what do you guys think of the z400 [Archive]

beerock

10-19-2002, 12:14 AM

I liek the bike, but its a copy of a 400ex......

you can swap a 400ex swingarm in its place..(thats a good thing too)

but damn suzuki needs there own design freakin copy cat.....

I really hope the new honda will be able to swap 400ex parts and 250r parts.....

but my bike will ALWAYS SMOKE a Z400!!!!!!(unless theres other artificial aspiration goin on or maybe alky?)

Guy400

10-19-2002, 01:24 AM

I like it. If I didn't get my Dale the Z400 was my 2nd choice. In my eyes Cannondale was the only manufacturer in 15 years to actually push the sport in a different direction and stand behind that product 100%. You might argue the 400EX, sure it was a God-send to the sport ATV market but it didn't exactly set any technological standards. I think Suzuki made a wise decision in having so many older Honda parts be direct bolt-ins. This way they can appeal to some old R riders who are possibly looking for a new 4-stroke and when they hear a lot of their R parts will bolt right on it saves them money in mods. However, I do think Suzuki could've done a slightly better job in some areas (as can all quad manufacturers). The first of 4 areas that I think needs improvement is the upper a-arm balljoint mount. It's just a flat piece of 1/4" stock that is butt welded to the a-arm tube. While I haven't heard of any upper a-arm failure it didn't inspire confidence when I looked at it. The 2nd area that needs addressed is seat height. I know they got it lower than the Raptor but it still sits a little high IMO. The 3rd area is the swingarm. Strength isn't the problem but the chain adjustment is. It's really not that big of a deal but I'd like to see a better system in the future. The 4th area is the stock rear axle. It's having some issues that need to be resolved. I think Suzuki did the same thing Yamaha tried to do with the Raptor and that was save a couple of pounds by skimping on the axle thickness. The best part about all of these problems?! They're easily fixable through the aftermarket!! I don't think there's any serious flaws with this bike that cannot be corrected. The engine reliability has already been proven in the dirtbike for years now so we'll just have to see how the tranny holds up with the reverse in there. I don't think the frame is an issue either. Overall, it's a pretty good package for $5600.

01TRX300EX

10-19-2002, 08:31 AM

I think its awesome, I wish I could have one if I had the money, maybe in a couple years.

New-400ex_guy

10-19-2002, 09:24 AM

i love my z, its faster than a stock raptor with a little less money into it and it handles and rides alot better. i love the seat design.

the only thing that has gone wrong with mine is i have a bent axle, but unlike yamaha suzuki has stepped up too the plate and replaced my axle free of charge.

it is a tad tippy but if you adjust the suspension its not a issue.

the only other thing is the swingarm its gonna be expensive to go to a +3 swingarms, hopefully some lower priced ones will come out like the ex has.

cant wait till i get my +2 a-arms and shocks:D

dezertfreak

10-19-2002, 09:41 AM

i went from a 86 trx 250r to my z400 and i havent regreted it at all

i just wish it sat a little lower, but thats a solvable complaint

VooDuu Child

10-19-2002, 09:47 AM

THE Z IS NOT A CARBON COPY OF THE EX. Sorry, had to get that off my chest. NO, the swing arm WON'T fit either. If it did, a lot of us would have switched. There are some basic parts that will swap, but that's it. You have to remember, when working with similar shaped powerplants and end designs, you're very limited to how unique your chassis can be. I live in a two Z household, and we have yet to have a single problem with ours and we've had them from day one released. I've had mine in water/mud that was just over the bottom headlight, with no water at all in the airbox. In my opinion, they're not tippy, it's just something you get used to. Plus, if you go with new shocks, that will take care of the seat height. Oh yeah, that seat is like sitting on clouds, so soft and huge. It is the most comfortable seat I've sat on yet. The motor will easily mod to fifty ponies, heck for around eight hundred bucks you can get like 46. The axle has been changed on the newer models so that shouldn't be an issue either, especially since the earlier ones are replaced for free by Suzuki. All in all, I believe this is the best sport machine out right now. I really love the reverse, you will never know how much you need it until you've had it. I recommend this machine to anyone who's in the market for a new machine.

beerock

10-19-2002, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by VooDuu Child
THE Z IS NOT A CARBON COPY OF THE EX. Sorry, had to get that off my chest. NO, the swing arm WON'T fit either. If it did, a lot of us would have switched. .
sorry bro but your WRONG

it is a freakin copy, and you can put a 400ex swingarm on it bro.

sorry to bust your bubble...

