I just recently sold my 350 Raptor. I am looking to upgrade but i want to keep it under $7,000. I can get a special edition '07 Honda 450R for 6800, but they have a couple new '06 Z 400's for 5,000. My question is would it be dumb to go from a 350 only to a 400? I wont be riding too much track. Just riding on the lakes with friends while fishing, a lot of trails. I hear that the maintenance on the 450's isnt too bad.. just adjusting the valves every six months, oil changing and so on. How is the Z's maintenance? I know how nice it can be to have reverse, but to be honest i dont use reverse that much. I know a 450 will spank a Z but for $1800 cheaper i definately have to think about it!

 

I've got both. If I could only have one it would be the Z400! It is just a all around better machine. Let me tell you one thing for sure a (stock) 450R wont spank my z400. Yes the 450R is a little faster and quicker but mine hangs right with the R. The z has been jetted with a filter and exhaust. It rides so much better and the seat is so much more comfortable.
Get the Z and you want be sorry![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

GET the ZZZZZZZZZZZZZz

 

For the type of riding and coming from a 350 raptor I would recommend a z or 400ex...I love my 450r and beat a modded z and gave him a head start in sand the other day...The z isn't slow and is a really nice quad and I think you will be happy with it and has reverse...so go with the z in your case...I have nothing bad to say about it or the 450r, but if you wind up with the 450r like mine you will need to gear lower for trails riding.

 

The only way I'd pick a 450R, or any of the 450s over the z400 is if I was racing MX full time, or I lived out in the dunes and ran paddles 365 days a years.....

The z400 is just a great, reliable do-it-all machine.... And with a pipe and jet-kit they really come alive with extra power if you feel the need, while still staying reliable and (compared to the 450's) low maintenance ......

Mine is still 100% stock and I'm not tired of it after two years. But I'm leaning towards an exhaust and jetting upgrade for this summer. Not right away because after being off it all winter it will feel pretty fast for the first month of riding I'm sure.

 

had mine for 3 years and not tired of it and it does everything I want out of a trail machine and mines still stock .

 

Thanks for all the posts! So $5,000 is a good deal on an '06 right? lol..or spend 6000 and get the kick$$ black? id probly say the '06

 

Just tell them you want that as the OTD price. Otherwise, they're gonna tack on about 800-1000 more dollars.

 

Kool, well if i have time i will probably try to get in this weekend and test drive a Z

 

Also dont look over a predator, it keeps up with the 450s better than the z ( not the the z is a slouche) plus it has reverse, and i picked up a new 06' TLD for a little under 5k OTD. You really cannot go wrong with the Z, but im just trying to help you keep your options open. Have fun with whatever you get