I just a 2006 Z250. Got it off a 60 year old man with about 20 hours on it...It's in absolute perfect condition and so far I am happy with it.

However, I think I am still a Honda guy. Before this Z250 I have owned several Honda 250x's and a 300ex. I realize the Z250 is a much different machine than a 250x/300ex, but I must say the Honda motors seem much smoother. The Z250 has decent power but it's just not as smooth as the Honda motor. It seems like the Z250 has a little bit of a vibration down in the lower RPM range. Revving it from idle causes the plastics to kind of vibrate and "rattle" in a way I never experienced in a Honda. I have watched some youtube videos of Ozarks and Z250's and have noticed this roughness on both Ozarks and Z250's.

With that said I am happy so far with the Suzuki. It's not the fastest, but it's OK for the woods and trails I ride. From what I have read the Ozarks and Z250's are very reliable machines. The only issues I have read about that seem common with thee Ozark/Z250 is with the rear axle wearing the splines out. I have read that the rear ends on the Ozarks and Z250's don't like water. Quite honestly my 250x's/300ex rear ends did not like water either and it was not uncommon to replace the rear carrier bearings on the 250x/300ex, however it's probably much easier to change those out on the 250x/300ex than it is to mess with the rear end of the shaft driven Suzuki. This is my first shaft driven quad so I am hoping it proves to be as reliable as people say the shaft driven quads are. Changing sprocket, chains and rear carrier bearings was not too much trouble, but I guess I am looking forwards to the maintenance free shaft drive on the Z250.

Does anyone else know what I am talking about regarding the "roughness" of the Suzuki motor? Does anyone else think Honda motors are smoother?