Yeah guy, when I first saw the z400 I was lookin at the top arms and did not like what I saw....

beerock

10-19-2002, 10:07 AM

burstin your bubble some more......
:blah

http://users.rcn.com/beerock/quad%20pics/z400-5.jpg

hey but its a good thing man. you wont have to put up with the dumb chain adjustment....personally if i did this mod I would use a aftermarket swingarm, cuz the 400ex swing aint that strong...

GUy, How bout finding out about switching the options on the non honda forum to SHOW the img tag as pics instead of links... it drives me nutz when they dont come up...

Godspeed

10-19-2002, 11:07 AM

Hmm, I am not sure how to respond to some of the comments but somehow feel compelled to say something. The Z is a great bike. Stock for stock a 400EX WILL NOT HANG. I know a lot of you Honda faithfuls would like to deny and debate and I am sure some of you will but it is futile. As far as "Sport" quads go, the Z is top dog right now. But... It is not a "Race" quad. A stock Dale will beat a piped Z. That doesnt mean the Dale is the better quad for most people. As a matter of fact, I would recommend the Z over the Dale to 99% of the people I know... And not just so I could whoop them either.

Godspeed

10-19-2002, 11:09 AM

By the way... Did I mention I have a piped Z sitting in my garage next to my Speed? :D

beerock

10-19-2002, 11:42 AM

honda geometry+zuki watercooled motor= top dog

I like the zuki and dale but im brand loyal.

VooDuu Child

10-19-2002, 12:40 PM

Aieet, hold up, I heard that there were bearing issues between the two swing arms??? Like I said, this is just what I heard. I would love to switch swing arms someday, but the stock ain't that bad, and the chain tensioner isn't as big a pain as most non owners think. Could you please post where to find info on the switch? I know a lot of people who would appreciate it. Plus, a picture doesn't quite prove that it's a swing from an ex. Not tryin to dawg on ya, just want to see more on it as like I said, there are those looking into switchin. Thanks.

beerock

10-19-2002, 12:52 PM

do a search for z400 on this site, there is a guy on here with 2 z400's with 400ex swingarms.....

to reitterate, I wouldnt switch to a 400ex swingarm, I would go with a aftermarket 400ex swingarm....

VooDuu Child

10-19-2002, 12:55 PM

Yes, well, if you wanna talk copying, honda did it first, as Suzuki was the first on four wheels, so honda, by adding a fourth, well, you get the picture. I'll do that search and post to friends over at z400central.com. Thanks.

New-400ex_guy

10-19-2002, 12:56 PM

hey godspeed, what mods do you have on your z, is it a close race between the speed and the Z. do you have a pipe or any different maping on the speed.

i thought a modded z and a cannibal would either be dead even or the z slightly ahead depending on the rider.

cool 300ex

10-19-2002, 08:01 PM

hey lets talk about the z and 400ex lets hear some stuff about both about power and other stuff ;)

Z400central

10-20-2002, 10:24 AM

Immitation is the sinseriest for of flatery, correct?:D

dezertfreak

10-20-2002, 10:46 AM

TIN FER- hpicrv00

cjpoole1

10-20-2002, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by beerock
do a search for z400 on this site, there is a guy on here with 2 z400's with 400ex swingarms.....

to reitterate, I wouldnt switch to a 400ex swingarm, I would go with a aftermarket 400ex swingarm....

Heres the thread...and its not a 400ex swingarm, its a Burgaurd that uses 400ex components a few other companies like lonestar make the same set up.
http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29276&perpage=15&pagenumber=3

cjpoole1

10-20-2002, 12:00 PM

heres the Lonestar setup

thrshr

10-20-2002, 02:23 PM

hey beerock, the swingarm doesn't bolt right up. the chain doesn't properly line up and you have to modify the way it mounts. that is a burgard swing arm in your pic, not as easy of a swap as you think it is.

eldoexrider01

10-20-2002, 02:33 PM

i wouldnt mind havin one. anyone wanna buy a 400ex???? haha im performance loyal!

