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View Full Version : more power/better trail bike--05 Z-400 or 04 400ex??



FastestBlaster
10-01-2004, 02:54 PM
which one is more powerful and a better trail bike caseu im goin out to buy/reason with the dealers on sunday and im getting the ------05 kodiak 450 or the 05 Vinson 500-still not sure bout those.
and either the
-----2004 400ex or the 2005 Z-400
-----2005 Blaster or 300ex and the 2005 Ozark
but i think the 400ex and the Z-400 would have more power/ be a better bike than the ozark right????????
id be mostly trail riding 5in of mud at the MOST and than mostly regular trails-dirt/grass- and up and down the railroad tracks which is a big straight away and up and down the road.
so which do you think i should get out of all of those options? lol

Cody_300ex
10-01-2004, 04:57 PM
05 z400. I am a honda at heart but i would take a 05 z400 over a 04 400ex anyday. It has fully adj. shocks, DOHC powerplant, and decently reliable.

dpizz450
10-01-2004, 05:27 PM
z/kfx 400 would be a lot better choice IMO

spincr4hire
10-01-2004, 07:03 PM
z400 over the ex

FastestBlaster
10-02-2004, 01:58 PM
so the Z400 could handle all that better than the 400ex? what about the raptor 660r would that be better yet?

nosliw
10-02-2004, 06:26 PM
Originally posted by FastestBlaster
so the Z400 could handle all that better than the 400ex? what about the raptor 660r would that be better yet?
\

the 400ex has slightly better handeling, but barely noticable..

i would take 400ex over Z because i get so frusterated not being able to torque-bog my way out of something

FastestBlaster
10-02-2004, 06:27 PM
which is better for trail riding the 05 or 04 400ex?

z-4debt
10-04-2004, 08:03 PM
z400 by a long shot. More power alot more comfortable. REVERSE. And im not a fan of the handleing on the honda although alot of people are. Liquid cooled so itll stay good.

FastestBlaster
10-05-2004, 06:05 PM
what do you all think about the 04 Raptor 660R? are they better than the mentioned above or not?-for trails and stuff?:confused:

Dannys400ex
10-05-2004, 06:12 PM
if you want a reliable bike go with the 400ex, yes the z is fater,but the ex handles twice as good. ex hands down

FastestBlaster
10-05-2004, 06:15 PM
what about the raptor 660R?

spincr4hire
10-06-2004, 05:58 AM
Originally posted by FastestBlaster
what about the raptor 660R?

Raptor is too tippy in stock form

popo
10-06-2004, 06:13 AM
Originally posted by Dannys400ex
if you want a reliable bike go with the 400ex, yes the z is fater,but the ex handles twice as good. ex hands down

What are you talking about ............. :rolleyes:

phffff

Ericthered rdr
10-06-2004, 07:29 AM
Originally posted by Dannys400ex
if you want a reliable bike go with the 400ex, yes the z is fater,but the ex handles twice as good. ex hands down

Dude do some research then come back and give an edgucated responce. The '05 Z400 has a much improved suspension than the previous model and is a much better setup than th EX. I love Honda but they need to step up and make some improvements to the 400 for it to even be considered a worthy machine to compete against the Z400.

Now for the young man trying to decide on which quad to buy. Here are some things to consider....the Z has reverse the EX doesn't
New Features on the '05 Z

-Larger 37mm carburetor with throttle position sensor - ignition timing is determined by throttle opening for improved engine response, especially at high rpm

-Revised cam profiles for improved overall power output

-Increased number of clutch drive plates (8 to 9) for improved clutch operation and feel

-New magnesium valve cover, clutch cover and ignition cover for improved engine appearance and reduced weight

-Piggyback reservoir-style front shock absorbers featuring adjustable preload, compression & rebound damping for improved overall suspension performance

-New aluminum front bumper and aluminum rear grab bar for improved appearance and reduced weight

-Aluminum gear shift lever for lighter gearshift feel and reduced weight

What has the Honda changed since '99....nothing worthy of typing!!!

BTW I race XC and we start our races from dead engine, the only quad that can beat me in the starts is the YFZ 450, my motor is stock! Bolt-ons are filter, pipe, and 13tooth front sprocket (best dollar to performance mod you can make)

cds
10-06-2004, 10:26 AM
<<------05 kodiak 450 or the 05 Vinson 500-still not sure bout those.>>

I haven't ridden the kodiak, but I've spent some time on the
Arctic Cat 500 (same engine as the Suzuki Vinsion) 5 speed. Great low-end power! 2nd gear starts are the norm unless you're starting uphill.

Disadvantage is that big 4x4 "farm buggies" are HEAVY machines.

<<and either the
-----2004 400ex or the 2005 Z-400>>

I own the 400ex, my brother owns the Z. Both are great bikes, IMO. The EX is less / easier maintenance than the Z. Clutch pull is easier on the Z. Suspension and handling is great for trail riding on both, IMO. The steering feels lighter on the Z.

You have to be just above fast idle to hit the powerband on the Z, the powerband on the EX starts at idle. The Z's engine sounds less "strained" at high revs (as I would expect based on the powerbands).

Both bikes are pretty fast, but neither bike has blazing fast acceleration. The Z has a much snappier feel during midrange acceleration.

