I went to the dealer today, and was going to buy an '05 KFX - but they have none left. They are only discounting the '06s a couple hundred dollars.

On the other hand, they have '05 TRX400EXs left over for $4999. I like the new body work. I can probably get another couple hundred off on that $4999, also.
I know the reliability of the Honda, as I have an XR400. That's a great motor. I know the KFX has better/more current technology in it - water cooled vs air cooled, and is a little quicker. The speed difference doesn't matter much to me, as they both accept mods well.

I've also read that the TRX is a better "grunt" motor, as the KFX likes to rev. I believe that, with the experience of my XR4.

I guess I'm wondering if the KFX is worth an extra $500+

I realize it's likely going to come down to my own personal opinion, but I'd like some other opinions, too.

I'll be riding woods and trails in Northeastern PA - rocks, roots, hills. Some mud and streams - but nothing that would require a 4x4.

Thanks,

Rick

 

Suzuki basicly copied the frame geometry from Honda (which wasn't a bad idea) so handling is going to be close and they're not to far from each other weight wise. So this is basicly a engine war. The suzuki engine is undeniably better; revs well, pulls hard through the gears and easy to ride. The Honda has a few things going for it to; better low end, and bullet proof (aircool/oil cooled and its a honda!) The KFX/Z in my opinion is the better bike. Since 05 they've reenforced the frame with several gussets, the suspension is just as good as the YFZ and some engine mods. With $500 you can make the TRX compete with the Z engine wise (you need filter kit, full system etc etc etc) , but for no way 500 is going to get you up to that level suspension and engine. Is it worth the extra 500? Completly. Do you need the extra stuff? Its up to you [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

hey you sound like me 6 months ago. just get the kfx!

 

yup. get the kfx. youll be happier.

 

Hey I recently bought a kfx400 and i love it, i originally was gonna go with the honda 400ex because im really impressed with honda but kfx is just as reliable and it has much better suspension and more power, the extra money will be worth it.

 

Well, I bought a KFX. I sat on a TRX400EX, and even though the Honda specs list it with the same seat height as the Kawi, there's about a 2" difference in seat height. That's substantial, exp when the rider's at 6'3".

Also, did anybody ever try to get the seat off the TRX400EX? A pain in the butt. The rear pastic comes off with it. I also didn't like the exposed battery inside the left rear fender, and the cap on that storage tube is way loose. That would have had to be fastened better.

I ended up with an orange '05 leftover for $4999. It was $5245 out the door, with freight and handling. I tried to get them to come lower, but no go. It didn't matter if if was cash or finance. I bought it out of state, so no tax.

I pick it up on Sat.

Rick

 

congrats[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I don't know how far from Troy NY you are but I trveled 3hrs to buy my z from Troy city garage I got my 06 z400 for $5324 otd. I don't think that Suzuki copied Hondas design. The ex's motor sits a lot further back as well as several other big differences. Out of the z, yfz, and ex the z and yfz are a lot closer in frame design. ( I have the z, older brother has yfz, younger brother has ex) The ex is better suited out of these 3 for really tight turning trails between obstacles, but I'd definetely go for the z. Much better ride, smoother power and more of it.

 

Hey sparky thats a pretty good price did u talk em down? In az people want at least 7 g's otd for a 06 kfx 400. That includes freight and taxes and stuff. did u have it shipped? Do you have to have it shipped or can u pick it up?

 

I didn't have to talk them down. They have these excellent prices right on their website. They were great to deal with. When I first started talking to them they didn't try to "sell" me the quad, and when I bought it they didn't try to sell me any accesories or anything.
I doubt they would ship as they sell 180 units a month so I don't think the sale would be important enough for them to ship. The KFXs are even cheaper. Check out that link I posted, they carry a lot of different quads. Some come and go so fast that they can't even list them as in stock because they're sold before they're even checked in.