400ex vs z400 vs kfx 400

[mudrunner35]

what is the REAL difference between these? i was thinking about a 450 but i want to keep maitenence lower than that. i don't mind greasing the quad or oil changes and routine things but its tearing apart a top end or fiddling around with it all weekend when i could be riding. so which one has the most low end power? most reliable? and generally funner to ride

[Ruby Soho]

the z and kfx are the same.. they will have alittle more power over the ex, but the ex is more reliable

[YFZ450Ridr]

kfx and ltz are the exact same bike, kfx says made by suzuki on the lower frame rail.

the 400exs are completly bullet proof machines, but a little out of date in some departments. also, z400s tend to respond better to mods from what ive read in mags that did shootouts. overall they are really pretty damn equal. flip a coin...do a search also, there are so many of these threads..

[mudrunner35]

hm. well i've done some reasearch and so far i like the 400ex the best. are 450's as much maitenence as i feared? or is it all just in my head? because if they aren't then i'll look into those too

[Scott-300ex]

I'd get a ex, I've "heard" stories of the ex's beatin the z's but I don't trust wut comes out of those sources mouths to much.

The ex will out handle and out perform the z in the woods.

Ex has been around for so long and was hot $hit when it came out bringing 4 jokes into ATVing again.

And back in the day I remember everyone and even everyone on here saying how weak and horribly built the frames were on the z they would bend and break and all that. LoL.

Z, KFX, and DVX Artic Cat are all the same.

[tgreenz400]

ex: bad shocks, air cooled, bulletproof, old tech.
Z/KFX: good shocks, liquid power, reliable as well, pretty new tech.

stock for stock a Z/KFX wins by about 1 or 2 lengths at the most with equal riders.

And please tell me how a EX out preforms and handles in the woods...look at any shootout involving both and they will tell you the z is just a better overall bike.

[tgreenz400]

You wont really have to do anything to a 450 that you wouldnt do to a 400. If your an experienced i say go ahead and get a 450. but start another thread and ask which ones best just go look at the 1000 threads involving that on this site.;)

[exrider12]

^^^^^ not trying to be rude but thats coming from sum1 who owns a z:rolleyes:

[tgreenz400]

Yea true but my cousin "trx400EXtreme" and i ride together ALL the time with almost the same exact mods and i call it like i see it.

[Hyperwarrior22]

i think suzuki has came a long way with the z

theyre pretty reliable now so id go with the z over the ex

[Kaleigh]

Originally posted by Scott-300ex
I'd get a ex, I've "heard" stories of the ex's beatin the z's but I don't trust wut comes out of those sources mouths to much.

The ex will out handle and out perform the z in the woods.

Ex has been around for so long and was hot $hit when it came out bringing 4 jokes into ATVing again.

And back in the day I remember everyone and even everyone on here saying how weak and horribly built the frames were on the z they would bend and break and all that. LoL.

Z, KFX, and DVX Artic Cat are all the same.

it was true.. back in the day when the Z was new.. the frame would crack.. did you not hear of this.. lots of people had to reweld their frame.. some put braceson.. some had good luck with it not breaking.. but it was a coming fault.. then I think they fixed it in 05-06 I think..

I only like the 400ex more cause its easier to work on and parts are fairly a good price.

If you love to wheelie and love to wheelie for long distances.. I would get the Z.. it keeps the oil moving while at steep angles.. the EX doesnt move oil when you wheelie.. the oil pump is in the front of the case..

[gncc025]

Originally posted by Kaleigh

If you love to wheelie and love to wheelie for long distances.. I would get the Z.. it keeps the oil moving while at steep angles.. the EX doesnt move oil when you wheelie.. the oil pump is in the front of the case..

listen to this guy, he knows his wheelie machines:D

[400EXtreme]

id take a z over a ex any day and i use to own a ex.

[yellow400ex05]

Originally posted by tgreenz400
ex: bad shocks, air cooled, bulletproof, old tech.
Z/KFX: good shocks, liquid power, reliable as well, pretty new tech.

stock for stock a Z/KFX wins by about 1 or 2 lengths at the most with equal riders.

