You give a lot of really good advice so I have a question for you. From your advice, I decided to buy a 400EX as I like to do a lot of slow rocky trails. I ended up with a new KFX400 instead as it was $1,200.00 less than a new 400EX. Could not see paying so much more for a less technically advanced machine. If I just go down a tooth in front, would it be better for slow technical riding? Are there any downsides to this. Note, I do not have much interest in riding extremely fast. Thank you.

 

I never went down a tooth on my Z, so I can't say first hand. When I did it on the EX, it became wheelie happy and was almost unrideable (but the EX has a really torquey low end to begin with). On the other hand, I went down one tooth on the 450R, and I don't really notice it.

So....front sprockets are cheap...get one and try it out!