the Raptor for these reasons, but like I said, they are both great quads and I would be perfectly happy with a 400.

 

personally i am biased...but i have room to talk at my house are my z and my brother in laws raptor....
sure the raptor has gobs and gobs of torque and power.....but that isnt everything.....the z handles way better...and if you use front wheels spacers on a raptor..have fun replacing your tie rods all the time....also i have a few mods on my z and itll wheelie inthe first 4 gears...no problem...the z is also in my opinion a little more user friendly and alot more durable..also i feel that overall yamaha's quality...or should i say lack there of....hurts it dearly...my z has had nowhere near the problems and issues as the raptor we have has had......if you need the big bad boy motor..go for the raptor but if you want a lighter more agile quad with plenty of options to put down some serious power with some work...buy a z......and then if you get the urge to kick some butt at the drags do the yosh 450 kit and you'll be putting a smack down on alot of quads.........