I am getting back into riding and am interesting in getting a sport quad for trail riding mainly and some track riding but nothing serious. I would like a reliable quad that has power but doesn't break the bank on maintenance costs. I've been looking at the 09 Lt-z 400 a lot because I've heard and read about how reliable it is and how it doesn't require much maintenance other than the normal small things and is fuel injected. My cousin has an 07 Bill Balance YFZ 450. While i love the power and all, It seems he is constantly spilling money on things for maintenance. Also the ground clearance isn't ideal for trails here in East Tennessee.
Any Ideas/Suggestions?

 

Your a smart man. Get the 400. They are one of the best and might be the best overall quad ever made. They just do all things well.

 

I have heard they are the most reliable 400 of the bunch. Would it be better to get the newer one with fuel injection or is the carb just as good?

 

I don't know if any machine can match the reliability of a 400ex but the Zuki 400 is right there.
I agree, a 400 class machine is best for your riding. It'll last forever.
EFI is a great thing but if your going to leave the machine stock, a reg carb will be trouble free.

 

No Power advantage with a throttle body, if thats what your thinking. Here is a 2010 450 motocross comparison where the KTM with a carb beats out all the Japaneess with efi. 2010 Motocross Shootout Conclusion - Dirt Bike Motorcycle Comparison Review - Motorcycle USA


Here is a 2008 shoot out where the only 450 with efi comes in dead last Racer X Canada - motocross and supercross news and features from around Canada

Don,t let a throttle body be a the most important deciding factor.

 

I was sorry I sold my 06 kfx (ltz). Did a lot of trail riding and was really happy with the way it handled. You really can't go wrong with either the ltz or the Honda ex. Both are great all around quads.

 

I would take a EFI machine over any carbed model ANY day! It is nice where I ride as the altitude change constantly and it is so nice to have to not fiddle fart with a carb, I would rather be riding than wrenching! Almost all race to big bore bikes are EFI and are winning all the races these days so there track records have been outstanding!!!!

 

Wrenching a carb? I got almost 8000 miles on our 97 Sportsman and 3700 miles on my 2001 and 11,000 on my 500 Ski-doo and the carbs have never been touched on the ATVs and except a odd cleaning not touched on ski-doo.
More like I,d be worried about the efi Brain Box having a bad day.

 

In short (changing the jests) There are thousands upon thousands of OHV's out there with EFI not to mention everything from boats to street bikes that have a "Brain box" that have NEVER been touched. Carb is fine for a cheap entry bike but in today's world EFI is better and will be on all bikes before long.

 

Love Efi on my car even a boat or street bike but they do not go through this type of stuff. Computers don,t belong in these conditions.
A efi ATV with a dead battery cant even be pull started or run.