Z400central

10-20-2002, 02:45 PM

Originally posted by dezertfreak
TIN FER- hpicrv00

TIN Fer?:confused:

dezertfreak

10-20-2002, 02:54 PM

TIN FER= 10-4
I was agreeing w/u

Godspeed

10-20-2002, 07:23 PM

Originally posted by New-400ex_guy
hey godspeed, what mods do you have on your z, is it a close race between the speed and the Z. do you have a pipe or any different maping on the speed.

i thought a modded z and a cannibal would either be dead even or the z slightly ahead depending on the rider.

I cant comment on the Cannibal since is has a softer rev limit and a less aggressive map (fuel/air mix) compared to a Speed. But I can say that the Z will not hang with a Speed in a drag race.

The Speed is stock. The Z has a pipe, header and filter. It rips but not like the Speed. You should really just ride a Dale to see what I mean. I love the Z. In most ways it is a better ride than the Speed. But when I am getting ready to head out for a day of riding with my buds, I always pick the Speed. I relate it to the biggest manhood syndrome.

Look at it this way. Lets say you have an ML55AMG in the garage. The ML55AMG is perhaps the worlds most versatile vehicle. Room for 5, 0-60 in about 5.8 seconds, able to go moderately off road as well as having better than average road performance. Now next to it you have a Modena Spyder. The Modena does 0-60 in about 4 seconds flat. But it only seats two and only has a ground clearance of about 3 inches. Which one do you choose...

You know the ML55AMG is the better choice for most day to day driving. But that darn Ferrari is calling your name.

You get the idea...

Z400central

10-20-2002, 08:03 PM

Ferrari!!!!!!!! 360 spyder.......OMG!!!:D So your saying the cdale is the ferrari, and the Z is the merc?

VooDuu Child

10-21-2002, 06:17 AM

So it is the general consensus, that it's an aftermarket, ex "type or style" but not for the ex, but made for the Z? Oh well, I just thought if people were doing this that I know of lots who'd wanna know how. And hey, being performance loyal is a great thing, it keeps this sport growin!!! Man, I wish I could ride tomorrow now, dang this and a couple other message boards....=-)

Godspeed

10-21-2002, 06:36 AM

Originally posted by hpicrv00
Ferrari!!!!!!!! 360 spyder.......OMG!!!:D So your saying the cdale is the ferrari, and the Z is the merc?

You completely missed my point. Perhaps you under estimate the performance of the ML55.

cool 300ex

10-21-2002, 02:35 PM

so how fast does the z go in mph

10-21-2002, 08:02 PM

65mph-68mph stock z400 top speed

you guys really scare me about reliability issues, its making me want to get another dirtbike.

I would choose a Z over a Dale because of reverse, and for all you tundra dwellers that dont have trees .. OF COURSE YOUR GONNA TELL US WE DONT NEED REVERSE! I live in canada, where you cant get off your bike without getting poisen ivy or stung or cut by trees. Trees are everywhere, and you really need reverse, I dont right now (my dirtbike is 150lbs) and isnt a handle at all, but I could imagine pushing 385lbs around.

When you guys are hearing the dale call your names, it isnt like that for me, because when I ride its not to be ahead of the pack (which I already am because my friends ride 300 4x4's :rolleyes: ), its to have fun. The ONLY kind of racing I do is woods/gncc/trail racing, because drag racing takes no skill, especially when your comparing 440cc to 400cc. In the forest I can carve every corner way faster than any of my friends utilitys, which is why I dont need the best quad there is, and its funny how you guys think the dale is the ultimate quad, when it doesnt even have reverse. If the 400ex, dale, z400 had reverse, i would pick the 400ex. honda could do better, upping the reliability, liquid cooling, 440cc, reverse, long travel suspention, aluminum frame and EFI, thats my ultimate quad.

Holy cow im day dreaming :huh

While you guys are in $ heaven and you can afford 7000 dollar quads, im happy just being able to get gas and oil every week.

Why oh why do you always need the fastest quad?

ps - when you go riding with your buddies, your RIDDING WITH YOUR BUDDIES, NOT TRYING TO LOOSE THEM IN THE STRAIGHTS.

Castor-426ex

10-21-2002, 08:12 PM

drag racing takes skill...any kind of racing takes skill...

Z400central

10-21-2002, 10:53 PM

Originally posted by Godspeed

You completely missed my point. Perhaps you under estimate the performance of the ML55.

oh i know. The ML55 is fast, but no where near the speed the 360 has..:D anywayz......

