PDA

View Full Version : Please help me 400ex or the Z400



holeshot66
12-27-2004, 03:43 PM
Ok you guys i need help ...i want both but can only have one...
soooooo which whould i go with ...400ex or z400...i was think about the Z because its liquid cooled and more race ready ... but i was also thinking that the 400ex was air cooled so it wouldnt run for very long very good how long could i run it and still perform well... and how good is the new Z...How fast does the Z400 go..and how fast does the 400ex go...?

please help

midwaykl
12-27-2004, 03:49 PM
i had a z400 for a year and the timing chain stretched and suzuki would do nothing,,,,so i bought a new 400ex...that will last more than 1 year!!!!!!!!!

397ccEX
12-27-2004, 04:08 PM
and on speed i believe 400ex 70
Z 400 73

spazzy973
12-27-2004, 04:20 PM
i have a 03 400ex and i can ride all day and it always performes all day

nosliw
12-27-2004, 04:22 PM
68-69mph for the ex, a couple more for the z. i've ridden my friends z and my cousins z and to me it feels like they like to be winded a bit more high. they dont have the umph torque that my ex has. i kick their asses in tight technical trails and we are pretty much equal riders. i was in the same place you are, and i chose the ex for the low end, the aircooled (just another thing that i dont have to worry about) and the looks. the z is a great machine but isnt what i was after.

never had a problem with my ex overheating, and i've done a lot of slow trail stuff for a long time in the woods.

QuAdEr 317
12-27-2004, 08:05 PM
400exxxxxxxxxxxx;)

underpowered
12-27-2004, 08:07 PM
i say the 400EX. Parts are more readily available, many parts are interchangable off other quads such as the 250r, and its a HONDA.

TC426EX
12-28-2004, 12:51 PM
400EX all the way man...

The Z400 is the WORST, most UNRELIABLE bike ever built in ATV history!!!!! I know first hand since 2 of my friends have them....

rollie
12-28-2004, 01:36 PM
id go with the EX.....only because the Z has a horrible frame id be afraid to even ride on a track....and the EX is a solid thats proved it self time and time again.....:cool:

Lou400ex
12-28-2004, 01:47 PM
400EX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
reliable. has reverse now andnew plastics. I never had a problem overheting or riding all day.

400exracer511
12-28-2004, 05:29 PM
i know 3 people who have z400s and two of them have broke their axle carriers

i would get the ex because they are proven relaible and you can get parts everywhere

maskale
12-28-2004, 07:27 PM
My mx buddy has a 04 z and has had minor suff break or come loose, easy fix stuff, but it still makes you come in and make repairs or go home early. I have a 02 440ex that runs strong with out any problems. OH and the z's plastics dont seem to hold up very well.

So go with the honda.

Quadworks
12-28-2004, 07:37 PM
Forget the Z and go with the EX!! Hondas are more reliable than anything.

littleugly03
12-28-2004, 07:56 PM
EeeeeeeeeeeeeXxxxxxxxxxxxxx:devious:


the z is a :cuss:

FMFWarrior21
12-28-2004, 09:26 PM
Since I dont have my EX yet I can be a little bit unbiased but like everyone else I would get the EX. Im a fan of aircooling yes I know it sounds somewhat funny but I know I dont have to worry about the water pump failing and frying my motor. Second of all its a Honda and from what ive seen Honda's are tough and reliable just like my Warrior is and thats what I go for more than anything.Definetly EX all the way plus imho they look better too.

hemi operator
12-29-2004, 07:45 AM
I've been struggling with the same question for some time now, doing research as I plan to buy a quad within the first few months of '05. I will most likely be buying used, just a year or so old. I want reverse pretty bad, so I was strongly considering the Z400/KFX400. From all I've read and heard, they are great machines. However, they have some problems. Small problems, such as the frame cracks under harsh stress, coolant/radiator leaks, a few top end/timing chain problems and such. These problems are usually very small and corrected easily, yet they are problems that will end your day of riding nonetheless, and require money and down-time to repair.

When you look at the EX400 problems, it's all people asking things like what kind of rims they should buy, what kind of handlebars work best for certain riding types, who makes the best tires, etc. They just don't seem to have any real problems at all, versus the Kawa-Suki twins and their small problems. The 400EX just seems to be built beefier and simpler with less to go wrong.

