I currently have a 300ex and I am looking into getting a bigger quod. I've narrowed it down between the 400ex and the ltz 400. I know the ltz it liquid cooled and the 400ex is air cooled but will that make a difference

 

im only replying because no one else has up to this point, im a new rider and the z400/ltz400 is my first atv and only one iv rode so take what I say with a grain of salt so to speak, I did some research on quads before I bought one and from my reading and what iv been told, the ltz400 is a bit faster than the ex400 but from vids iv watched the def is not huge. the Honda is older tech,proven reliable ect, parts are cheaper, how much cheaper I don't know. the z400 is newer tech, if buying a fairly new one there even fuel injected. and the newer ones iv heard are very reliable and tough, iv read the older ones like 04's or so are less reliable for what ever reason, heard the frames were weak but it was sorted out on the newer ones like 07 and up.
if buying new or one made in the last 5 years or so id probably say get wich ever has a better deal. when I went to the dealer last week to buy a 400ex I found payaments were a little to high, the z400 came with a 800$ rebate wich made a big def in payments 150$ a month for the z400 vs 230$ or so for the Honda. so I got the Z400. but YMMV. I have HEARD/READ that the z400 do better with perfomnce mods but don't take that as 100% fact, as I said its most every thing in this post is hear say ect and not personal exp. also it should be noted that from what iv been told the kfx400 is basicly the same as the z400. at any rate so far im hapy with my 2013 z400. its got more than enough power imo though it could be geared a little better for slower trail rideing, something that could prob be fixed with a def size sprocket from what iv read.

It should be noted that the z400 is liquid cooled and thus its got more things that COULD go wrong, radiator leak, hose leak ect, how ever iirc the pro's to liquid cooling is the motor runs cooler wich often means longer engine and oil life. at least that's the way it works on most things lol. at any rate I would have been perfectly happy with a ex400. id just go with the one that is a better deal for you or the one with less hours,age,condition if buying used. from what iv read all the major brands like Honda,kawasaki,yamaha and Suzuki are all good tough reliable bikes these days. stay away from the chines brands, iv read there trouble all the way around. any way good luck with what ever u get, hopefully some one with actual exp will chime in and correct me if iv given bad info or opinion.

 

jacks58, you could do a search and find a million Ex vs Z threads. Personally, I like them both. The Honda is going to be close to what you already have and are comfortable with. The Z is a little better in a lot of categories, and yes the liquid cooling allows for a more powerful motor as they come stock. If you are buying new, it would be hard to justify the EX unless you could get a smoking deal over a Zuk. Another thing to consider is maintenance. If you are the type that just jumps on and rides, Honda is probably more your pace. Not that the Z is difficult or less tolerant, it is just going to cost a little more to fix that inevitable break down.