VooDuu Child

10-21-2002, 11:40 PM

My bubble is still in tact, so there.

cool 300ex

10-22-2002, 05:17 PM

hey ok thanks i was thing like 70mph becuse a stock 400ex does like 68mph any else

buckNbanshee

10-22-2002, 05:37 PM

one of my friends up the road got a KFX 400 it was nice was not as fast as the shee but it fast every thing felt similar to the 400 ex i decided i would race the shee and the KFX to see how they compared and when i pulled ahead.He got me through 3 gears then I pulled ahead of him.pretty much just like the EX.

Godspeed

10-23-2002, 06:47 AM

I think I will keep both.

DirtDiggler

10-23-2002, 08:53 AM

I think if you already own a 400ex the upgrade to the Z400 isn't worth it. If speed is your thing go from a 400ex to a Cannondale for less than $300.00 with a pipe and remap your at around 41 hp now Trinity is doing a port and polish on the Dales that gets you to around 47hp for $350.00 so for $650.00 your at 47hp. The Z400's that they put the engine kits on in the mags to get to 47hp they had 2500-3000 dollars just into the engines and still had to do the suspension and other mods. If you want to build a bike and money is no concern the Z400 is a great platform.

My main riding buddy who is SparkyEX over at the connection has a Cannibal and z400 for his wife. I've ridden both and the Cannibal handles better and hits like a ton of bricks. I like the Z but for the loss I would have to take on my 400ex I would rather just keep it and build it or get a Dale.

I do agree that if you want to trail ride and want a soft seat and reverse the Z is a great bike. I trail ride quite a bit but I don't really care about reverse.

VooDuu Child

10-23-2002, 11:10 AM

Yes Dirtdiggler, there is a kit that costs that much, but for about $1000 (I thought it was 800 but was wrong), it is possible to get 46 ponies out of the Z, so don't be fooled by the high cost of some kits. If ya don't believe me, just go to the forum at z400central.com and there's a guy there with the setup who can give you the low-down on what he's done.

DirtDiggler

10-23-2002, 11:51 AM

Can you post the url? I was over there looking around and there is a lot of posts to sift through when you don't know the name of the thread or the member. SparkyEX may be interested in 20hp for 1000 dollars.

VooDuu Child

10-23-2002, 04:21 PM

http://www.z400central.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1886
there ya be. The guys over there are real kewl, so if you've any questions, just ask.

DirtDiggler

10-23-2002, 05:44 PM

If that's the 47hp Z where does it say it has 47hp?

He also says he piped and jetted it first which wasn't included in the cost. Not to mention he said he works for the shop and got a lot of parts at extrememly low prices that the average joe couldn't get. If your an average dude I'm guessing including the pipe and jets and the kit you'ld be looking at at least 1300 bucks. If your not mechanicaly inclined and had to pay the shop to do it plus the tax I'm betting you would end up spending at least 1600 dollars and you would still have the stock suspension.

New-400ex_guy

10-23-2002, 05:46 PM

tom carlson of tc racing rough quoted me 1050 for a complete 416 kit. the 440 kit was more though.

that didnt include a fcr carb though. its about 1500 for most complete kits.

Butters

10-23-2002, 09:53 PM

yeah i think the z400 is a nice quad. but my preference would be a cannondale but they are so expensive.

VooDuu Child

10-23-2002, 11:46 PM

must've been wrong thread, I thought that one was it, but I didn't read it before copying header. Oh well, whatever, I'm wrong, it's all good. But I was right about the swing arm, hehehe.

10-24-2002, 07:35 AM

did ya see the thread here about the axle that bent on
a memebers 1st ride??...not a good thing..

New-400ex_guy

10-24-2002, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by "2-R's Rider"
did ya see the thread here about the axle that bent on
a memebers 1st ride??...not a good thing..

well a few of us have had bent axle's but suzuki has stepped up and replaced all of them for free, havent seen any other manufacture step up to the plates like that except cdale.

i guess on the first z's the axles were soft from not being heat treated right.

cool 300ex

10-24-2002, 01:59 PM

hey guys i am going from a 300ex to a z so it should be a lot more for me

10-24-2002, 03:02 PM

I really was not bashin it ,..glad to hear they are replacin the bad ones..

