ARe there any bugs in the first year 2003 lt-z400s? as in frame problems, transmission skipping gears

I also heard it was raptor660 style tippy but a review on off-road.com said it was not tippy like the 660raptor, but handles like a 400ex, does this mean the 400ex is also tippy?

And do the z400 and 400ex have identical suspension? i think they are both SHOWA and have the same travel

 

I was also wondering if you can widen it to around 48-9 inches like the ltr450? would the 450 a-arms fit?

 

the 2003 model had frame problems,they broke easy. the shocks on the z400 are gas shocks and the 400ex shocks arent. a Z400 is kinda tippy but once u get used to it u figure out how to ride it like nothing.

 

It can be made as wide and as long as you want. There are a huge amount of aftermarket parts for it. Mine was not tippy at stock ride height. I lowered it about 3 inches and it handles really well, plus it widened it about 2 inches when i lowered it. In my opinion, as I have rode several raptors, it handles better and is not as tippy.

 

The axles are weak and the frames are also. You can buy a gusset kit for the frame and have it welded in.. This is for the more serious rider though.. You don't have to strip the quad down all the way. Just get the cosmetic stuff off then by some OEM paint and touch it up after welding.. The motors are bulllet proof along w/ the trannys.. Tons and tons of aftermarket so pricing is competetive which is good for the consumer.. Lots of used stuff too..

 

First year Z400's didn't have a detachable rear subframe, it was all one piece. All other years have a detachable (2 bolts I think) rear subframe. Make maintenance/access much easier, and ofers more options as far as rear racks. If memory serves correctly, they also got different carbs and cams in the second year of production, and piggyback front shocks as well.

My son had a first year Z400, it ran flawlessly right up unti lwhen it grenaded the transmission. Suzuki claimed they had seen very few catastrophic tranny failures, but they must have known there was some sort of problem, because they covered the damage under warranty, which I really didn't expect since the bike was over a year old at the time.

My son now rides a Raptor 700, but that LT-Z was his first full size quad, and it'll always be remembered fondly. Decent power, handling, and suspension. Just an all around fun bike. I'd definitely do it again, even though we had the tranny problems, Suzuki did the right thing and took care of it. If they ever come out with an open class sport quad, we'd ditch the Raptor in a minute for it.

 

I HAVE AN 03 AND THE SUBFRAME IS DETACABLE. The grab bar is not.

 

how wide can you actually make a z400? whats the widest you can get it using A-Arms?, NO spacers on the front tho, that puts a lot of stress on steering components and increases bump steer,

what does it take to break an 2003 z400 frame, biggest jump i can hit is 40-50ft long w/ about 6.5-8feet height? that is with a landing though? My friend does it with a tt-r125 trailbike and that thing has 7" travel non-adjustable except for preload in the back, a tt-r125 can take it, but the rims and hubs are breaking on it, can a z400 take that? or would you need serious suspension mods

 

2003- 2004 were the same thing but in 2005 they fixed the frame breaking problem and added piggy backs in the front along with magnesium valves and a magnesium clutch cover that has to get replaced bc of a recall and the 07's got a upgraded carb that is 1mm smaller than the other years

 

will the 2007 version be faster? and how about the 2007 compared to other models like the 2003.. 2004.. i heard of some engine parts being upgraded for more revs but i cant remember... can some1 refresh my memory please.