I know this subject has been beat to death, but everyone's situation is a little bit different so I would like to get some others feedback. I use to have a 400EX, it was piped and jetted and I loved the way it ran through the trails and the way it handled jumps. I sold it because I bought a house and I had a hard time finding someone to ride with me. I'm now in the market to buy two quads one for myself and the other for my wife (my friends will also be riding it on some occasions). From what I've been reading I think the new Polaris Predator TLD would be a good fit for what I'm looking to get out of my atv. I don't have any land to ride on at my house, but my sister live about 15 miles north and she has about 25 acres and my uncles live about 15 miles south and they have a combined of 160 acres (with a 2.5 mile track around some ponds and through the woods). We also travel up to the U.P. and ride at my wife's parents cabin, that's an island that is pretty rocky and riding includes some paved roads and some mud. From what I've been reading, I think the only thing that might concern me is the weight issue, but that's not a determining factor. I like the fact that it's a Polaris (Made in the US or at least advertised to be), it is a bit wider, stronger axle, the tires/wheel combo, reverse is a plus and the styling. When I was at a local dealer I thought as though the thumb throttle was a poor design, made out of plastic unlike my old metal thumb throttle on my 400EX, has anyone had one break yet? None of the tags, nor was I able to find it on Polaris' website, provides what type of warranty comes with it? I've also considered some other quads such as the new 400EX, Z400 and the YFZ 450. I'm looking for some feedback/comments.

My second question is about a quad for my wife, remember my friends will also be riding this on some occasions. I'm thinking about getting a used Raptor for her. But I've heard there were some issues with them in the earlier years, which years should I stay away from? I've also thought about getting a 4X4, but I think it would be a rough ride when we were doing a lot of trail riding, so I decided on a sports quad for her. She had no problem riding my 400EX with all the add-on's. She's 5'7" and 120 lbs, so I believe she has long enough legs and arms to ride the Raptor. I've only rode a Raptor once, but it was only for a few minutes. I basically want a reliable machine for her that would ride nice through the trails and would be able to keep a good pace. She does ride fast, but she doesn't like to race for fun. My friends on the other hand will try to race when they are riding it. I've also considered buying another 400EX, but I would like the reverse for my wife.

Please comment on my findings.

Thanks,

 

I agree on your plan to get a TLD Pred for yourself. It comes nicely equipped from the fact. I have a Z, which is lighter than the Pred, but didn't notice the Pred being heavy or bulky. It's bigger, but the extra power scoots it around with ease. I don't know how well the 660R idea would be for your wife. I'm sure she can ride fine, but I'd suggest a Z400 instead. Smaller, lighter, nimbler and better handling stock. One of the best all-around quads. I love mine. They're faster than a 400EX and have been very reliable. I think that would be a good combo for you. But, of course, you guys have to feel out and decide for yourselfs. Goodluck.

 

i would have to agree with strubby as well. Look into the Z for your wife, u dont need to get her a raptor, she would have more fun on the 400 IMO, there not as big and they definently are a reliable, well handleing machine so u could maybe have her decide, put her one a raptor and w.e other quads your going to consider buying and see what she likes more

 

I think I'm going to wait until the new Z450 is released and look at that one for myself, and get the wife a used Z400 since people will be dumping them off to buy the new Z450. I might even buy a used Z400 for myself since I've seen a few 2003's for only $3500 with nerf bars.

 

that sounds like a good plan if you don't mind 1st year bikes

any timeline for the z450 that you know of??

 

Z450???! thought it was just a rumor, thats sweet

 

i would say a z 400 for you and a z400 for your wife. mainly becuase i really hate polaris. but i think that the z 400 would be a good size for your wife and a good all around quad

 

Well i know the z can hold its own. I am 15 and ran the heck out of mine. I rode it almost every day and never had and problems. Even after hitting that state road at about 65 mph. I barely cliped the thrid axle on it. thus bending my axle and getting launched off the bike about 10 foot in the air (ouch). After getting it back on all fours i examined it. I had broken fender brackets a bent axle and scratches i rode it home to get in a whole bunch of trouble which is an understatement. After a bottle of plastic renew, 30$ for fender brackets, and 280$ for an axle i still ride it till this day even with my new craptor 660 don't buy one. Sure its fast and fun but wait til starter bearing goes out. Thats a pain to replace. I recommend a white bro.s slip on for the z it really helps. As for the pred go for it.

 

I think the Pred is a great quad. Definately worh the investment. They supposedly have a lifetime warranty on the chain and rear axle. the rest is probably industry standard I would guess. I have never heard of broken thumb throttles on these either. There is no release date for the new Suzuki 450, you might be waiting a while for this bike. For 05 Honda changed the plastics and added reverse to the 400EX, but they didn't update the engine, so the Z400 is probably a better buy new or used. I have a YFZ, awesome bike. About the only thing it won't do is reverse, but I ride almost exclusively on groomed trails in hilly terrain. On the rare occasion I can't use a hill to turn around, the quad is so light it is easy to manhandle by yourself. Mid March I went riding in PA(lots of hills, to much snow) and probably had to pick the bike up at least 50 times over the course of the day. It was a good workout, but wouldn't stop me from doing it again next winter.