New or Used Z400
 

I'm purchasing a Z400 in the next few weeks. I'd like some advice from those in-the-know about the current 2005 model vs. the '04 or '03 models. I know there have been some changes made to the '05. Is it worth it to buy this bike new or can I afford to get away with buying used. Thanks again for the advice. You guys have been really helpful in my decision-making process. Cheers....

New or Used Z400
 

If I were you I would look for a good used one. My brother picked his 2003 KFX up for $3500 and the thing was only ridden a few times. He's put far more wear and tear on it in the last 3 months than the previous owner did in almost 2 years. Just shop around and don't be in a hurry, they're out there. Good luck!

New or Used Z400
 

I bought a used 03 a few months ago, with almost no hours on it, full DG pipe plus jetting, for $4550. If you include the pipe cost, I saved about 1200 or more over the cost of new. I like that!

The 05 will have better front shocks, not that the old ones were bad, they just weren't great for hard riding. Also the new ones will have a slightly different cam for extra power, but now much remains to be seen. These are about the only changes so if it's worth the extra bucks for a new one to you go ahead.

New or Used Z400
 

Another change in the 05's is that they welded gussets on upper shock mounts. If you do a lot of jumping/mx I would definitly do this or have this done if you buy an 03/04.

New or Used Z400
 

Don't they have a bigger carb as well?

New or Used Z400
 

yes they made the 05's have a 37mm carb

New or Used Z400
 

The new Z is a little lighter I think, it does have a new 37mm carb, new camshaft which helps the engine's response. I heard it has additional drive plates for the clutch and a magnesium cover. There's also a new white plastic with a blue frame. They do have new reservoirtype front shocksthat provide better overall heat resistance and an improve ride. Well these changes don't really impress me, so I would go cheaper and buy a used one for a good price and save the other money for later mods. Which I'm sure you will want some later on, but right now get the quad firts, enjoy the power, and then will help you out with mods!

New or Used Z400
 

shady rascal has some nice bikes, and a fine wife, lucky duck..

New or Used Z400
 

buy new definatly
the changes to the swing arm is well worth the extra money not to mention the new cam and rezzi shocks
believe me when you have trouble with that stupid swinger you'll have to buy after market because there is no fix for junk!!

New or Used Z400
 

I've always had good luck buying used, and like others have said, been able to customize the quad to my liking with the extra bucks left over. However, it's not the same experience for every quad, and although I have no Z experience, it sounds they are known for a few glitches. Question, what type of riding will you be doing? If it's trails and decent jumps here and there, I'm sure a used one will do you fine. If you're going MX or like psycho jumps, then maybe a new one with the reinforcements would be better. Although, if I'm doing psycho jumps, I'd still buy used and upgrade it for that purpose. Goodluck.