They are both very capable wheelie quads. I've seen plenty of video of Z's carrying wheelies forever too. I would go for the best deal/value, although the Z is definately a notch better in many categories.

 

I bought a 06 400ex last week and I would have to say this machine wheelies pretty darn good.I'am 200 pounds and when I shift my weight,I hang on and ride it out LOL.
Oh Ya GREAT SITE
Cheers

 

i went to the kawasaki dealer today to see what the had and i liked the lime green kfx they had but the dealer also showed me this 2005 raptor , the camo accented one , and he said i could have either the 06 kfx 400 or the 05 raptor either one for $5899 out the door ... any suggestions ?

 

The raptor is faster, but the kfx is better in the suspension/cornering category. I'd expect the kfx to be less maintainance with an easier chain adjustment system, and the single carb vs the raptor's duals.

If you choose the kfx, make sure the magnesium case/cover has already been replaced with an aluminum one. The magnesium covers were recalled because the coolant was eating away the cover, and allowing coolant into the crankcase. The dealer should have already replaced it, but you never know.

 

i have to stay theres just something that i just love about the 400ex??? i dont know what but id have to stay its just a powerful and fun quad to whip around on. But goin from a 450r to a 400ex your gonna see a big difference in power. But if i was u id look into the KFX400...dont want to start anything but KFX's are better than Z hands down...Z have had many problem with axles breaking/cracking and frames and all that..ok well on the earlier years! Not to bash on the ex but the KFX/Z have a decent amount of power over the old school air cooled 400ex powerplant honda gotta do something to get more power out of there 400...dont forget though that the ex is pulletproof which is a real nice thing...If your gonna be lookin for a quad that can wheelie great...well nothing like the 450r cuz that SOB picks up all over i never can keep it on the ground but the KFX/Z's are lighter than the ex and got that power low end power to pick the nose right up like nothin although i do love the 400ex for wheelies does em like nothing as well and like others have said its gotta be one of the easiet quad to wheelie on...Overall id have to stay that if your hitting 40-50 foot jumps u should be fine with a Z...and the new ones are sick machines...Id stay which ever one u get cheaper the KFX or Z id go with. But personally im lookin at some 400ex's right now cuz i just love them so much.

 

The z and kfx are the exact same machine except for the plastic colors! They're built in the same factory to the same specifications, how would the kfx be better hands down?

 

I ride a kfx, and my buddy had a 400ex before his 450r. I had a lot more power than the ex but ya, the balacing point is really easy to fing on the ex compared to my kfx. At least i think so. Also one thing we noticed is for wheelies in 4th the ex has those big front fenders that act like sails and help to pick up the front end.

 

what year was his ex ?

 

His ex was an 02'

 

what about a 05 raptor 660 ? i can get the camo accented one at the local shop for about $5400 ... will it be a alot better than the 400's ? and how reliable will it be ?