My problem is that I really want reverse, so to go with the 400EX I'd have to buy brand new, which is an option, but I'd rather not eat the depreciation or have a monthly payment. Still, I think the better reliability of a used 400EX over the Z/KFX 400's outweighs the not having reverse.

ZQ8Dude
12-29-2004, 04:15 PM
i went through this before i bought my EX

i lke the Z they make great power, but they are expensive. i was looking at 5600 for an 04 all the way to 6100 for an 05. while i found an 04 400ex for 4800 otd.

if you dont plan to race imho i dont think the suzuki is worth it. ive only found my bike to lack power in straightlines, yet everywhere else its been more then enough. through technical woods i can stay with my friends predator, although he smokes me in straights.

as for reverse? so far ive yet to find a time where it would come in handy

though the choice is yours some people find the price difference to be more then worth it. since im just screwing around i didnt.

ZSK
12-29-2004, 04:50 PM
Well, so far I've blown 2 head gaskets, had my bearings ruin a carrier, ball joints go out, bent the stem, broke the bars (not bend BRAKE) have to replace the cam chain, and a top end rebuild after only 40 hours on a 440 bore sounds really reliable to me :rolleyes:

I've had my 400ex for 7 months. Now more than ever I wish I'd bought a KFX400. The frame problems have been fixed, along with the swingarm, chain adjustment system became easier in 04. There is a little more power.....If I was to buy an 05, it would be a KFX or a 450r. There's better suspension, more power, and more potential in the engine with the Z/DVX/KFX. I don't think the 400ex was worth the money I paid. I could have gotten a much better quad for only a few hundred more.

dirt308
12-29-2004, 04:57 PM
I was in the same situation and decided on a 400ex because of the price. I found one for $2200 and I am very happy with it. If your just trail riding and maybe a little racing its a great bike.

400exblimp
12-29-2004, 09:22 PM
you dont see the frames breaking on the EX's

rollie
12-29-2004, 09:25 PM
Originally posted by 400exblimp
you dont see the frames breaking on the EX's

if you go to the races enough you see every kinda quads frames crack...its gonna happen i think with a Z frame guesseted right you SHOULD be ok...idk tho i do agree that the EX frame is much stronger stock:)

Quadworks
12-30-2004, 04:44 AM
Just give it up and go with the HONDA! You will be happier in the end.

Blown 331
12-31-2004, 06:46 AM
I bought a new 400EX in April of 2003. Very happy with it, I loved it. Then I heard the 450R was coming out. Sold the 400 and took a $2000 loss in only 8 months. Totally worth it, the 450 rocks.

ZQ8Dude
12-31-2004, 12:22 PM
i dont now if id recomend a race bike like the 450r. just a little too much powe to start off on, plus kickstarts suck

Rico
12-31-2004, 12:24 PM
With the new Ex having reverse it's a no brainer..:macho

jak8913
12-31-2004, 08:10 PM
i bought a z400 adn put some mods on it. things kept breaking and needed to be replaced. i ended up sinking around $3000 into it and said to myself that it is not worth it and just stick with honda. so i bought a 400ex and love it. the parts are cheaper and easier to find and sacrificing reverse wasnt that big of a deal. i made sure my z is perfect now and im selling it.

397ccEX
12-31-2004, 08:13 PM
Ride Red buy the 400ex!!!!

400exrider36
01-02-2005, 06:35 PM
had the same situation, went with the 400ex and love it. very reliable, had it for over a year and never has not started on me. air cooling is nice because less to worry about and it doesnt affect performance, just starts your pants on fire...;) (why u wear boots) my frame did crack but it was because i had a head-on with a tree in 3rd gear full out, but thats all that happend. still have no idea where it came from:confused: but NEWAYS, i say the ex and now it even has reverse! plus it's a HONDA

nosliw
01-02-2005, 06:54 PM
Originally posted by 400exrider36
i had a head-on with a tree goin around 50mph

how the hell are you still alive? :confused:

400exrider36
01-02-2005, 06:59 PM
sorry i was kinda exaggerating a bit, but it was 3rd gear full out
it was two trees that split apart and my head went between them, my knee caught the handlebars and bent them forward, really hurt....

torqen2k1
01-03-2005, 09:44 AM
I like the Z400/KFX400 because its new technology and its a Dual/Double over head come motor. Also its liquid cooled so you dont have to depend on the out side temp for performance. In other words air cooled motors reliey on the air that runs through it to cool it off. i kinda regret gettin a 400ex because the Z400 has more potential then the 400ex.

