they dont compare. the z is well down on power as compared to a rap.

 

I owm both machines. I unfortunalty bought the Raptor before I got my Z400. The Z400 was not currently on the market when I got my Raptor. I must say that I'm very impressed with both machines. However, it depends on what kind of riding you are doing. In my case... if the z would have been out when I got my raptor, I would have 2 z's right now. I go to the dunes, trail ride, and mx and I love the z way more than the raptor. Both are pretty modified, the z a little more than the raptor, but you cannot beat how the z performs. It's very light, easy to balance, easier to jump, the clutch feels a hell of a lot better, the powerband is so smooth, and the suspension is super quite. Now the raptor is not as stable as the z by any means, harder to ride wheelies, narrow, suspension is loud, very nice top end power, power band is more abrupt, harder to trial ride because the front end always wants to come up, and its deffinantly not as comfortable as the z. I would say go for the z, its a lot cheaper too!

 

Hey Big, Great first post. You forgot to mention our 450 that is comming soon, and has all the ammentities that you mentioned. Acompanied with a two stroke powerband that no thumper has yet to see. Hmmmmm Im thinking pipped raptors will only see the tail of this stock machine. What is stopping them from giving this machine the same 61 HP at the crank that the RMZ dirt bike has. Ill Take one. Welcome Big Z !!!

 

Thanks for the warm welcome deautaronomy, I think I'm actually going to sell my Raptor. Have you heard anything more on the 450? I heard just a little on it but not a hole lot, havent seen any pics either. If you know of any links hook me up! Also, I'm going to buying the hotcams and probably a dyna cdi and some sort of piston for my z. Ive got every other mod pretty much. I'm not sure on the big bore kit though because I dont really know of anyone in the metro Detriot area that does decent boring. I can do the rest though. Thanks!

 

Yea, Digger talked about it in some mag, He said it would be an 05 early release. But that might be one for him to race. Im waiting for the artist rendering of the quad to pop up on the post. Or better yet hope it pops up at the dealer like that raptor 350 did. I have been holding off on the mods waiting for the 450. You know where the mod money goes-right down the drain !! I will go broke trying to beat the stable mate. As seen in my pics.(melvins raptor) - Are you going to port and polish with the cam mod ?

 

I dont think so.. unless I can find someone who does decent machining work.. if thats the case here comes the big bore then. I dont really know of anyone in my area whos reputable with there work.

 

I couldn't have explained the difference any better.

 

i'm not too sure... i have a z 400 and i dragged a guy on a raptor and i beat him.... both of our bikes were stock ... well mine was at the time... and he 's not too bad of a driver i'm not sure cause i just met him cruisin down the trails and road... the raptor sure has the advantage with the 260cc extra but my bike kept it behind ... but a few times i lost .... on tracks i would say that the z 400 because it has better handling ... the raptor tends to be tippy.

--------------------------
Suzuki Z 400
Complete Comp. Series Yoshimura exhaust
K&N Air filter
Jet kit
Suzuki nerf bars
Renthal handle bars
Team Racing bumper

 

Hey carnage, How do you do against your freinds green KFX. Also what tires are you going to after the stockers. I see your freind is running the razzors. I got the xcr Holeshots with the ten inch c- series wheels They are great, took some getting used too with the powerslide. I have yet to see an orange KFX on the trails, If the dealer had one when I got mine I would have gotten it.

 

deautaronomy, Those holeshots got a ton more traction than the stockers? I am looking at getting those for my Z. Which rims are you running?