Most guyes are saying that the swing-arm is funky, haven't read anyone defending it so it must be accurate.

GTunder states that the rear shock is like a "pogo-stick", the ride height is to high, and the axel is weak!

What would their thoughts be on the "stock" 400EX suspension and height?

I thought people were saying that the shocks on the 2 400's were virtualy identical, I guess that was incorrect?

So what do you guyes think, do the 2 handle and jump equaly?
Would you have to be a pro-MX racer to tell the differance?

Still trying to decide EX, or Z.

 

Suspension on the Z feels firmer and to me handles better. By the way I own a 400ex also and have traded machines back and forth several times the first day I got my Z400. The Z rips but the rear shock does feel a little springy. That can be dialed in or out depending on how you ride. After switching back and forth, the 400ex felt kind of like it had flat tires{which it didn't}, the Z400 handled quicker and was much QUICKER than my hardly ridden 400ex.

 

I think the complaint on the swingarm is over the chain adjustment, I dont know why they didnt use a eccentric setup? It is the same style the old LT's used and is definetly not the simpliest way of adjusting the chain, Other than that I am hard pressed to b&tch about anything else right now, After tomorrow I let you know how the suspension feels, Other than my backyard I havent been able to go anywhere since I picked it up[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

i rode one yesterday and i agree the back feels a lil funky but i did get it to feel better after ajustments
the axle is kinda weak and bends easy
as for it bein tippy i dont know where people get that it sits 2 inches lower than a 400ex and like 4 under the raptor and is only like 379lbs

i love it and would have it know but i am a kawasaki man

 

Seat height is 3/4 of an ince less than an ex and 2 inches less than a raptor. That's what I read out of one of the mags.

 

IF you've already set the rear sag,and your still getting a "springy" pogostick feel,you probably need to get a heavier spring.

 

If it feels like a pogostick, I know nothing about suspension set ups, you would think that the shock doesn't have enough resistance to slow the rebound.

Is this adjustable on the Z400 or 400EX.

I thought the rear shocks on both 400's were adjustable, not just the spring tension?

Just asking?

On the swing arm issue: Does it have adjusters on it or do you loosen the bolts and start kicking the tires to move the axel. IS there some kind of graduateing marks to go by to keep the axel straight?

The guyes stateing that it is easy to get the axel out of alignment, is this durying the adjusting process, or is it while you are rideing, the adjustment doesn't hold and the chain starts comeing off.

 

The rear suspension works better if you set the preload to your weight. I adjusted my spring a little too much and I was tank slapping everywhere. I backed it off and readjusted the rebound and it works much better now. Not as good as my brothers Cannondale but not bad. The stock front shocks work good for what they are but don't absorb the big landings. I can't wait to get my Elkas.

I've had my Z for three weeks now and I've taken three dune trips. I jump the **** out of the thing and I haven't bent my axle yet. I also weigh 215 lbs. My raptor axle lasted two rides before I had to replace it. To me, the chain adjustment isn't that bad. At least you don't have to wrestle a wrench underneath the swingarm to hold the nuts. A five minute job and you're done.

I'm very happy with my Z in stock form and I've ridden it hard. I can't wait to start modding the motor and suspension to see what it can really do.

 

They rode it with the stock preload. Why did they make it adjustable? So you could adjust it! GThunder even said it would work just fine if you go back there and dialed in the rebound. (Stiffen it a little to get the snappiness out of it)
Mine rides great. I messed with rebound, compression and the front a little too. I love it now. I imagine it was setup for a smaller rider by the feel of it.

The chain adjustment looks like a cake walk. 4 bolts and adjust away. Like a 3 minute job guys. What are you looking for???
It is a little better than the old LT's in that the plate is now welded to the swingarm and won't flop around when you're trying to adjust the chain. Better than my Scrambler!

Mojaveman, did you bend the axle? If not, how is it weak then? I heard one guy bend his and it seemed defective. He went back and nailed the same jump over and over again. It did not bend again. How come you do not have an impression of the handling? BTW, didn't you know that Kawi and Suzuki merged? There will be a green Kawi Z400 later this year.
How did it feel funky to you? the ergonomics are perfect. I guess you're used to the Mojave. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

Vooduuchild, I've heard two different things on the hseat height. 3/4 inches lower than an EX like you read, My literature from Suzuki upon my purchase says 810 mm or 31.9 inches, Exactly the same as an EX.

 

Yeah, I dunno why people are pissed about the rear suspension anyhow, it's waaaaay adjustable, spring rate AND the shock itself is adjustable. Swing arm, not a big deal either. And axles, well, I ain't bent mine yet, so I'm all good. Final thoughts, still love the bike.
peace.