I'm wanting to get input from all Z400 owners about their impressions of the quad. I currently own a '92 Quadracer setup for MX and a '01 Raptor, and would like to see if the new Zook is living up to expectations. I really don't want anyone to start a quad bashing squabble, cause not a one of them is perfect. The Z looks to be a great quad, I'm just concerned with the swingarm design, it scarily resembles the old Quadracers which was not the best design and was almost a necessity to change to a round housing style if you race MX. So, what are ya'll impressions so far on the Z400?

If you jump or MX then you are going to need to change out that axle, its very soft. Other than that, it run great, has nice power, revs like a 2-stroke and it very fun.

I love mine. It is bone stock. I think the only soft spot in the power is between 2nd and 3rd. A pipe or gearing change will fix that. I took it to the MX track last weekend and it handles that pretty well. That soft spot between 2nd and 3rd it very noticable on the track. My axle has held up well, but my friends bent. It is a super fun machine to ride and has met all of my expecations. My non-Z riding friends have all liked it too. Two of them are on DS's and one is on an EX.

adjusting the chain S*&KS!!(at least compared with a 400ex)you would think that in the last 15 years someone might think"hey how about making this a better design"
i mean come on REMOVE THE BRAKE CALLIPER???!! WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!!BETTER PATEN THAT DESIGN,WE WOULDEN'T WANT HONDA TO GET THAT!!!
and they could have put reinforcement between the a arms so the frame doesn't get tweeked in a crash.other than that it's a sweet ride, i still would buy another Z.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

I adjusted the chain and it was easy (I'm an ATV newbie too).

Taking off the caliper gives you a chance to scrub the brake pads.

I've ridden a Raptor (& several other quads too). In July I called a local dealership to hold a 03 for me when they got in. I showed up last month to find my Blue 03 waiting for me on the floor. The sales guy noticed I was checking out the freshly un-crated Yellow quad in the service bay. He asked if I would like to take it for a spin. Actually he suggested I take it for a spin. A little bit later the Z was going on my trailer and I bid the Blue 03 farewell. I've only had the Z for a little over a month, and it is sweet. You can run full out with total confidence on this thing. I bet it will put a $hit-eatin-grin on your face too. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

hey dude i got your answer. I also have a new z and a 92 quadracer and the lt250 will smoke it on a tight track. I havent done anything to my z yet but I tell this much it aint far behind stock. I also think it out handels the raptor byfar

I'm by no means knocking any quad, but like I stated in my original post, I knew the swingarm design would blow! All the old LT's had basically the same thing with the exception of the '85 & '86.....which was a round housing design. Makes me wonder why Suzuki switched to that jumbo looking box thing on later models. Seems like they were going backwards there! From what I'm hearing from all you Z owners it sounds like they live up to the expectations. Anyone who rides hard or races will need to swap out the stock axle anyway, that's a given, and most people change swingarms also to the round housing style, but the same can be said for my Raptor as well, or basically any other quad. Thanks guys for all the info!

What are you guys talking about when you say you have to remove the brake calliper when adjusting the chain?
YOU DO NOT.
You do need to loosen the two nuts on the calliper, and loosen the two large ones on back. Thats it.
I've adjusted the chain three times now and have never removed ANYTHING.

<< What are you guys talking about when you say you have to remove the brake calliper when adjusting the chain? >>



I removed the caliper so I could easily get to the two 14mm bolts with a socket.