Im looking into getting a new ltz400, a 2009 raptor, or a new honda 400x. Im 14 years old 5'3, and weigh 110lbs, i would reallly like to know the differences between the 3. I will be riding about 90% trails and 10% track, the only thing im concerned with about the raptor is the handling my brother says the raptor handles horrible but has plenty of power ( but then again he has a 2009 yfz450r) but he also has a 2002 400ex, so thats my concern about the raptor. And i like the new 400x plastics, but from what ive read the 400x is extremely under powered compared to z400s, i would like someone to tell me how the z400, 400x, and raptor 700r handle, and the power differences between the 3, thanks in advance for anyone who helps.

 

i can tell you right now the 700 raptor was out performed by the yfz450 and thats right from yamahas testing. i also heard that the honda 400's are not as strong as the ltz400. from what ive read the ltr450 is one of the top quads out in its class. if you could i would go with the ltr450 since it has gone through a good amount of changes and seems to be one of the best out of the box bone stock. im a honda guy but i think i will be steering away from them from what i read with the whole power situation. suzuki is my next so that may be what i will be picking up after i wear out my 230s

 

Well, have you ridden your brothers 400EX? Were you happy with the power? I hesitate to advise stepping up to a 700 as it is a big, powerful beast. A new Z will have a bit of power advantage and the real benefit is the suspension if you get track time. Of course it all comes down to how your parents feel about these machines as well.

 

His has a 440 bore kit, hmf pipe, high compression piston, +2 stroker kit, so i dont think its comparable....... its faster then his 2009 yfz450r.

 

Let's talk dependability. Let's talk Honda..
IMO, Honda then the Z400. I consider both good machines and wonderful for what your going to do.
The new 400ex's have reverse. I don't know about the Z400.
Do yourself a favor and forget about the craptor.

 

yes forget about the raptor for sure. theres nothing special about it. i didnt know thw new 400ex's have reverse so now its a whole new ball game. i want reverse on the next quad i buy cuz i like it on my 230. honda you can always depend on and the motors go forever. im not sure about suzuki's since ive only owned mine for a short time but its been good so far but its old. not sure about the new stuff.

 

Wait i put the wrong info in the 1st post im 15, 5'8, and 125 pounds, i dont know why i put the above. And his yfz is a 2007.

 

But i know the ltz and 400x have reverse, i just really like the z, but the raptor seems top heavy, and the 400x is underpowered and i looks odd to me.

 

the raptor is a big turd lol. the honda is underpowered but with a few mods you can get her up to par. the ltz is nice also.

 

My friend has the raptor 660. Another friend had the ltz400. Both with pipes. The raptor would run circles around the 400. Yes, its top heavy and just heavy period, but its raw power! It scares me to ride it because I can't keep the front wheels on the ground. Not being able to control something that powerful is scary!

Here's 50lbs of lead weight I strapped to the front of the raptor in a effort to hold the front end down.





If another quad will outrun the raptor, its only because the raptor is dumbed down or the other quad is really built well (like the 450's and KTM's). There is no replacement for displacement and the raptor has plenty of that to humble you lol!