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redrunner
09-13-2004, 11:24 AM
OK it is getting close to replacing my 300. Not having ridden a 400ex much and compared to the new Z and it's quality issues what do you all think one vs the other. Mainly heavy trail riding and keeping the front end down on climbs?
Thanks

quad
09-13-2004, 11:40 AM
I just sold my 400EX.The same day I went and got a Z.I dont miss the EX at all.I think the Z is a much better quad for what I do.I hillclimb,trailride.I get the front of the Z up a lil on hillclimbs,but its all good.I feel alot better at climbing hills with the z,than I did the EX.I like the reverse feature of the z,its alot more comfortable on daylong rides.This is all my opinion,but as I said,I have nooooooooooooooo regrets.And it even looks better!!And from what i noticed,the EX's rings must be made of aluminium foil.LOL!!Just about every ex i see,smokes.I took very good care of mine,babied it,and it drank oil anyways!!!I was always a honda guy,but IMO,the 400ex,plainly is way behind the rest of the competition.Look at the '05,its worse,because they coulda done alot of improving,but just added reverse.While the Z,improved a lil over previous years with the 05.I'd say Z400 hands down!!

nemesis
09-13-2004, 01:11 PM
both are good quads and I have rode both. The Z has everything the honda has plus a little more. Power is not very close. The Z has so much bottom end pull.

Billdog350
09-13-2004, 01:42 PM
I sold my 400ex to get my z400. Handling is much better, as well as the power delivery. Take the 400ex for what it is. Back in 1998 (99 model year) it was the best 400cc out there, but now its 2004 and the z400 has replaced it. Water cooling, reverse, dohc, better power....I love my z400 and won't look back. Sure the Honda's are reliable and used ones are cheaper now than the z400's, but I would rather pony up the few extra bucks for liquid cooling, cams and reverse any day.

TheFontMaster
09-13-2004, 02:56 PM
Go with the Z. I have climbed hils on my friends Z and its awsome. Also it has so much more power than the 400ex, atleast I thought it did. I was really disapointed in the power the 400ex's have.

Sc0
09-13-2004, 04:16 PM
The '05 Z's are going to be sweet with the better shocks and maybe a little bit more ponies... The TRX450 would get my nod if they add reverse and electric start so that just leaves the Z in a class of it's own.

The Raptor should not be overlooked either, it's probly a larger engine than anyone would want but it doesn't weigh much more than the Z. With all the 450's out or on their way the used Raptors can be had for a song but, if you want to keep the front end down it's not a good choice unless you buy an extended swingarm.

redrunner
09-13-2004, 06:01 PM
Yup if I get the Z it will be a new one, no more used stuff for me!

Thanks so far for the feed back.;)

YFZ450Ridr
10-03-2004, 03:34 PM
ive looked at the Z400 and the 400EX for a little bit now and from all the stuff i read on exriders i think the Z400 is a better quad. i was shootin for a 400ex but now i am hands down getting a Z400 for my birthday. i dont really like the looks to much on the 05 400ex's, and if i buy a quad its going to be new not used so that leaves me with the Z400. just my opinions.

redrunner
10-03-2004, 05:05 PM
Yup it is looking that way for me too, the dark side.:eek2:

frozenh2o
10-15-2004, 01:07 PM
Yep, I'm leaning toward the Z also. I'm wondering if the '05 is worth paying more for. Better shocks, throttle position carb/ignition, some magnesium and aluminum parts to make it a bit lighter too.
The dealers here are selling the '04 for 5400 out the door (includes 8.25% tax plus license). I bet they'll ask 400 or 500 more for an '05. Is it worth it?

redrunner
10-15-2004, 04:03 PM
The benefits offered in the 05' seem well worth the extra bucks. Just remember that if you plan on doing alot of big air and any mx to look into the gusset kit for the frame, myself personally don't have an issue with that type of riding so I feel it will be good for me. There is a little more maint. involved on these bikes too just stay up on it. :D

frozenh2o
10-15-2004, 04:53 PM
The '05 stuff is nice but an '04 with 500 bucks in your pocket to put toward some killer shocks, a pipe or whatever is tempting. Tough decision for me, and the '04's won't be available for long so I guess I better make up my mind.

nemesis
10-16-2004, 12:30 PM
Originally posted by frozenh2o
The '05 stuff is nice but an '04 with 500 bucks in your pocket to put toward some killer shocks, a pipe or whatever is tempting. Tough decision for me, and the '04's won't be available for long so I guess I better make up my mind.
Put the $500 towards a pair of front shocks and not exhaust. The exhaust will help a little but some nice shocks would be a way better purchase. If I could start over I would have gotten suspension first.

Trust me, you would rather have less arm pump and more control over your quad than a raspy exhaust.

redrunner
10-16-2004, 05:47 PM
Well I just got back from the dealer and I would have to say that the improvements on the 05' are morethan a few. Frame has been gusseted in the front shock mount area,the suspension unless you are gonna do some serious riding will be more than adequate for me. The ride is plush and handles like a dream. Now i just have to keep brow beatin the sales guy for a few more hundred bucks!!!

although he did put a better price on the table than i expected.;)

frozenh2o
10-16-2004, 08:55 PM
Hey Redrunner, just curious, did your dealer still have '04's left?
I'd like to know the price difference. I'm gettin' ready to go beat up my dealer, still don't know which way I'll go.

redrunner
10-18-2004, 10:04 AM
Yeah the do have some, looking around $300 less.

lsittingbull
10-19-2004, 12:03 PM
Choosing between the 04`s or 05`s get the 05`s better platform to start off with. heck with the cam , carb , improvements you should close that gap on those 450`s

redrunner
10-28-2004, 07:55 PM
OK just picked up a beautiful yellow 05, wow what a difference just cruising up and down the street. Quite a difference than the 300 that's for sure!:macho

redrunner
10-30-2004, 01:10 PM
A little blurry, late at night.

redrunner
10-30-2004, 01:10 PM
more

redrunner
10-30-2004, 01:11 PM
!

YFZ450Ridr
10-30-2004, 01:57 PM
thats beautiful!