trick 400ex
01-05-2005, 05:20 PM
i have a 2001 400ex and its awesome its fast and has lots of power, i did a drag agianst a z and i beat it right off the line,i have had no problems with my 400ex at all,my friends z goes to the shop at least 4 times a year for something breaking that is not even really important

johnnydufus
01-05-2005, 08:45 PM
i am in this exact position right now. i just sold my raptor that blew a tranny, i will never buy a yamaha again.

i have a deal between 2 dudes,

one has a 03 kfx400 that has a pipe and tires for $3800

and the other has a 01 or 02 400ex that has a pipe, wheels, and tires for $2800

i am leaning towards the 400ex cuz of this topic. the problem is i have to wait till summer when i will have enough money for either one

Quadworks
01-06-2005, 05:17 AM
This should be an easy choice! With the majority of the people telling you to get the 400EX. Also since its $1000 cheaper. That $1000 can go along way in mods!! Even if the guy won't wait until summer it should be NO problem finding one in that price range. Good luck!!

400 EX FREAK
01-06-2005, 11:26 AM
even though i love honda's......i would have to go w/ the z cuz of the new technoligy

TRXRacer1
01-12-2005, 12:40 PM
Wow, I never would have guessed that at a Honda site most would suggest the 400ex, lmao. Let's see here, they're about the same price new, the Z is liquid, better shocks and improved platform. Ya go with the 400ex.

Joe400ex
03-16-2005, 08:14 PM
400EX all the way man i have one never had a problem with overheating or anything. The Z400 is like a Cadilac ,plus the 400ex has more torgue ,so the Z400 has 3mph faster ur not racing straights all day geta good launch and ull be fine

jak1389
03-17-2005, 09:47 AM
i have both now and look at the bottom of my sig and itll tell you. the z just had to many problems.

Joe400ex
03-17-2005, 04:08 PM
Originally posted by jak1389
i have both now and look at the bottom of my sig and itll tell you. the z just had to many problems.

i dont get it haha whats wrong with it

abc
03-17-2005, 05:03 PM
how much is your z?

jak1389
03-17-2005, 06:13 PM
well, the light broke, axle bearing carrier broke, and the boot on one of the a-arms broke and i didnt no and dirt got in there. the next thing i no the a-arm is in the dirt and im doin a endo. well lets say i i had to get all 4 new a-arms just to be safe. im lucky i didnt get hurt tho. im asking $4000 obo.

RSU
03-18-2005, 02:52 PM
I bought a 400EX New in 00. I didn't drive it much at all since I bought it. I almost sold it last year since all it does is sit around. Thank god I decided not to sell it. I plan on really riding this year. The quad will be like new to be since I hardly used it.

400exrider36
03-18-2005, 05:09 PM
thats crazy:p i could never let something so precious just sit around;)

littleugly03
03-18-2005, 08:58 PM
Originally posted by 400exblimp
you dont see the frames breaking on the EX's


thats because its a honda i saw my brother hit a tree 10 feet in the air 5 gear pined and it only broke the bumper lol true story ask RICO:p :eek2: :eek:

Jimford
03-18-2005, 11:41 PM
I would go with whats best for you. I've never had a liquid cooled motorcycle, dirtbike, ATV my whole life. They don't overheat. Take a break when ridu=ing if you have to.. The Z is cool. Easier to modify. But Honda has the rliability. I have a 99'. Thats a first yaer model. Never had one problem!! I ride with my friend that has a yzf450. He doesn't even beat me. His quad is faster by a bit but its also been in the shop three times since he's had it. ONLY 3 MONTHES!! Go for reliabilty unless you richh!!

MoToX199
03-19-2005, 12:49 PM
dude 400 all the way! u can nvr beat a honda.



01 400ex
pro circuit t-4
axis shocks
roll deisgn +2 a-arms
g force +4 axle
k&n intake
factory effex graphic kit
hole shot mx tires
motor chromed

throttlejunkie4
03-19-2005, 11:08 PM
well i can actully say i have both of these quads and my ex is a 01 and my z is a 04 and lets just say i have only had the z for 8 months and its going to be for sale soon . out of the 2 the honda is the better choice , all i have ever needed to do to the ex is change the oil and gas it up and ride unlike my z which has been in the shop a few times this yr .