I'm buying a new quad and I'm not sure which one suits me better. I race mx and trail ride a lot. Which one is better for my riding styles and why?

 

Get the Z for the reasons you listed.

 

Get a z-400/kfx-400 or better yet a cannibal, because the raptor is not designed for the track. I ride trails and wide open spaces, so the raptor was perfect for me. The raptor is just as good as any on the trails.

 

I would vote for the Z. Much more comfortable on the track and with mods can give a raptor owner a suprise.

MX

 

I look at it this way

Z = lighter & better handling

Raptor = more power

your can either put money into the Z to make it faster, or money into the Raptor to make it handle.....

I personally would pick the black Limited Edition Raptor, put 2+ A-arms, 2+ axle, full pipe, filter, and jet kit, steering stabilizer, and that would be it.... it would handle great, have over 45 RWHP, and you wouldn't have changed it's stock reliability (longest possible lifespan)

to get 45+ RWHP from a Z you're going to have to get into the engine... and you're going to shorten it's lifespan

 

If you mx a lot then, having a better handling quad is of more importance than HP. BTW You can get close to 40 HP on the Z without shortening the life of the motor.

MX

 

So what bolt ons add 10-11 hp too the Z400?

 

I read a review in ATV Rider, and they modded a 400ex and a Raptor for racing. They liked the power of the Raptor but like the handling of the EX better on the track.
Here were the pos and neg's for the:
EX
+ Killer handling
+Easiest to go fast on
- Liquid cooling would be nice
- Lacks outright engine performance
= Fun for all ages

Raptor
+ Big honkin' Motor!!
+Will jump anything
- Vague handling, tall and tippy even when modified
- fragile rear axle
= If you want to fly high this is the one

A modified Z would take care of the EX's downfalls and still has it's plusses. I like the Raptor also but in my case the Z works better. You will never get a raptor to handle as good as 400EX or Z.
And a Cannondale is out if you require reverse.
If Yamaha would have made the Raptor 2" wider and sit lower to begin with it would be better.
It also depends on what type of racing you want to do. Raptor will have to be run in the open class.

Both machines are good on the trails as that is their main intent.

 

I made my final desicision today. I'm getten the Z b/c it suits me better. I am just to small to handle the raptor. Also in all the shootouts between the raptor and Z they all favor the Z except in a drag. And I don't drag so the Z400 is def. the quad for me.

 

ct or other full pipe, K&N filter, no air box lid, keihn fcr 39,40,41mm carb will add at least that much with those bolt ons.