I have the chance to trade my oldest sons 300EX and a little boot for a 2004 Z400. The only problem I have, is the Z has been rode hard. It also has been wrecked hard at least once. I have not found any frame damage beside a slightly bent a arm. The reverse lever just spins around. The tires are shot. The chain and sprockets will have to be replaces soon. It does have new silver plastic with a carbon fiber hood. (no light) Is there anything (or any spot) to to look at when checking these out? (frame cracks in any certain spot, that sorta thing) Is there anything obvious to look for as far as the motor? (besides smoke, oil leaking, major holes in the side ) How would this run compared to my 400EX listed below? (It does have a full exhaust system, not sure which?)

THANKS!!!

 

Some say the frame probs. were fixed by 04 others will say not, so check closely around the front shock mounts.

Listen closely at idle with the engine HOT, not just warm, for how bad the lifters click/tap. If they are really loud, they are in need of adjustment, which requires a shim kit on these engines ($65-$75) not cheap for little metal caps. And obviously, when the engine first starts or is revved really high watch for oil burning. Generally from what I've seen these engines are very,very tough.

Use all the problems you've found as weapons to lower the price, as well as another $70 for a possible shim kit.

Finally, the Z400 should run right with, or a little quicker than your modded 400ex. The cam I'm sure woke up the 400ex alot.

 

Thanks!! Thats the kind of info I was looking for. The price of this thing makes it sound really good. It's looks, however, make me wonder. I just don't know if all the little problems it has would be worth it or not.

 

Catman aren't z's also know for a leak at the water pump and mixing with the oil due to a leaking gasket and I also know they are known for the shock mounts being weak...I would look it over carefully and make a list of everything that is wrong with it and add it all up and see if it is worth the buy...You will most likely need an oil change, airfilter cleaned, valves adjusted, maybe bearings, sprockets/chain,tires, etc...I can tell ya I got myself my ds in my pics and it was ready for a junkyard just about and I rebuilt it and 7k later it is where it is now and sounds about the same as what you are describing...The z and 400ex are both good and reliable quads, but the only difference is speed as the z is faster then the 400ex, but other then that it is a good quad when taken care of.

 

The water leak was only on '06 models with magnesium covers. Of which Suzuki stood behind every one & replaced them with aluminum ones.