I'm in the market for a new bike. I'm looking to buy a good used bike that's already modded. I'm fond of the Banshee but want a bike that's a little more well rounded but can still be scary fast. I really like the Quadzilla for its uniqueness and all out *****, but wonder how it stacks up in the handling and jumping department. How does it compare to other bikes both old and new, (Banshee, 250R, Z400, etc.). In stock form, will the shocks be adequate for aggressive jumping and trail riding or should I look to upgrade. I know these things are quite wide in stock form but how about the length, (swingarm extension?), and the brakes. Thanks in advance.

 

In my opinion they are big. Kinda like a Cadillac, compared to the 250r's. They are the best in the dunes and I have jumped mine as high and as far as any other big with the same or better landings. Upgrade the shocks and you will really love jumping it. I went to TCS. They seem real stable even in the air. The front does seem long for days if you are getting off a 250 and you won't be throwing it around quiet like the lt250 or trx 250 but I love mine and wouldn't trade for anything. The 500cc motor makes loads of bottom end and is still fast enough the keep up with the fastest banshees in a drag race. Of course the banshees I can't beat usually don't drive to the drags, they get trailered, are running alcohal, or nos, no shocks(marvin shaws) and are not really duneable. Yes you can get them throught the dunes but I can also get my F350 through the dunes. Just my opinion.

 

Louh is pretty much right. I also have one, an 88 to be exact and it is the best quad that I have ever owned/ridden. It handles very well in trails, ForrestHill, and I know this thing is very scary fast. It handles jumps very good but it is a little heavier than others. The shocks are good. I also have a 2001 Raptor and my zilla is just a little longer and wider, almost non-noticable. They have excelent power and you shouldn't encounter any hills that you cant get up. Now a little advice, dont buy one that is already bored out cause we also have a 1990 YZ250 that is bored to a 280 and it will quzzle gas. If you want some suggestions on things to replace, you may want to get a trinny carb and also good quality reeds, ones from Carbon Tech are great, other than that its really up to you on what you want to upgrade. Dont worry about gas on the zilla casue in my experince it does very good on gas.

 

Cool. Thank to both of you for your input. I'll keep my eyes open for the right bike. I really want to get on one and see if it fits me. I have a feeling I won't want to get off. Thanks again.

 

""dont buy one that is already bored out ""
whats the channce of that. it would have have to been a garage queen.

 

not trying to start a argument or anything but i have heard in the forum that the lt500 quadrace is the fastest quad and the most unrealiable quad in history is that true?high matenice because of the 500 2stroke

 

First of all, it is very possible to get one not bored out, mine wasn't. Secondly the zilla is not as bad a some people make it. It depends on what type of riding you do and if you doing the proper maintanance on it. I know people who have them and they have had their problems but then again they had those same type of problems on the quads they had before. Just make sure to check it often and get it into a shop or suzuki dealer to have it serviced.

 

It's a given that any quad over a decade old will have problems.