Hello all. Excuse me for this long-winded post, but I'm new to the forums here and have been lurking around for a couple of days doing my research as I will soon be taking the plunge and purchasing a new quad. I've been riding motorcycles for over 20 years, both street and dirt so I am a fairly competent rider. I've ridden quads a handful of times in the past. Up until yesterday, my research pointed me towards purchasing a Honda as I visited both Honda and Yamaha dealers to check out their offerings. I sat on a Raptor, YFZ450, TRX450 and a TRX400. I liked the way I felt on the Hondas. Very comfortable and natural. The seat on the YZF seemed a little stiff. The Raptor felt okay.

Admittedly, I hadn't considered Suzuki and Kawasaki because I didn't know much about their quads. (Shame on me too as my last motorcycle was the venerable Kawasaki KLR650 dualsport - a fantastic bike). As I did more web surfing and research I quickly realized my ignorant oversight in not considering the Kawi or Suzuk. Now, I think I've narrowed my choices down to either a Suzuki Z400, Kawasaki KFX400 or KFX700. On paper, I feel that any of these quads would be a good fit for me. I can't wait to see all three machines at a dealer this week and at least sit on them. Don't know if dealers let you demo quads around here.

In terms of what I'm looking for in a quad, I don't require the fastest machine available, but I would like something with respectable speed and pep. Another thing to consider is that I'm a relatively big guy at 6'2" 210 lbs. The riding I plan to do is fairly diverse - some wooded trails, sand dunes and dirt. So, something that can handle all-around conditions would be ideal. That's one of the reasons I abandoned the Honda 450 as I think it is too race oriented for me and that's not what I'm looking for. The Honda TRX400EX also seems less of a machine compared to the KFX400 and Z400. So, with all that said, how do all of you KFX400 and KFX700 owners like your quads? I'm wondering if the KFX400 is enough to haul a slob like me around all day or should I just bite the bullet and get the 700. Also, are the KFX400 and Z400 identical in all respects?

You might see a similar thread from me in both the Honda and Suzuki forums as I've solicted advice from those people also. However, like I said above, at this point it looks like either the Suzuki or one of the Kawi KFX's for me.

Let me thank everyone now for any advice you can offer.

 

I'm about the same size as you, and I don't think you will be very happy on the 400-450 sized quads. I have the 700 V-force. It is a very stable machine, fun to mod, and won't leave you feeling like you've been digging ditches all day after riding[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] It has only a few drawbacks: Fuel economy/range....you can get a larger tank. Downhill braking.....you just have to get used to solely relying on front brakes or "blipping the throttle". I have just turned up the idle when descending a few times. Mud/water protection....depending on how important this is to you, it could be an issue. Sometimes it's warm enough to ride, but not warm enough to ride wet. You will get muddy on wet dirt trails. I wouldn't let these few things discourage me from getting one though. They have awesome power and seem to fit a guy our size like a glove. There will never be a quad that is perfect for all situations, but the V seems to hit the middle better than anything out there. Having both, a good sport quad and a good 4wd model would be perfect. I am considering getting a 4wd model in the 500 size range to go with my V. I will use the excuse that it's for my wife, like most everyone else does[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

BigCreek, thanks for the info.

Yeah, as far as physical size goes, when I sat on the Hondas and Yamahas yesterday even though the Hondas were relatively comfortable they all felt a bit smallish for my larger frame. Yet the Foreman-type quads were much bigger and I can't imagine that they have the quickness/agility as something like the KFX700. From looks alone, the 700 V-Force looks like the perfect size. We'll see when I actually get on one. It will take me awhile to convince my wife that she "needs" a quad also. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I just bought the 650 brute yesterday and while I was there I sat on the V700. If I was going to buy a sport quad I would look a that one. All I was thinking was if this 700 vtwin in this is as powerful as the priare or brute it would fly since you would have alot lighter machine. I think the V is automatic also isn't it? I bought a 4x4 because I do ride the hills alot and wanted teh ground clearance and the 4x4 to cross rivers and mud.

Mark

 

The V-twin in the KFX700 is an automatic. I'll have to say that this turned me off at first since I've never ridden anything that wasn't a manual transmission with a hand clutch, but then I saw a few video clips of it in action and read a few articles. People seem to love the auto tranny system on it. I imagine it allows you to concentrate on where you're going to point the machine next instead of worrying what gear you're in. All the 700 owners on this forum seem to enjoy it immensely.

 

Yeah, with the torque of the 700, the auto trans is not an issue. You will never get into a situation where "lag" is a problem. The belt drive keeps you at the right ratio all of the time.

 

Along with a lack of engine braking, the thing that keeps me away from the 700 is the sheer weight of the thing. 500+ pounds, right? The current standard for sport bikes is 350-375 pounds, which means you are dragging around something like an extra 150 pounds of useless weight. Talk about having a monkey on your back.............

 

Trust me, it does not feel that heavy at all. I'm 6'2 210 and it fits me perfect. The raptor always felt too small for me, and the V-Twin torque is totally addicting, not to mention that awesome exhaust note. My buddy has a raptor and i like it, but its just too rough around the edges for me. It just felt like a really fast vir of my warrior, i wanted something totally different. Hence the big orange V

AND it has reverse unlike the 450's. I tried a Z400/KFX400 out, those things are nice, but again, not big enough for me. My vote is for the V-Force, you wont regret it.

 

I've got to find out if my local dealers set up some sort of demo days for their bikes. Must be even more difficult to demo dirt bikes and quads since you need an area to ride, etc.

500 lbs. does in fact sound heavy but I hear alot of guys saying you don't even feel it. I've got my eye on the big orange beast as well...

 

Yeah, it's a must to ride first. I can't imagine buying one without riding it. The ergonomics was a big factor for me choosing also. I am 6'2" 200lbs. Anything with a clutch just felt awkwardly small to me. They really do feel small now that I've had my V for two years. No chain to deal with and a sealed rear brake is another upside. In a nut shell, all of the good outweighs the bad with this machine. The option of putting on dual exhaust is pretty cool and there are many systems to choose from. With enough research you will get what you want/need. Part of the fun is doing the research....Hope some of this helps.