Now that Yamaha has come out with the YFZ 450, Suzuki needs to counter by at least upgrading the Z400 engine to DR-Z400 specs. A 12.2:1 compression ratio (vs 11.3:1 we have now) and a 39 mm carb (vs the 36 mm). MX dirt bikes get big upgrades every year. Why not do the same for the quads??? We don't get the respect we deserve!! Maybe some competition will light a fire under these manufacturers. (Supposedly the 400EX will get a bigger carb next year.)

 

I agree about getting the Z up to the real specs. Not that wimpier version.

As for the 400ex getting a bigger carb, that will surely increase sales....not! They are so stupid waiting this long.

 

I am not worried about the YFZ 450 , if the Z/KFX gives the Raptor some competition in some areas then there is no competition against the 450

 

The Z is the same as the drz-400s, i think you probably mean you want it up to specs with the DRZ-400e. Like you said it has a bigger carb and higher compression but it also has different cams in it. I think the e makes 8-10 more HP than the s, but that's in the dual sport frame. Not sure how much better those mods would be in the z.

 

The Z is to new of a quad to get an update, I bet it will not be until 2005 that the Z gets any type of serious upgrade. Suzuki has spent to much money on the Z to go and change something after they just released it a year ago, unfortuantely they will probably not work on a big bore either....they will just get the vforce with yellow plastic, like kawasaki got the Z with green plastic, just my opinion.

 

The 2004's only have new graphics. How about coming stock with an FCR40mm??? That would be nice [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Problem is Suzuki does not have a high performance 4 stroke sitting in any dirt bikes. The DR-Z is a little better then the LT-Z, but no where near the yami and honda 450s.

All Suzuki is giving is bold new graphics, at least honda got a new carb. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

So, why doesn't Suzuki just bore and stroke the 400 engine?? Isn't that all that Yamaha did?? The YZ450F started out as a 400, then a 426, then a 450. Yamaha only went to a 450 after they got pushed by the Honda CRF450. THIS IS A NO BRAINER FOR SUZUKI!! Yoshi has been doing this with great success.

 

Actually according to the suzukis website, they will now have a removable grab bar, easier chain adjustment and a different exhaust note.

 

yammy 450 350 lbs ... hi compression... 5 head valve..... d@@@@Mmmmmnnn itll out run a raptor!!