Predators are decent quads. They are bigger and much heavier than a 400ex. Hondas are known for lasting forever. I would pick a honda over a polaris, thats just my 2 cents. Im pretty sure the predator is more than the 400ex too.

2006 models
Predator is $6199 MSRP
400ex is $5899 MSRP

 

The 2007 models are the exact same MSRP at $5999.

Both of these bikes are almost identical in size.
Length Width Height
Honda 72.2 45.3 43.7
Predator 71.5 47.5 45

As you can see all the measurements are withing 1.3 inches except for the width where the Predator is wider, which helps it stability. The important part is the seat height where they are almost exactly identical, with the 400ex at 31.9 and the Predator at 32.

The Honda weighs 386 lbs and the Predator comes in at 405 lbs so these are also very close. The Predator comes stock with Douglas rims, Maxxis Razr tires, Chromoly axle, steel braided brake lines and a water cooled engine. The Predator also has a lot more power than the air cooled 400ex.

You may not think you want the power now but trust me, there is a reason why everyone mods their quads after a few months, they want more power. For the same amount of money I would go with the Predator over the 400ex in a heart beat.

Plus Polaris has a no payment/no interest till 2008 with a free 2 year warranty promotion going on right now.

 

You guys are great, thanks for all the helpful advice. Decisions, Decisions..... kinda sounds like predator now. Need to test drive one this weekend! Unfortunately I am going to be toting this thing around behind an audi a4 quattro.

 

as far as options and power out of the box, a predator would be better than a 400EX. But a polaris is a polaris and thus, you have to add into the equation the fact it may have problems and it won't last as long as a 400EX. But, if i were you, the best pick that is comparable to those ones would be a Z400. The Suzuki in my opinion has the build quality of the honda, with power more like the polaris, so you get the best of both worlds, my vote is go for a Z400, otherwise, if you feel like spending get a rappy 700 or a YFZ

 

And you are basing this off of what facts? Too many people just do parrot talk on these forums bashing Polaris with little first hand knowledge. You "may" have problems with any quad made by any company. The recent year Predators have no known issues. And to say a Predator will not last as long as a 400ex is presumptiuous too. The Predator will require maintenance just like any other high performance sport quad. You want the power you have to take care of your machine.

Buy American. No need to keep helping the Japanese economy.

 

hey i tow a kinq quad 450 behind a saab 9-3

 

statistically a 400ex will last a LOT longer thna a perdator and also the fact that it is a polaris it means you will find alot of unnessecary stuff and to be honest.. i've seen 400ex's go throguh hell and still climb anyhill.. maintanence is required in any quad.. a 400ex just takes it better.. the polaris (to me) has cheaply made parts and it is the downfall of all polaris's

 

I agree with this homeboy above me ^...The polaris models are made with cheap parts and they have mixed nuts, said in the August 2006 edition of ATV Rider about the Polaris Outlaw....LoL they said it was all screwed up ! But ive never rode a predator or outlaw so i cant say any more

 

Id definately go with a 400EX over the Predator. I ride with guys that have both, and the 400EX's are still kicking, but the Predator was sold because he was tired of working on that piece! We were on a trip 6 Hrs away and the predator's wheel hub stripped out! Try finding one of them locally! Guarantee you could find a Honda one.

 

Don't forget that you'll need 3 sets of tools to work an the Polaris, Standard, Metric, and Torx.

I am admittedly NOT a Polaris fan at all. They just seem low quality to me. If your not going to get the Raptor 350, I'd recommend the Z400 instead of the 400EX. You'll be getting way more for your money!!