i just test drove a used yfz450x i was looking into buying but found a major shocker. my step dad has the yfz450r and previously had the basic yfz450 and i found no difference in handling or power in the 3 quads, tell me am i just wasting time on getting the supposed back woods edition? if so ill just purchase a basic yfz450 and save the cash.

also i went to the kawasaki site, is it just me or do they have no options on sport quads? theirs no 250 or equivalant class and they just discontinued the kfx700. all they have is the 450r and that seems a little wasteful if u don't want that much power. i enjoy my outlaw but if im just cruising in the woods trying to play and have fun without all the high geared madness then i want a second option. the yfz is just a side project, my real interest is a 250-350 class quad to play around on "no interest in the tiny rappy 250". it seems kawasaki has failed me.

also i wasn't looking at buying the yfz new, just the 250 class quad. im not worried about prices, if i like it i will buy it but if i can save some change then i will.

 

It sounds like your looking at this from the dirtbike angle. If so there is no 250 equivalent in the quad world. The 250 rappy is the closest thing. Look at the 400's (ltr, EX) for a closer comparison. They will have the power and not as high geared.

There is not much difference powerwise in the YFZ's. Most say the carburated has a bit more power than the R or X. The suspension should be better on the new ones and of course they are fuel injected. However, if you don't want "high heared madness" steer clear.

The other option is the Raptor 700. It's a powerful beast and a monster on the trails. Plenty of low end where the 450's will be a challenge.

 

i was thinking more for a 250 because when i ride with my family they all got smaller utilitys and one has a 250ex. and when i trail ride with them on my outlaw i never seem to pass up 3rd gear. im lookin for somthing i can ride with them that wont absolutly blow them out the water. im a adrenaline junkie so its rare i say i want somthing slower but in this case it makes more since. their not into speed as much as cruising. i said no to the rappy 250 because its too small for my body build. great advice on the yfz, i forgot all about the newer ones being FI.

not into the raptor 700, its just more then i need. and i was refering to the 250 class as motor size not for racing purposes. just wanted to clear that up.

 

I would say look at the 400EX or possibly a Z400 then. The EX is happy running at slower speeds, just chugging along, but has the full sized chassis and enough power to be fun when the fam hits a "play" area. I would steer clear of the big bores like the 440's for your intended use, otherwise that is probably the perfect machine for when the Outlaw is to fast.

 

Ah, I see where your coming from.

If the Rappy 250 is too small I'm thinking any 250 will be. I know the 250EX will initially feel bigger but, just because it's clunky. It sounds like you need the 300ex or if it were me 400ex.

I had a 400ex. They are solid machines and do not require revving up for power and also, low enough geared you can ride with the 250 all day with no issues. The 300ex is the same as the 400ex with less power and a bit smaller.

I'd say if you want to stay in the sport quad world those would be ideal choices. I'd throw out the zuki 400 since it's a bit higher geared and more rev'ish.