Looking to buy either a 400 EX w/ reverse or Z400. I will be keeping the machine for at least 3 years and I am looking for the following:

1. Reliability
2. Best features for Trail Riding
3. Ease of use
4. Durability
5. Not concerned with top speed in its class at this point

I am 6'2" and about 200 lbs if that helps. Also, this will be my first quad. Have driven friend's quads, but never owned. For all intents and purposes, I am a novice. Looking to invest in one of these in the next few days. I'm just torn over which of these to buy. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks....

 

1. reliability=400ex( the z400 is also very reliable butthe ex is bullet proof)
2.best features= z400 better suspensionexcellent handling
3. ease= both are pretty simple 400 ex air cooled so less parts to maintain
4. both are durable flipped my z tons of times stil runnin strong
5. z400 is faster.

 

Go with the z400 just got one yesterday and it rocks. I have rode a 400ex before and it has nothing compared to the z400. I actually was going to buy a 400ex but then I rode a z400 and loved it.
reliability- i thinku cant go wrong with either they will both be great machines.
Best Features- the z400 has liqiud cooling that is about the only advantage.
Ease of use- they are both easy to use, but ithink the z400 is easier to use beacsue when ur in reverse if u kill it u can start it up in revrse and the z400 choke is on the handlebar and the choke is buried under the frame by the carb.
They are both durable yeah the z400 has more to go wrong with liquid coolin but i wouldn't worry about it.
I think the z400 is the best choice for you.

 

My brother has the KFX and I have the EX. They are both very similar stock in terms of handling and power. With the EX the power comes on a lot early in the rev's where the KFX's power hits higher in the rev's. This makes it so you can lug the 400EX more easily, but the powerband feels more peppy on the KFX because of how it comes on. Both are great quads, one doesn't have a clear advantage over the other in any way. In all honesty I would slightly favor the EX for trail riding because of the torque and I would slightly favor the KFX(Z) for dune riding.

 

1. Reliability= That goes to the 400EX.
2. Best features for trail riding= The Z has a better ride but the EX handles better and has more low end torque (better for trails).
3. Ease of use= About the same but the Z does have an easier choke if thats even an issue.
4. Durability= see number 1.
5. The Z maybe a tad faster or just feels faster cause of the higher powerband.

Go with which ever one appeals to you most and make your best deal.

 

I just get the feeling after reading the critics and rider reviews that I'm going to get bored with the 400 EX after about a year. The Z400 sounds like it has more to offer overall. If you were a beginner, didn't know much at all about ATVs, were looking for an ATV which would give you as little hassle as possible, and were eager to learn, which would you choose?

 

If you were to get bored on the 400EX after a year you'd also be bored on the Z because they are the same thing in terms of power/performance. If you are just starting out it might be a good idea for you to go rent either one or the other for a day and see what you think. I highly doubt you would be bored with the Z or EX after a year of riding, and if you are you can do some performance mods that will wake either one right up. I've been riding for 5 years(mx, dunes, trails) and my 416EX still impresses me.. I can stay with anything I've encountered on the local MX tracks.

However, if I was going to buy a new quad today I would buy either the YFZ or the 450R because you don't have to mod them so much to get good power out of them. But it really depends on what kind of riding you do and if you want reverse.

 

there both great machines but get the Z you'll have more fun with it

 

Z400 with out a doubt.

 

you will be alot happier with the z. stock its not that close the z will walk away from the 400ex in a one hundred yard drag by 4-5 quad lengths and it only gets worse up to top speed. Speaking from experience because i have a z400 and my best friend has a 400ex and thats the results. You shouldnt get bored with either because you could mod them as far as your wallet lets you. the z will also respond much better to the mods, but both are great trail bikes though.