Honestly the new z400 ('05 & '06) and it's clones are out of the question for me because of the coolant problem eating the magnesium cover and dumping coolant in the oil. I recently bought a used '03 KFX400 and really like it but it seems "tippy" to me. I'm comparing it to my 250R and my 300EX. I'm quicker in the woods on my EX then on my KFX. It seems alot of people posting just like the Suzikawi because it wins a drag race. Also, adjusting the chain on my KFX is a nightmare. If choosing between a Z400 and a 400EX a person is probably not looking to race or they would buy a 450, I fall into this catagorie. With the design quirks and coolant problems of the Z400 my money is on the bulletproof Honda if I were buying a new one today. My '96 300EX has never had a bolt turned on it other then the valve break in adjustment. My KFX has little time on it and the rear axle bearings had to be replaced. I realize I will catch alot of flack posting this but these are my observations and experiences. It seems 8 out of 10 posts are pro Z400 compared to a 400EX but after owning one my opinion is most people just like the extra power. The Z400 motor likes to be reved unlike the EX motor which will out grunt it in the slow stuff. Lastly, if Honda would put better shocks on the EX the tables would be turned on these two bikes in stock form. Also I prefer air cooling on a sport bike because there is less chance of things going wrong. I have never read one report of anyone having cooling problems with a 400EX. My 300 EX never runs hot........400EX is my choice.

 

I respect your opinion but I do disagree on some things you said. I haven't heard anything about the coolant problems. Thats a new one. Did it happen with yours or have you heard about other cases? Your KFX is used, right? There are going to be problems with quads. All quads. And you can never know for sure what has happened with a used one. I dont know about your axle bearings.

As far as I'm concerned the Z400's engine is pretty bulletproof. With liquid cooling its not just about keeping your motor from overheating, a better cooled motor will run better and more efficiently than one thats not cool. Not saying that if your quad is air cooled your going to be overheating and it wont run good. I just think that liquid cooling is better technology and has more potential and yes you are right there is also more potential for things to go wrong but that doesnt mean they will. I agree the honda is bulletproof but it needs some updates if honda wants it to be better than the Z. I am not brand loyal to suzuki or biased toward the Z400. Actually before I was yamaha loyal and wanted a yfz. Found a great deal on a Z and realized how much more comfortable it was compared to a lot of other quads and had a lot of added bonuses like reverse etc. Like stated before, for trail riding you can just lower the front sprocket one tooth and you should have your problem mostly solved. I think most stock quads are tippy besides the 450's and the new 700R (havent riden one yet) and I actually agree with you that the Z is a little tippy. Well, not really tippy but I would not have a problem with it being wider and more stable. You cant beat the confidence you get in turns on any surface with a wide quad. I think the 300ex is tippy. The Z feels tippy because the taller seat height. That makes it more comfortable and allows your legs to stretch a bit. I'm actually planning on buying a +2 axle soon... well, getting one for Christmas[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img].

Adjusting the chain on the Z isnt fun but its just like most other quads. Only on the newer models do they have the easy adjusting chains, right?

I dont like the Z more just because its faster in a drag race. I never really get to drag race other quads anyways. One great thing about the Z is you CAN easily adapt it for the track, trail, woods, dunes, etc. Doug Gust has beaten yfz's and trx's with it. Of course not stock but that does show it has potential, huh? I dont see any pro's riding 400ex's. Of course honda has their 450R and all suzuki has or... had was the Z before the R450.

 

There is a thread in this forum called "Z400 corroding" that describes this problem. I truly hate it for '05 and '06 Z owners, hopefully Suzuki will fix this problem. There is no arguing that Gust has done well on a highly modified Z. Before the 450r were there any maxxed out Ex's racing? Did Suzuki race the Z to get in the game until their new 450 came out? Wonder if Gust will still race the Z next year? Probably not, surely he will be on the new 450. Back to my KFX, I did put a 13 tooth sprocket on front and it does better down low but it is also extremely snappy with this gearing. It will pull the front wheels in almost every gear, I admit this is a blast but I wish it were a little more tame in the woods. Back to the EX, Honda really needs to put some better shocks on it. If I raced seriously I wouldn't consider a Z or EX, it would be a toss up between a YFZ and 450r Honda. All quads have some problems but the Z's problems are adding up to be more than I want to deal with. I see in your profile you have an '03 also, any frame problems? None with mine yet, I don't do big jumps so I doubt I will have any problems. I like my KFX but right now I wouldn't buy a new one especially not before the corrosion problem is addressed. The 400EX takes me well into my riding limits and fits my riding style, the reliability issue is paramount to me and the EX is proven bulletproof.

 

KyJoe has a point....especially the fact that all new quads have thier problems....i wouldnt consider buyin a new type of quad until its been out on the market AT LEAST 6 months-year......you have to admit that on all the new types of quads...you've heard of some kind of problem and they have to get the parts sent to them to fix it....did you hear about the new EX's???? they were shifting from 5th to reverse all of a sudden...thats a MAJOR problem....gotta go

 

HOLY...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img] Thats not a good thing.

KyJoe- then I think that the ex would be great for you if you like those aspects of it. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I'm not going to try and argue with you to convince you Z's are better. Havent had any problems with my frame but your right. I dont like having to worry about it. I dont jump really big yet but I do jump a lot. Mid sized jumps. about 30 ft.

 

its actually the same way to engage [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

 

are you sure??? ive heard from many places the EX's r harder but i dunno....it caint be too hard huh???

 

Maybe they do the **** on the 06's now? I thought I read a review in a magazine that said it was awkward to engage. Like you had to take your right hand of bars and move something by your left leg. I dont know maybe that was the 300ex. I know the older model 300ex has a stupid way to engage reverse. Oh well.

 

I have '96 300ex and yes the lever is on the left side of the motor. You pull up on it after engaging it by depressing a red button next to the clutch lever then clutching. Going back to 1st you just push the lever down, I usually do this with my foot. Sounds weird but it works great and it's quick. Stupid way? I dunno, it's never let me down along with the rest of the bike, never had a bolt turned on it other than regular maintenence. I will say I like how reverse is set up on my KFX but it's no quicker to use then my 300.

 

Quote

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by: GPBOYZLT250
KyJoe has a point....especially the fact that all new quads have thier problems....i wouldnt consider buyin a new type of quad until its been out on the market AT LEAST 6 months-year......you have to admit that on all the new types of quads...you've heard of some kind of problem and they have to get the parts sent to them to fix it....did you hear about the new EX's???? they were shifting from 5th to reverse all of a sudden...thats a MAJOR problem....gotta go
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



HOLY... Thats not a good thing.

KyJoe- then I think that the ex would be great for you if you like those aspects of it. I'm not going to try and argue with you to convince you Z's are better. Havent had any problems with my frame but your right. I dont like having to worry about it. I dont jump really big yet but I do jump a lot. Mid sized jumps. about 30 ft.

StrongtyerYFZ....Well I don't like that problem but I would choose it over the Z's problems anyday. I don't want to argue with you or anyone else either but you nor anyone else can convince me the Z is better especially after riding both. Also I took a look at your bio, been riding a whole year and a half now? Pro rider? I'm guessing you to be about 18, you can't convince me of anything on this subject. I've put too much time on both of these machines and over 20 yrs of riding experience in general. I don't want you to think I'm attacking you personally and I won't doubt that you can ride but there is more than can be learned in a couple of years.