<<-----2005 Blaster or 300ex and the 2005 Ozark
but i think the 400ex and the Z-400 would have more power/ be a better bike than the ozark right?>>

The Blaster is a small framed machine. I thought about buying one because of the great price, but I decided against it because the chassis felt too small for me. I'm (a husky) 5'9",185#.

I bought a very clean used 400ex for the same price as a new Blaster and haven't regretted it for a moment.

The 300ex is a good bike, but I'd step up to a 400 if you can afford it.

I've ridden the Ozark. It's a friendly little machine that anyone can have fun with. It's light years ahead of the bikes I started on, but the lack of strong acceleration might make you wish you had purchased a 400. IMO, the 400s feel "more than twice as fast" on acceleration than the Ozark.

If you are not "motorsports inclined," or want something the whole family can ride, a machine like the Ozark would be a great first bike. OTOH, if you are "motorsports inclined," the controllable power of the 400 4-strokes with a manual clutch will not intimidate you at first. It will only put the proper respect for the bike into you :) Unless you're a street bike or snowmobile acceleration addict or something and a stock 400 4-stroke would be boring (when ridden on a smooth surface).

Good luck with whatever you decide. The most important part is to get out there and have some fun with whatever bike you do get!

cd

FastestBlaster
10-06-2004, 03:22 PM
thanxs that must have took you a while to type lol

Dannys400ex
10-06-2004, 03:53 PM
if i am not mistaken this was a question asking opinions, i gave my opinion and you two guys want to start bashing for it, as for the xc racer i also race from a dead start and if you think right off the line you will bust me you need to think twice, like i said before i know the z is faster, but when you get in the tight woods, bye bye

Dannys400ex
10-06-2004, 03:57 PM
and one more thing the z has reverse, how many times have you used it a race?if you use it that much get a new hobby.

FastestBlaster
10-06-2004, 03:59 PM
Originally posted by Dannys400ex
and one more thing the z has reverse, how many times have you used it a race?if you use it that much get a new hobby.

lmao

popo
10-06-2004, 06:43 PM
Originally posted by Dannys400ex
and one more thing the z has reverse, how many times have you used it a race?if you use it that much get a new hobby.

Ever here of a bottle neck or getting stopped half way up a hill or getting stuck in a mud hole. Reverse comes in real handy while you strain your balls tugging on your 400ex.

spincr4hire
10-07-2004, 05:48 AM
Originally posted by popo
Ever here of a bottle neck or getting stopped half way up a hill or getting stuck in a mud hole. Reverse comes in real handy while you strain your balls tugging on your 400ex.

Yep, I'll miss that on the R for sure.

YFZ450Ridr
10-11-2004, 07:47 PM
why must a 'real' quad not have reverse? most guys it seems like say ur a pus if u have reverse on ur quad, i dont get it. what ur only a reel man if u get off the back and start pushing till ur face is cherry red?

FastestBlaster
10-11-2004, 07:57 PM
Originally posted by 250EXridr
why must a 'real' quad not have reverse? most guys it seems like say ur a pus if u have reverse on ur quad, i dont get it. what ur only a reel man if u get off the back and start pushing till ur face is cherry red?


lol :p :D

nemesis
10-11-2004, 10:34 PM
the same people that say reverse is for a pus, are the same people that think PS2 is better than XBOX. They are just in denial because they don't have it.

Spikers400
10-21-2004, 02:39 PM
the 05 ex has reverse

shagy
10-21-2004, 04:01 PM
Originally posted by Spikers400
the 05 ex has reverse

proof????

i just finished reading ATVSport's "first look" article, telling all about 05's line up...the write up about the 05 400ex didnt mention anything about reverse.


proof????

Spikers400
10-21-2004, 06:04 PM
Yes there is proof.....Right off the honda website. 05 lineup.

http://powersports.honda.com/atvs/sport/model.asp?ModelName=TRX400EX&ModelYear=2005&ModelId=TRX400EX5
Go to specs, 5sp with reverse.

YFZ450Ridr
10-22-2004, 01:45 PM
Originally posted by shagy
proof????

i just finished reading ATVSport's "first look" article, telling all about 05's line up...the write up about the 05 400ex didnt mention anything about reverse.


proof????

this was one of the biggest topics for MONTHS on here and ur shouting out proof?:huh :huh

FastestBlaster
10-22-2004, 02:04 PM
Originally posted by 250EXridr
this was one of the biggest topics for MONTHS on here and ur shouting out proof?:huh :huh

:eek: :rolleyes: :huh :D lol

Spikers400
10-22-2004, 03:18 PM
I know haha.

adema
10-23-2004, 07:18 PM
the 05 EX is butt man a nasty copy of the 450r lol with a 400cc motor in it. and one thing reverse is the best when u r trail ridin and u come to a dead end and ur surrounded by trees so u cant do a quick spin man my cousin gets stuck so many times wit his shee.

Toadz400
10-25-2004, 06:30 PM
Originally posted by Dannys400ex
if you want a reliable bike go with the 400ex, yes the z is fater,but the ex handles twice as good. ex hands down

So far the Z400 has proven to be a reliable bike (except for the very early frames) and I think the Z handles better than the EX. And yes I have ridden both many times (I own an EX) and my friend has a Z400. Both have stock suspension/chassis and the handling on the Z400 is excellent for how tall it sits (doesn't feel tippy at all though).