I was looking into purchasing either a Z-400 or a Raptor and was wondering how each does. I am kind of fond of Yamaha's but the Z-400 seems like it is a very close competitor to the more expensive Raptor. I don't want to start a war here just want honest opinions.

 

I have had my Raptor for one year and three months now and I still like getting on it to go riding.

Chet

 

A couple of weeks ago, as soon as the 03 Raptors hit the local dealership I was there on a Saturday to write out a check and take one home. I even called ahead and had a nice new blue one waiting for me at the front door. I rode just about every new quad out there <$7k. When I showed up at the dealership my daughter pointed out a bright yellow quad being assembled in the service department. I asked about it with the sales rep, he told me it was the new Suzuki and asked if I would like to take it for a ride before I signed the contract on the Raptor. Pressured from my daughter (10 year old), she liked yellow better, I jumped on the ATV and put it through the course. A half hour later it was on my trailer heading home. I wanted the biggest baddest freakin' quad you can buy on the show room floor, that's why I wanted the Raptor. Maybe the Z isn't the biggest or the baddest, but it is FREAKIN' fun to ride. And it is easy to ride. Wheelies, jumps, massive power slids, you name it. Last weekend several of my buddies, three of them took it for a spin - they all want one now. BTW this quad is quick. I haven't hit top end yet because I haven't had the space to do so yet. I'm just over ten hours on the engine so this weekend I'll find a spot to do so. Whatever you choose, just ride both before you buy. I bet you'll be surprise. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I owned a raptor for a year and I've had my Z for four months. I agree with newZman, it's easy to ride or race. The Suzuki has handling all over the raptor and it's the best shifting quad on the market. The raptor may be a little faster, but not by much. The raptor is a great quad but I like the feel of the Suzuki.

 

Hey Buddah, whatcha sellin' your Z for already???


***'03 Suzuki z400 (for sale)***
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]

 

This is the OPINION of a proud '01 Raptor owner. I wouldn't trade it for another quad in the world. Probably because I dont moto X. I run the tight woods in Utah 1/2 the year and the SoCal dunes the other 1/2. I love to sit at the Hill. I love to roost my buds. I love to ride 150' wheelies. I dont own a Z, but I think I would if I was into Moto Xing like I said before.

Just 1 mans opinion!

 

Hey 1BadWarrior,

I don't think you would be dissapointed with a Raptor. I have been happy with mine. But if money is going to be a major issue with you, why not wait another month and see how the new Polaris Preditor fits you. If after the Preditor's release it's not what you want, you should be able to get a good deal on a inventory clearance sale on a new Suzuki Z400. Shoot, the dealers will probably even throw in a Warn Winch and give you 0% financing to boot.

But seriously, don't buy just yet. Wait for all the contenders to weigh in, then make your choice. I'm 6'2" and 210 lbs., so I like the seat height of the Raptor. There are a lot of nice machines being produced right now.........yes, even the Z400. Just keep an open mind and go ride them all, but do wait for the Preditor.

 

I lost too much money in the stock market is the reason I'm selling my Z and 250r. I'll get something soon again, I hope.

 

You know, I never really thought about my height being the reason I like my Raptor more than the Z400 I tried out. The fact that I'm 6'5" and weigh 250 lbs could be the reason the Z400 just didn't do anything for me. It had more power than my wife's 400EX, but didn't seem to handle any better than the EX or have nearly as much power as my Raptor.

 

I sold my '01 for various reasons. The 2 biggest reasons were the weight and the '01 tranny problems. It looks like the tranny's have been fixed finally but the weight is still a factor. The Raptor weighs in at 445lbs. full of fuel, oil and anti-freeze. You really start to feel that weight after several hours of riding. If all 4 wheels are on the ground most of the time you don't really notice it but if you're doing a lot of jumping or whoops than the weight becomes very apparent. Despite what anyone says the Raptor's handling is a little squirrely. The tall seat height and too narrow stance makes it a little bit of a chore in the corners. I learned to adapt my riding style when I had mine and never seemed to have trouble after that but it wasn't until I got back on something else that the handling woes became so obvious.

By brother-in-law's cousin (whom I'm very close with) has a Z400. The verdict is still out on it for me. It handles very much like a 400EX and has very nice power (somewhere between a 400EX and a Raptor). The shifting is the absolute best on the market! It has nice plush suspension but seems to give up a little too quick. The only real question remaining is long term reliability. If this quad stands up during it's first year than Suzuki has made a real winner at an MSRP of $5699.