i have a couple of questions. Im looking into getting either a z400 or 400ex. I love honda, but im likeing the z400 more and. My first question is i know they had a frame problem when it first came out. What year did they come out and did they fix the problem? Is the z400 known for other problems? I know honda is reliable, how reliable is suzuki? Also what is the differnace in sohc and dohc? I know the ex has a single overhead cam, but why does too make it better? also what is a good otd price? Im going to look tomorrow soo i need help quick. thanks

 

can anybody help???????

 

i bought my z400 for 5100 otd but i know the sales man , i love my z especially with the liquid cooled moter and reverse gear far as i know the fram problem was solved , no problems yet sohc and dohc are single and double over head cams , the basic z motor is one thats been around a long time .

 

why is the dohc better?

 

DOHC means that you have an intake and an exhaust cam. Each cam runs its two respective intake and exhast valves. Where in most cases a SOHC runs only a single intake and exhaust valve. More valves means a higher flow rate of fresh intake charge, and a faster "exhausting" of the spent gasses. In short its more or less a performance thing. Im not saying the 400ex is not a performance quad, its just using older technology.

 

I believe that 03 was the first model year for the Z400. I have had mine for about a year, and I really like it. I got OTD for about $5600. I have not had any frame issues with mine, and I do a fair amount of jumping. Personally, I prefer having the reverse gear also. Both the EX and the Z are good quads, and have a lot of mods that are available, so that you can get it set up the way you want it. I don't know about the EX, but the Z handles really well and feels very stable when sliding around turns. Good luck!!

 

The z came out the last part of '02. The frame was fixed by mid '03. Bought mine new in may '03, no problems at all. Except the strength of the stock axle, handlebars, and rear shock. If you want Honda reliability, and don't care about such luxuries as reverse, get the new 450.

 

I got my brand new 400EX three weeks ago for $4,999 OTD, but I had to drive to L.A. to get that price (only 1 hour away). You should be able to get a GREAT deal on those right now since the new 450's come out . . . don't let the dealership jack you around and try to tell you otherwise. My husband has the Z400 and it's very nice too - I really like his (has Yoshi pipe, jet kit, etc.), but they're more than I wanted to spend.