I am looking at buying a 400 quad and have got down to two, the Z400 & 400EX. Can anyone please comment on which way they would go and why (obviously posting in the Suzuki forum is fairlly biased but try your best)? Note I will have to pay slightly more for a Z400.
If pace is a difference will it be noticable?
I believe the EX is air cooled and the Z water cooled. Does it really matter?

Any other help will be greatly appreciated.

 

I am looking for the same thing, would like some feedback

 

The Z400 is in many ways a copy of a 400EX with some upgrades. The front suspension is a pure knock-off, and the a arms nearly interchange. The Z of course is water cooled which is a plus, especially once you go to hop it up. I think the Z is more comfortable myself although both quads are nice riders. Both very good quads, the Z with a better engine. Where we ride at the dunes, the 400EX's are all but gone and lots of Z400's running around.

 

Do a search. There are many topics on this. Here is a long paragraph from a search I did on this. Also I had a 2002 400ex. It was a great bike never let me down and handled great. I rode a couple of Z400 and they are great bikes also but I don't like the chain adjustment on the Z400 also they felt narrow to me coming off a 400EX. And it didn't feel like it had as much low end grunt as the 400EX. But everyone says the Z400 is better and has more power like 2 HP and more top end. Also there is a matter of the Z400 corrosion coolent issue that I don't think they fixed for 2007.

Here are some replies I found doing a search.

We get this question at least 5 times per week! I have both, so I don't have any reason to BS anybody.

I like the EX for really tight, semi-technical trails. It has an engine that doesn't mind being lugged down and ridden slowly. Handling is excellent.

The Z's engine likes to rev. It is better suited for faster trails and more open country. In the technical stuff, you have to work the clutch a lot, and it gets old fast. Excellent handling as well. Quite a bit faster than the EX.

Another Reply from a search.

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.

 

Thanks heaps for the replies guys. I really am looking for something that is fast but at the same time requires low maintenance. If cooling is not a problem for the EX then this is a big plus. Might see if I can demo both. Keep it coming and thanks

 

They do have a recall out now on the coolant issues.

The ex is known for it's bullet proof reliability, but the z is known for it's capabilities with aftermarket mods.

I looked at both, and rode both. Would suggest you do the same. It came down to who gave me the best deal. Got a kfx, at a dealer that sold both Honda and Kawi. Nice to be at a dealership where they didn't push one model over another.

I tend to keep things for quite a while, so I know if I want to down the road, I can get more power out of the kfx. As long as the wife says it's ok. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

Thanks from me too on the replies! I have always wanted a kfx, but since I have been looking into the ex I'm about even. It seems like the EX's are cheaper then the z/kfx. Why? Some people think that honda seems like they are for pansies sometimes... well my friend's 250ex is bullet proof! We always see whos will start on the first click, and he ALWAYS comes out on top, unless mine is already warm. Then it is a tie, lol. I'm not trying to rag on kawi or suzi, I love them both!!!!!!! But you gotta give honda it's prize on how reliable it is! Pretty sure I'm going to go with the ex only because it is more in my price range.... I would love to have a z/kfx though. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Z

 

read this unbiased review of the 400's: http://www.atvsport.com/output.cfm?id=960643