LTZ400 as first quad?
May 9, 2005 | 03:59 PM
#1
Thread Starter
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Weekend Warrior
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
LTZ400 as first quad?
Hi Guys & Gals,
I've been lurking on and off here for the last few months since I've pretty much decided to take the plunge and buy myself a quad.
I'm living in Italy (previously from the UK) and there's just tons of space to use one so it's now or never!
Quads are pretty expensive in Europe compared to the US so I need to make sure I buy the right machine. I'm 31 years old, 5'10" and around 150lbs and really fancy the Z400. I know the best route would be to buy a 250 to learn the ropes on then upgrade but that's just going to be too expensive for me.
I'm thinking that I'm old enough to know how much I can hurt myself on a Z400 if I'm not carefull and just to go easy on it and build up my skills without going nuts. I have miles and miles of trails to ride on initially, although I would like to try out the local MX track later on when I feel more comfortable with the bike. I'd like to know what you all think. Can a Z400 be ridden gently or is the throttle a bit like an on/off button? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Thanks for all the info here. A great place to learn about the hobby I want to enter.
Stuart
I've been lurking on and off here for the last few months since I've pretty much decided to take the plunge and buy myself a quad.
I'm living in Italy (previously from the UK) and there's just tons of space to use one so it's now or never!
Quads are pretty expensive in Europe compared to the US so I need to make sure I buy the right machine. I'm 31 years old, 5'10" and around 150lbs and really fancy the Z400. I know the best route would be to buy a 250 to learn the ropes on then upgrade but that's just going to be too expensive for me.
I'm thinking that I'm old enough to know how much I can hurt myself on a Z400 if I'm not carefull and just to go easy on it and build up my skills without going nuts. I have miles and miles of trails to ride on initially, although I would like to try out the local MX track later on when I feel more comfortable with the bike. I'd like to know what you all think. Can a Z400 be ridden gently or is the throttle a bit like an on/off button? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Thanks for all the info here. A great place to learn about the hobby I want to enter.
Stuart
May 9, 2005 | 04:40 PM
#2
Pro Rider
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
LTZ400 as first quad?
I think you'll do fine on the Z400. Sounds like you've got some common sense and won't ride beyond your abilities. Take your time and get to know the machine and after a few rides you'll be running with the best of them. Good luck.
May 9, 2005 | 05:01 PM
#3
Super Quad Patrol
Athens Archery Field Staff
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Athens Archery Field Staff
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: In Da Skys
LTZ400 as first quad?
Welcome to the forums! I had the oppurtunity to visit Italy about 15 years ago. I stayed in Rome and visited most of the sites. My favorites are the Collosium and the Vatican, along with the Church of Bones? I cant remember the actual name of it, but the inside is all bones and skulls of former monks of that church. Very interesting country! I was scared a few times, but mostly had a blast. Loved the food! Anyway you want to talk about quads not Italy.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] I would say go for it. The Z400 is one of the best all around machines you can find. I think you will find that you can grow into the power and not really worry that it is to much. Once you get on one, you will love it. It has a few features that make it more appealing than some of the other brands. I know the shocks are better, the carb is bigger and the cam is more aggresive. Once again I say go for it, you wont be dissapointed. Good luck and post when you buy.
May 9, 2005 | 05:13 PM
#4
Shed Knocker Rider
Harley Punk!
Harley Punk!
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 35,876
Likes: 2
LTZ400 as first quad?
Welcome!
If I could only have one machine it would be a Z400 just because it does EVERYTHING very well. As far as being a newb, you should be just fine since it seems like you have some common sense. Another great thing about this bike is the reliability, it has proven to be very reliable. Which I think would be a big plus since your going to be keeping it a long while.
And if you ever need more power out of it a simple pipe and filter change, with proper jetting of course, really wakes up this machine withou sacrificing reliability.
Feel free to ask anymore questions...
If I could only have one machine it would be a Z400 just because it does EVERYTHING very well. As far as being a newb, you should be just fine since it seems like you have some common sense. Another great thing about this bike is the reliability, it has proven to be very reliable. Which I think would be a big plus since your going to be keeping it a long while.
And if you ever need more power out of it a simple pipe and filter change, with proper jetting of course, really wakes up this machine withou sacrificing reliability.
Feel free to ask anymore questions...
May 10, 2005 | 12:27 AM
#7
Trailblazer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
LTZ400 as first quad?
I was in Italy a few years ago myself, great place. As for the bike, I moved out to arizona last september and did a lot of research and got the 05 Z400 and i couldnt be happier. i know there are other bikes out there, but for myself this one is perfect. I am 6ft and about 190, 24 yrs old and i just got into this sport. Although i weight a bit more, you dont want to go down to the 250. I took my time to learn the ropes, and rode smart for a couple months. Now that I am ripping it up more, i am so glad i have the extra power. I am even about to pipe and jet it bc i already want it to be quicker, but 7 months of riding it stock was great. More power is never enough, be sure to go with the 400 you wont regret it.
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May 10, 2005 | 06:39 PM
#8
Pro Rider
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
LTZ400 as first quad?
Welcome!
The Z400 is a great ATV. It was/is my first ATV. I learned to ride it with all stock parts. When stock, its powerfull, but not overpowering, Once you have learned how to ride it and are comfortable with how to handle the bike, then i suggest upgrading a few things, First and most important is the Filter, because the stock filter SUCKS. After that, i would get either a slip on Pipe, or if you want a little bit more power go for the full system pipe.
After i learned how to ride mine, I did the above mentioned upgrades all at the same time so i would only have to re-jet once. I Installed a new UNI Filter w/ Aluminum adaptor, and a Full system Yoshimura Pipe. Now the engine is even more powerfull, and *Could* be over powering if not handled correctly. It has huge amounts of torque, and pulls all the way threw the power of the engine.
I can't speak for other ATV's since this is the only one i have owned, but i have ridden a few others, (400EX, Polaris TrailBoss 330) and this ATV has ALOT more power then, and handles soo much better.
If i had it to do again, i would still buy the Z400.
Good Luck, let us know when you buy it.
-ThaChad
The Z400 is a great ATV. It was/is my first ATV. I learned to ride it with all stock parts. When stock, its powerfull, but not overpowering, Once you have learned how to ride it and are comfortable with how to handle the bike, then i suggest upgrading a few things, First and most important is the Filter, because the stock filter SUCKS. After that, i would get either a slip on Pipe, or if you want a little bit more power go for the full system pipe.
After i learned how to ride mine, I did the above mentioned upgrades all at the same time so i would only have to re-jet once. I Installed a new UNI Filter w/ Aluminum adaptor, and a Full system Yoshimura Pipe. Now the engine is even more powerfull, and *Could* be over powering if not handled correctly. It has huge amounts of torque, and pulls all the way threw the power of the engine.
I can't speak for other ATV's since this is the only one i have owned, but i have ridden a few others, (400EX, Polaris TrailBoss 330) and this ATV has ALOT more power then, and handles soo much better.
If i had it to do again, i would still buy the Z400.
Good Luck, let us know when you buy it.
-ThaChad