Zero Z400

10-24-2002, 05:11 PM

For about $1270 u can get about 50hp probaly more. http://www.gtthunder.com/dyno400z4.html Thats a dyno w/ GT cams & intake, exhaust and a FCR 40mm carb. W/ $266 u can get a 436 and that'll be over the 50hp mark, plus it wont lose power to heat. Thats $1536 total to get 50hp.

Later

cool 300ex

10-24-2002, 06:10 PM

so what do you guys think about me going from a 300ex to a Z400;)

2k2-300exnj

10-24-2002, 06:51 PM

Originally posted by cool 300ex
so what do you guys think about me going from a 300ex to a Z400;)
have fun!

VooDuu Child

10-24-2002, 07:23 PM

Going from a 300 to the Z is a great move. The Z will take the experience you've gotten from the ex, and let you go to the next level as the Z is a real ergonomical machine. You will not be disappointed.

dezertfreak

10-24-2002, 09:00 PM

go cool, go, go

suzukidzrider

10-24-2002, 10:29 PM

a z400 is a 300ex with a high rev engine and better suspension,,i love my z..i have owned alot of atv's
and the 300ex is one of my favorate when modified
the z400 is the best atv out right now for a all around sprt atv

Castor-426ex

10-24-2002, 10:58 PM

i really dont think the z400 and 300ex have that much in common....unless you mean 400ex:huh

VooDuu Child

10-25-2002, 12:36 AM

I agree w/Castor

cool 300ex

10-25-2002, 09:46 PM

ok i think i will like a z alot better than a 300ex

buckNbanshee

10-27-2002, 07:35 PM

I was gonna get a Z but since i rode a KFX i am glad that i got a shee they are definetly not what everybody talks it is.

Godspeed

10-28-2002, 06:52 AM

I am not going to retype it all, so look at my comparision between my Speed and my Z.

http://www.cannondaleriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=89

Z-King

10-30-2002, 08:51 PM

i just got my z

Godspeed

10-31-2002, 07:17 PM

Z400central

10-31-2002, 11:52 PM

ohhhhhh!!! two nice machines!!!

MSL

11-01-2002, 06:37 AM

GODSPEED

Great looking quads :cool:

emsviko

11-02-2002, 04:38 AM

I like my Z. :)

http://webpages.charter.net/jeff.hoeft/Furn/NewZ1.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/jeff.hoeft/Furn/NewZ2.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/jeff.hoeft/Furn/NewZ3.jpg

cabex

11-03-2002, 06:59 PM

I jist got mine too. It is awsome!

Godspeed

11-03-2002, 08:35 PM

Originally posted by emsviko
[B]I like my Z. :)
B]

Nice Z...

QuadTrix6

11-04-2002, 11:11 AM

i hate it it has a weak frame and pogo like rear shock...:rolleyes: :D

Godspeed

11-04-2002, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by QuadTrix66
i hate it it has a weak frame and pogo like rear shock...:rolleyes: :D

Oh, so you've never ridden a Z huh? Lots of EX owners like you out there...

It's ok, I spent yesterday beating up on bored and modded EX's yesterday. My Speed wasnt the one doing the arse whooping. You do the math.

Stevo

11-04-2002, 09:11 PM

I like those z400s. The only thing im not sure of is the suzuki name and if u can trust them like honda? I think it's kinda pointless stepping up from a 400ex to a z400, cuz u put a pipe and jet kit and u have basically the same hp if not even more.

But if I didn't have a quad and had to chose i would most likely get the z400 just cuz of liquid coolin, reverse, lil bit less weight, and same price tag as the 400ex.

But I will just stick with my 400ex until honda comes out wiht something new, because they are the last manufacturer to come out with a new performance quad and should outdue the rest!

Godspeed

11-05-2002, 07:07 AM

Originally posted by Stevo
I think it's kinda pointless stepping up from a 400ex to a z400, cuz u put a pipe and jet kit and u have basically the same hp if not even more.

Not flamin' but you have been reading to many posts by 400EX riders that have no clue.

When my Z's were stock they beat piped and even 416 bored and piped 400EX's by 4 to 5 quad lengths on a 150 yd. drag consistently and I outwiegh more of the other riders by 20 to 40 lbs.

That is BS brother. Now of course my Z has a full Trinity Stage IV, K&N and what not and modded 400EX are left way behind, not matter who gets the holeshot. Doesnt matter, the Z bangs on their arse in about 2 seconds and is gone.

Ride one, dont listen to other guys who havent ridden them either.