I think Suzuki made some wise choices for 2005 on the Z by putting a bigger carb, hotter cam and shocks with rezzies on the front. I think for the price they should still get some market share against the 450's. If it wasn't for the Z's frame issues I would have bought a Z over the EX and put some money towards suspension upgrades. I'm 200lbs+ and love to jump so I didn't want to risk bending a frame. I also do have a sense of pride with the EX being a legend of sorts, I always viewed the Z as being a knock off, albeit a good one.

 

They are both quality quads and you will be happy with either. Right now Honda is really dealing with the 400ex. Like $800 to a grand less than a Z/DVX/KFX

 

id say any of the newer 400's, but ive never rode a ex so i wouldnt know if its better or not , but the Z/KFX/DVX 400's are all pretty fast and handle well, and reverse does come in handy. pullin my zilla around in the woods, get old fast

 

If durability is the question ask yourself what manufacturer of 3-wheelers you still see around.
As for power, my 400ex with a K&N, and aftermarket muffler I was beating all equally equipped Z's
You are paying for it, so what ever makes you happy is what matters...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

if its cold up ther, overheating isnt as much of a problem, there all about the same, go the cheepest lol

 

the 3 wheeler comparison cannot be applied here, considering suzuki never even made 3 wheelers if im correct, they jumped right into 4 wheelers

 

but alot of the older zuki quads are still around like my zill and alot of other 500's and 250's, even the little 230's and 160's