OK...i have an 88 LT. It has basically been completely rebuilt on the outside. Starting from the back, it has: new (used) swingarm, new (used) bearing carrier, new axle bearing, new swingarm bushings, Fast Trekker tires on stock wheels, completely rebuilt rear brake caliper including pads, Uni air filter, torque reeds, Wiseco pro lite piston, FMF P/S, completely rebuilt water pump including shaft and impeller, new front brake pads, lower ball joints, A-arm bushings, steering stem bushing, Maier fenders and front end, DG steel nerfs, Ceet seat cover, and many other small things i cant think of. Just incase you are wondering...no i didnt list all that just for you, i needed a list like that for my own. But as you can tell, it is basically a complete rebuild except for...the engine and back shock. Needs front shocks also.

Now, I just found a 2003 Z400 that i needed some small work. I really wanted to buy it but it sold before i could get there. But even though it did sell, it still gave me the idea that it would be nice to have a new one. My friends both ride 400's, one a 99 400ex and the other '03 kfx 400, with the kfx clearly being the one i like more. I know mine is most likely going to be faster in a straight line drag race, but who cares?? I will be racing MX and also doing a lot of trails. I really like how my friends can jump on theirs, press the button and be ready to go in 5 seconds. Although it doesnt bother me that much having to kick start and warm up longer, it does bother me when i have to worry about what is going to break this trip out. Although when mine is running, i LOVE riding it. The power is just plain awesome, and i love how it slides and even how it handles. I really like how mine never 2 wheels on the side around turns. It has never happened to me yet. Are Z's gonna be more tippy than mine? If i keep mine it will get paint, bearings and seal in the engine, rebuilt back shock and new Works fronts. Or, i could sell mine as is now, get around 2000 - 2500, and start saving for a Z. I am only 15 and every penny comes from me working, even on the new Explorer. So, anyones opinion will help. Pro's/Con's of both, what i will miss/not miss.

 

they didnt start making Z400 till 2003.if it were me i would keep the quadracer.

 

typo...sorry man...2003

 

I think you've already answered your own question. You love the power of the engine, the handling is great, and you don't mind the kickstart and extra warm-up time or any other little quirks with it. Worrying about what is going to break is wasted energy. If you maintain your quad correctly, it won't let you down. You said that the Z needed work, right? Ask yourself this: if it needed work for one thing, what does that say about the previous owner's overall maintenance? I would stay away from a quad that is two years old and needs work. As far as the handling of the Z, it handles great, is very stable in corners, and is very easy to jump. Whatever you do with your money is up to you, but if it's tight and you love your quad, I'd say stick with what you've got.

 

see ur right...there is nothing i dont love about my quad...except for being able to jump on, push the button, and not worry about anything but havin a crap load of fun. My maintenance is awesome...in fact, i probably do too much for some people. The oil is changed after EVERY full ride, if even the smallest thing is broken it is fixed right away. As i said...that Z is gone. That one just got me interested in buyin a newer one cause it was cheap. I now realize they all arent that cheap, but im sure i could find one for around 3000. Im still trying to decide.

 

any other comments? how does the handling directly compare? i have rode both, but i have never rode them in the same time period.