Looking to get a new quad, mostly trail with a very little bit of track riding,

 

Well since you can get a new z400 (you cannot get a new KFX400 anymore) for about $5700, and the new KFX450 is $7300, I would think a lot of it comes down to how much coin you want to spend..........

The 450s are very fast, and designed for racing. If all you are going to be doing is trail riding and racing your friends I'd go with the z400..... If you are racing in competition the 450 is probably the better idea.........

 

The KFX450 will be a nice bike I think but might be too much for trail riding. As I am sure you know, it has fuel injection and I think that is important. Also, unlike the other 450cc bikes the KFX has a reverse. The only thing I would wonder about would be the suspension, may be a little to harsh for the long trail rides. Another thing to consider is the amount of time you want to work on a quad doing preventative maintenance. From what I hear (mostly on these forums) the 450 need a lot of PM to keep them running strong. Another thing to consider is that the KFX 450 would be in its first year of production. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with the bike, but the first year is where all the little bugs are worked out.

Like you, I was thinking about getting the KFX450, but decided to go with a Raptor 700. I am pretty happy with my decision. My friend went with the Outlaw 525. He likes the independent rear suspension, but he said that the quality of the bike is not as good as my Raptor.

Good luck with your decision and don't be afraid to look at other quads, there are a lot of good ones out there.

Jeff

 

compaired to the ltr450r the kfx450r is shorter,narrower and a bit higher. Both are pretty much the same weight. KFX450r also comes wit bigger tires and im guessing more ground clearance??? sounds like they want it to still be as versable as the KFX400 in a sense that it can be drove in tight trails...but i wonder how the gearing is compaired to the honda or zuki 450rs? can it be lugged down like the 400's????

I'm not too keen on the plastics either, i hate the white colour, black isnt bad but green is definatly the best looking.


anyways i hope kawi has god luck wit this bike because as far as i know this bike is 100% kawi and they havnt designed a sport bike since the late 1980's??? i guess suzuki would of taught them well but only time will tell!

 

450 for sure. The 400 was a great machine for a suzuki. 450 just wayy better. I didnt like the way you had to tighten the chain on the 400's. It was a bad design. Dirt gets stuck in the grooves and freezes the studs to adjust the chain. We had a lot of studs break off. 450 should be an awesome machine but its wayyy more than the 400's. Of course you cant get the 400 kawi anymore thank god! That suzuki alliance stuff was a joke! Comin from a kawi dealer, im happy its all over!