I'll be riding the northeast (PA). Mostly woods, rocky trails, hills, etc. How is the Z400 in mud, stream crossings, etc? I'm not talking about mud bogging it, or waist deep streams - but the typical stuff you see when woods riding. I imagine since it's not a 4x4, it would probably be hard to play and have much fun in the snow - as it would slide around too much and not get traction?

I guess I'm wondering if the Z and KFX are good trail quads, or better suited for track use.

Thanks, in advance.

Rick

 

The Z is an AWSOME trail machine. I used to take the wifes Z riding over the Raptor just due to comfort... That old "T" style seat is comfy on the rear! LOL

I don't think an experienced rider would have any problems navigating a Z through just about any terain. I took the wifes through some pretty big mud holes (just had to make sure it was clean when she got home) [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Obviously the 4x4 is going to go better in snow but their is no reason you can't get where your going on the Z either... It all comes down to HOW you ride. If you are an agressive rider that likes speed and jumps then you will love the Z. I would honestly only recomend the Rappy over the Z for trail riding if you are a tall person... The rappy has more room for taller riders. Or if you are a VERY experienced rider and absolutely love to go EVERYWHERE WFO. The main reason for this is if you ride the Rappy all day your but and arms are going to know it. If you ride the Z all day you will be ready for more! LOL

Just my .02 cents... (while I am sitting here bored waiting on 3:30)

Later,
Mike

 

The Z is great for trails. I ride mainly in the mountains and it handles great and with out a worry.
The Raptor Man said it, all day ridin' and I aint the least bit tired. But it's all down to personal choice, yours. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Excellent trail bike, right out of the box. Track bike only with some serious modifications.

The only place I would NOT prefer the Z is on real tight, slow, technical trails. For that situation, I prefer the 400EX. The Z likes to rev, and if you have to ride slow, you are going to have to be slipping the clutch. On the other hand, you can put the EX in 1st gear, and just idle along slowly through everything.

 

i ride mine in the tight rocky trails even with the twist throttle and i like it, its not really the best machine for the small trials but it still does good enough for me.

 

the Z is a great trial machine but if ur lookin into track racin get the yfz or the 450r

 

I have no problem in tight technical stuff, even when following 4x4s. Of course it might not have the low end grunt for rock crawling like a push-rod SOHC engine like the 400ex plant, but it will go just slow enough.

Of course the two would be on more equal ground if you dropped the front sprocket on the z400 one tooth. Then I'm sure you could crawl over any slow technical trail without lugging the engine at all.

And yes the z400 is both strong on the trails and on the track. Granted you're not going to beat any yfz450s on an MX track in stock form, but you could race one stock. But I've seen z400s win things like local XC and Hare Scrambles over the 450cc machines no problem.

They are just great all-around machines, they are quick to get to a top speed of near 70, they handle as well as anything out there and better than most, the ergos are excellent for anyone under 6-2 or so, and they are priced very well by comparison. Add all that up and it's why they are so popular.

 

I love me z..and I don't find rockey trails or tight trails a problem..and I have stock gearing. But I disagree wiht the track..you could smoke YFZ's and R's all dya long..its mostly rider..remmeber that but yah if you put the same rider on both ATVs the YFZ is better but 2 dirent people is fair game.

 

I love my z400. It's a great trail bike and good on the track as well. I can beat yfz and 450r if the guys can't ride. Than agian I have been beat by stock z400 with all the mods I have. It's all on the rider.