You're thinking of the LT-Z400 and the KFX400. Suzuki made motor and frame for both as well as the DVX400.

 

Suzuki and Kawi have parted ways on their joint manufacturing deal. Maybe they are still sharing a roadbike or two, but none of the current quads are rebadged collaborations. Yamaha Factory XC is racing the new 450R precisely because of that, it is new. They want to get some wins/podiums with it to sell units. The original YFZ is already proven and now aimed more towards the budget con

 

No... that was the 400cc bikes...

The KFX400 was the Suzuki Z400 with green plastics.
The Arctic Cat DVX400 was the Suzuki Z400 with different plastics.

Kawi just made a deal with Suzuki to get their 400cc bike, so they could focus their time, money and development all on the 450cc... and it shows on the KFX 450R.

 

so "duster" tell me about your KFX450R - how do you like it? how does it do in the trails, do u feel like your alittle wide or tight or? and how fast is it compared to the original YFZ450? and the LTR450

 

Sorry... not ignoring you... I have just had no time to reply properly.
Still don't right now.
Gotta go to work... (d@mn 12 hour shifts).

Check back tomorrow morning.
I'll try my best to hook you up before I crash for the day.

 

if i were you i would check out the honda 700xx, independent rear for the trail, and still sporty and very fast, this seems like the perfect quad for someone in your envirnment and with your preferences

 

i think the front part of the 700xx is weird looking and i dont like it--otherwise i would rather settle with a raptor 700----a 700 is to much for me - im 15 and i dont know why but when i hear "raptor700" i just feel like its a torque monster - i really like high revving stuff and of course something really fast - im not really into the 700xx anyways

 

These 450's are a LOT hotter power delivery wise than those stroker 700's.

You may be getting a little over your head... what have you been riding?

 

I really like my Kawi 450R. It's a superb machine.

In the trails it's no crawler like the 400EX geared down is...
But for a 450R class machine, it's as good as it gets in trails...
Unless compared to a pro-level GNCC build or something...

Stock, the bike is really narrow... perfect for woods.
It's more narrow than they say... it's only 45.5".

I decided to stick with this width...
The reason is that it needs no more width, which is fantastic both ways.
Despite being this narrow, it handles the curves feeling like it's 50" wide.

I'll put it to you this way... I tried to set my 400EX up with a "reversible" setup to get it wider for more stability in more open speedy places. It's at 47.5" wide... and the EX is touted for handling... but box stock the KFX 450R handed the 400EX it's azz in handling... even on those dang dunlop balloons.

Compared to the YFZ450, which was modded out... I like the KFX a lot more. Again it handles as well but does so still being narrower, which is an advantage... and it also does it with a suspension setting that doesn't jar your brains out. The Kawi also has more torque down low, and a linear power band to match your thumb action. It doesn't have that mid-range "hit" of the YFZ and is not as high strung, which made it a bit much for the woods. Instead it has more instant throttle response and spunk that is useable.

Compared to the LTR450... well it is hard to compare because that bike is too wide for woods. The LTR's fuel injection system I think is better though... specifically I think their throttle position sensor is better, and I KNOW their system is cheaper to modify.


All in all, the faults I find in the KFX are...

1- needs a better, less touchy TPS.
2- could use a wider ratio trans gearing, lower on bottom & higher on top (all could)
3- needs more woods low end (fixed with Jardine RT99 exhaust system)
4- needs sharper turning radius (fixed that on a mill in a machine shop)
5- still could dead engine start better (improved w/exhaust also)

The only thing left I am trying to iron out is I still have a 'push' in certain sharp turns, turning left or right and shooting uphill at the same time. It want's to go wide... and I am not sure if it is me not committing hard enough to suit it... or if it's the Holeshot GNCC's... or if it's going to dial away in the suspension adjustments.

It's the best factory bike I have ridden though... and since adding the Jardine RT99 exhaust system, it's a freakin ANIMAL.... and there is still huge horsepower potential still laying untapped.... which can be tapped at will with an aftermarket intake system, fuel controller and a dyno tune... no a pony or two either, BIG horsepower.

 

you check out the outlaw with the ind rear, they are fast and good for the trail, i think its a 525.