And please tell me how a EX out performs and handles in the woods...look at any shootout involving both and they will tell you the z is just a better overall bike.



Brand bias much?:rolleyes:

And please shootouts are based soley on their overall opinion on the machine.



Alright anyway, I'll try and give my best unbiased opinion on this as much as I can.

Stock for stock a z400 will beat a 400ex by at least 1 quad length. The 400ex handles better because it has a lower stance which allows it to corner better, and to some people feel safer at higher speeds.

The 400ex has a bulletproof air-cooled SOHC engine it may have old tech, but it holds its own against the z400 considerably well considering the disadvantages it has. The modifications in some way are cheaper and it is easier to work on due to the older technology. The 400ex also has lots of torque stock, and is great for trails and slower trail riding.

THe z400 has a more modern DOHC liquid cooled engine making it run much cooler, which is what provied it the slight edge against the EX. They are very snappy and rev out a little faster. The only complaint I have about then is they sit higher and lack torque, also more difficult to work on IMO.

dude just do it right the first time and get a 450 i have 2 and changing oil and washing it is a weekly thing and it runs like a champ so if ur not scared of spending an hour a saturday to wash-change oil- lube the chain go with the 450 you cant beat em

[400exfan19]

you wouldnt regret buying any of the bikes, i have the kfx and 400ex and they are both awesome quads and havnt had trouble with either. BTW my 400ex is for sale and i live in BC also

[mudrunner35]

Originally posted by 400exfan19
you wouldnt regret buying any of the bikes, i have the kfx and 400ex and they are both awesome quads and havnt had trouble with either. BTW my 400ex is for sale and i live in BC also

yeah i see you on quads.ca lots, how long would you be willing to hold it for? the earliest i can buy is spring. and i am looking for used just like yours. how much are you asking anyways?

[400exfan19]

ummmm, i might be able to hold on to it, anyway im askin 4600CA. thers an ad on quads.ca, its pretty sweet :D

[mudrunner35]

yeah i just checked lol and thats just want i'm looking for, not too modified like bore kits. just a pipe and sum small stuff. but if you are willing to wait till spring i would be more than happy to pay for shipping to where i live

[Villageidiott83]

id agree with just looking for last years model of a 450. u might out grow a 400 quicker then you think. but to say that the Z has less torque is absolute ludacris. dont base your choice on the bias opinions between the EX and Z just go get a 450. the maint. isnt that much different. change the oil / clean air filter common sense

[mudrunner35]

ok, well how are they for trails? because that is the only thing i'll race around on. i know in the gncc they use pretty much just 450's but this is my 1st race quad. i only started riding in 06 and i've been using a 350 honda. so do you really think i'll out grow a 400 that quick? or are there upgrades to make them as fast as a 450?

[400exfan19]

well a 400 u will never outgrow, but a 450 definately has more power. My 400 will pretty much keep up with a stock 450. But i have friends with 400exs that will smoke stock 450s and mildly modded ones

[07250ex]

Ive ridden a z and they have very little torque but there pretty quick ... i didnt really feel stable on it .... but i want and hopefully am gunna be buying a 400ex soon

[honda8&3]

Originally posted by YFZ450Ridr
kfx and ltz are the exact same bike, kfx says made by suzuki on the lower frame rail.

the 400exs are completly bullet proof machines, but a little out of date in some departments. also, z400s tend to respond better to mods from what ive read in mags that did shootouts. overall they are really pretty damn equal. flip a coin...do a search also, there are so many of these threads..

x2 outdated but that is just another reason for aftermarket and a big bore kit LOL.:cool: :D

[suzukigirl]

the z400 is a great quad...and the kfx is pretty much the same thing...and its not something you will outgrow too fast because there are so many mods you can do to it

[Bender]

Z's have plenty of torque, they are geared high stock, just put a 13 took counter sprocket on for $15 and it's awesome in the woods. It's a twin cam so you have to rev em more than a EX. The Z400 will give you more power $ for $ than an EX. The new Z400 (05 and up) handle much better at speed than the EX , the suspension on the Z is much, much better than those crappy EX pogo shocks. The Z400 is corked up from the factory, it doesn't take as much money to keep up to 450's as an EX does for sure.
Lots of EX riders sound biased to me. I'm a Honda man myself, but you are kidding your self if you think the 400EX has anything on the Z400. I own both and I don't really ever ride my EX anymore, it feels like sluggish and not as responsive as the Z.
You thrash any quad and it will break sooner or latter, I think the Z's are just as reliable as the EX. I'm 6' tall and I feel the ergos are better also on the Z400.
If you get a good deal on an EX buy it, but if you had a good deal between the Z400 and a 400EX and planned to upgrade it in the future, I think you would be foolish not to get the Z.

