I'm going to buy a quad. I can just fit one in my trailer in front of the buggy. I'm getting it because we have 6 peeps in the family and 5 seats in the buggy. So, it needs to be a good "family" quad that almost anyone in the family can ride.

They are pretty much giving away Honda 400ex's right now. I can get one for $4390.00. I've heard that for only about $300.00 more I can get a Z400 or KFX400. Is there ANY difference between the Suzuki and Kawasaki quads, other than color? I'm leaning towards the Honda because I think that they are bullet proof. But I've heard that the Zuk/Kawi perform better and have reverse. Remember guys - "family" bike.

How bout recommendations on pipes?

if the price is that close
go for the Z400
It is faster and has reverse.
good family bike.

I agree with Robbie, go with the Z or KFX. And yes, they are mechanically the same. Another option is the new Arcitc Cat DVX400, which also shares the same chassis, suspension, and engine as the Z, but in my opinion looks better. Check it out at www.arcticcat.com

[img]http://www.arcticcat.com/atvs/lineups/2004/images/enlargements/A2004DVI2AUSR.jpg[/img]

Yeah,
but of those 3
I think the Z would have the best resale value after a few years.
what do you think?

I'd have to recomend the Z or the KFX, mainly since it is a newer bike and has reverse - provide the pricing is close. The reverse will really help when training people. I'm surprised that you can buy a newer designed bike that cheap, but if you can, get it.

I STRONGLY recomend that whatever pipe you buy, make SURE is it 96 db (2003 ) legal. I know White Brothers makes them, dunno about anyone else. I'll be selling 5, none legal pipes cheap....

BTW, I have six Honda quads, 3 of which are 400exs (well, two are now 440s :cheese: ) and love them, as does everyone in the family, and everyone we bring out to Glamis.

Recomendation: Drop the front sprocket one tooth on whatever you buy, it helps when training people on how to use a clutch, and gives you better bottom end.

My $.02

Well here is my sales pitch!
I have a 99 Polaris Scrambler 400 (2 stroke oil injected) quad for sale. It is an automatic w/ reverse and push button 4WD, on demand. I have had it out a few times, hardly ridden since new though. It is as simple to ride as put it in drive and gas it. I have beat a Z400 in drag race that had a pipe on it (Ha HA Chummin :shock: :twisted: ) It is reliable, fast, and great for both dunes and desert riding. It is a really good bike, little heavier than some of the others out there, but again ANYONE can ride it. My kids love it for just crusing because of the automatic. I have an almost new set of Sand Skate 2's on Douglas Red Labels (2 trips) that go with it. I am getting a digital camera this week, so I could send you pics if interested. I am asking 3500.00 for it, and maybe could bring it the weekend of Sand Sports Super Show to CA. You can email or PM me for more info!

[quote]I'd have to recomend the Z or the KFX, mainly since it is a newer bike and has reverse - provide the pricing is close. I'm surprised that you can buy a newer designed bike that cheap, but if you can, get it.

I STRONGLY recomend that whatever pipe you buy, make SURE is it 96 db (2003 ) legal.[/quote]

Oops. Just found out the price isn't that close. Seemed too good to be true. The Z is $1091.00 more out the door. OUCH. Well, that makes my decision easy. Only $4699.00 out the door for a new 2003 400EX, what a deal.

BTW thanks for the advice on the pipebeing under the new noise level, didn't think about that.

Troy out.

I would have to go with the 400ex or the Z400. When buying a bike I also think about parts and warranty work that may need to be done in the future. Also what is available in the aftermarket world for any mod I might want to do. Both the 400's have ton's of aftermarket stuff...

I would sit tight for just a little while longer . wait to see how much the 450 is going to be and how many there going to produce this year it will not only effect the price of the Hondas but everyone else. price might go down even more on the new ones and the used will become the deal of the year.

It's done. Drove to LA yesterday and picked up the 400EX for $4699.00 OTD. Went to LA Cycle. Next is twist throttle, pipe, jetting a paddles.

Troy, out. :burn:

[quote]It's done. Drove to LA yesterday and picked up the 400EX for $4699.00 OTD. Went to LA Cycle. Next is twist throttle, pipe, jetting a paddles.[/quote]

You ever hear the phrase "timing is everything"? In your case, it looks like you had some good timing! It appears LAcycle raised it's prices to 4999 otd on the 400's effective tht 9th of Sept!!

just another reason for a :beer:

Quick .02 worth of advise for that new "Family" bike. DONT put a twisty on it. Twisties are great for only a handfull of people and if its to be a group bike, you might get someone hurt. FYI..
Drop one off the front sproket for some serious dunning in a solid 3rd.
Then add all the other aftermarket stuff. Kenny G got a new black box that added a few hundred RPMs as well on the limiter..

[quote]It's done. Drove to LA yesterday and picked up the 400EX for $4699.00 OTD. Went to LA Cycle. Next is twist throttle, pipe, jetting a paddles.

Troy, out. :burn:[/quote]

Did they treat you Ok at LA cycle parrot? Any B.S.?
I was thinking doing the same thing.

Dune...I'm not parrot, but I've bought three different times through LAcycle, and never had a problem. I know several other people who were very satisfied. But we all worked through the internet, and had a solid OTD price, in writing, before we made the trip. I think the key is to know exactly what you want, as they don't have much of a show room, and don't seem to be into the finer points of customer coddling. Know what you want, get a firm price, and it's been painless for me and my friends.

Last year when I bought my latest bike from them, there was a guy who was REALLY unhappy about how he was being treated price wise, and he made sure the rest of the customers knew it. He got his deal, but it sure sucked how he had to get it.

BTW, the guy I worked with through the internet was named Bob I believe. Hope this helps....

QUOTE

Did they treat you Ok at LA cycle parrot? Any B.S.? I was thinking doing the same thing.

They were quite good to me. They e-mailed me a quote of 4699 OTD. I heard from a local dealer that they wouldn't honor that price because they were basing the price on a rebate that had just expired. I called them and they said that it is true that the rebate had expired, but no problem, they quoted the price and they honored it. It is busy as hell at that place and you have to be an assertive person to get yourself out of there quickly. Being "assertive " is not a problem for me - in and out 30 minutes with Honda financing 0 down no payments for 90 days.

Troy out. :burn:

QUOTE

Quick .02 worth of advise for that new \"Family\" bike. DONT put a twisty on it. Twisties are great for only a handfull of people and if its to be a group bike, you might get someone hurt.

Good point. No twisties, except the ones I give my wife.

Troy out. :burn:

Thanks for the info. I hope they will still honor the rebate. I am going to email them right now.

In the cycletrader there are deals on 400's that have a couple hours on them for under 4 grand

I picked up the trader this mornin' didn't see anything like that. At least not for the OC area. :shock:

It was for san diego, it was some dealer that had specials on different quads each week and some times ive seen a 2001 10 hours for 3400 and a 2003 5 hours for 3800 :shock: I wish i had the money

Just scored the new family quad last night. http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/9/8/55907298.htm
I't was hardley riden at all. Not a smokin' deal but it was fair. ($3800)
FMF Pipe, K&N, front/back sand tires, front/back holeshots, nerf bars.
Sounds like I should drop one tooth on the front sproket and were out.
Well time to go buzz around the neighborhood again. Thanks all.

Right on Thomas. That quad looks sweet.

BUY HONDA PERIOD!!!!!!!! Peace