[mudrunner35]

well i'm buying used just so i can afford a truck when i get my full lisence and i want to know, which would be a better buy? not for performance reasons but which would i get the most bang for my buck? 4000 for an 03 400ex w/ hmf pipe, or an 05 z400 stock for 6100?

(BTW this is in canadian dollars because i live in BC)

[07250ex]

Id buy the 400ex but thats me how old do you need to be to get your permit and then license in canada?

[Ghost-Rider]

Get the 400EX.

[XXXRACER165]

I have Works suspension and a 440 kit on my EX. It handles better than my dad's 450R, and easily beats a stock 450.

[mudrunner35]

Originally posted by 07250ex
Id buy the 400ex but thats me how old do you need to be to get your permit and then license in canada?

to answer your question, it varies between provinces. but in BC you have to be 16 to get your L which allows you to drive but you have to be with someone over 25. then in 2 years you get your N and you can drive with up to one person without being supervised. kinda stupid but w/e

[suzukigirl]

he's talking about driving...and you actually only have your L for 1 year...its your N that you have for 2 before you can get your full license

[400exfan19]

ahaha, ya i read that wrong

[07250ex]

Originally posted by mudrunner35
to answer your question, it varies between provinces. but in BC you have to be 16 to get your L which allows you to drive but you have to be with someone over 25. then in 2 years you get your N and you can drive with up to one person without being supervised. kinda stupid but w/e

that stinks the best deal is in the south and the west of the US unless u wanna start talking other countries in like europe but dang u guys got it worse then us lol

[mudrunner35]

Originally posted by suzukigirl
he's talking about driving...and you actually only have your L for 1 year...its your N that you have for 2 before you can get your full license

i thought it changed march 31st :confused: L for 2 and N for 1

[suzukigirl]

i don't know if its changed, but i've had my L since december, and i can get my N this december

[07250ex]

whats the L and N stand for

[suzukigirl]

Learner and New driver

[Bender]

Not to get a flame going, but I don't think a 440 Ex can easily beat a 450, you might be able to beat one if it was really set up good and it wouldn't be "easy", and thats a corked up stock 450. I've beaten a few 440EX's with my 416 EX, not sure why but i've heard the same from other 416 owners. I'm about a quad length behind a stock 450R with my Z400 with a full yoshi/filter. And I can beat most 440 EX's unless they have a cam/head work etc.. I have a hard time with the new 450's on my 265R.
I've also had some seat time on a Yoshi Z440 and it was much faster than any 416/440 EX I've ever been on. That would keep up with a piped 450R. But as we all know in the woods it's always a different story.

[firefighterjosh]

My GF has a KFX and I have a Race Ready 400ex.

I like the KFX400 the best. Its faster then my 416ex, has more tourqe (feels like it). Handles better, liquid cooled.

IMO unless your some die hard honda fan get the Z or KFX

[XXXRACER165]

Originally posted by Bender
Not to get a flame going, but I don't think a 440 Ex can easily beat a 450, you might be able to beat one if it was really set up good and it wouldn't be "easy", and thats a corked up stock 450. I've beaten a few 440EX's with my 416 EX, not sure why but i've heard the same from other 416 owners. I'm about a quad length behind a stock 450R with my Z400 with a full yoshi/filter. And I can beat most 440 EX's unless they have a cam/head work etc.. I have a hard time with the new 450's on my 265R.
I've also had some seat time on a Yoshi Z440 and it was much faster than any 416/440 EX I've ever been on. That would keep up with a piped 450R. But as we all know in the woods it's always a different story.

Easy is beating a 450R by 2 quad lengths.