Full Version: Which is the best quad?
What do you guys think is the best quad made to date.
id say the best quad made right now would be a z 400 because great price ang good power and the best suspension
The new Z 400 seems to be the champ.
Quiet, no problems yet reported, excellent ride and handeling, priced right, climbs excellent, fast, good power to weight ratio,,,, It's gotta be the winner.
Quiet, no problems yet reported, excellent ride and handeling, priced right, climbs excellent, fast, good power to weight ratio,,,, It's gotta be the winner.
The best hill shooter? The best dune quad? The best cruiser? The best wives or kids bike? There are so many variables that is impossible to pick a quad that does everything the best. I love my banshee and would buy another over any other quad out right now but it's terrible for a novice rider and isn't the best duner. It does have the best power (In my opinion) of any quad out there and is super reliable.
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
quote:Now your getting the idea Fire
Originally posted by Fireballsocal:
I hate my banshee and wouldn't buy another one because it's terrible and very unrealible.
Andy
The Z is a great quad, but I have to admit.. As of todays date I would get the Preditor. Polaris seems to have some some serious homework on that quad.
BUT to date.. Quadzilla is still king if you dont mind the doing lots of work on it.
As for the Banshee.. Yeah there ok and sure you can make them FAST with $$$$, but they are problems in a box, old, outdated, boring!![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
BUT to date.. Quadzilla is still king if you dont mind the doing lots of work on it.
As for the Banshee.. Yeah there ok and sure you can make them FAST with $$$$, but they are problems in a box, old, outdated, boring!
I have never posted anything on the board before but this topic really got my attention. I have to agree with Chum the Quadzilla is king it has lots of power and a very smooth ride. A lot of people think the Quadzilla is to big and heavy, But it only weighs 6lbs more than a Banshee.
The zilla has tons of smooth power, but the suspension in the whoops and jumps is lacking. The Z400 is nice but the power in the sand is lacking on top end hill shoots. The Predator seems nice from everything I've read and seen, but its a Polaris and reliability will need to be tested. The Raptor has tons of power with a few mods and if you add a little width it handles great. This is why I ride a Rappy.
[ 02-03-2003, 08:56 AM: Message edited by: sandjunkie ]
[ 02-03-2003, 08:56 AM: Message edited by: sandjunkie ]
Yeah... A Raptors great if you like having a 660 that you need to modify before its duneable... and gets spanked by a stock 500 ..... although reverse is nice ..... but I'd rather go forward faster. And Raptors have already proven their reliability... Bwahahahah
And Raptors have already proven their reliability... Bwahahahah
Yeah, a pipe and jetting - thats some serious mods to beat a pooplaris. ![[Disturbed]](graemlins/disturbed.gif)
'01 Raptors definately had some reliabilty problems to be fixed and have been for the most part in '02 and beyond. I would not recommend any first year quad as the best quad out there. History has shown there to be issues to be worked out with just about all the manufacturers.
[ 02-03-2003, 11:28 AM: Message edited by: sandjunkie ]
'01 Raptors definately had some reliabilty problems to be fixed and have been for the most part in '02 and beyond. I would not recommend any first year quad as the best quad out there. History has shown there to be issues to be worked out with just about all the manufacturers.[ 02-03-2003, 11:28 AM: Message edited by: sandjunkie ]
quote:Yea Ask Doc Chase about that.... "Yeah, a pipe and jetting - thats some serious mods to beat a pooplaris" You still didn't address the top heaviness of the raptor compared to the Prolaris. Make fun of it all you want...but come on out Pres. day and I'll make a believer out of you too! And still... Why shouldn't a 660 stock craptor beat a stock 500 Predator without any mods???
Originally posted by sandjunkie:
Yeah, a pipe and jetting - thats some serious mods to beat a pooplaris.
Ah, but I did address the top heaviness of the Raptor in my first post. Read it again!! I think it does need more width. I think the Predator is a fine attempt by Polaris to really enter the sport quad field. I just would want to make sure it didn't have first year design flaws before I plunked down my cash. And about the racing, I will be there on Pres weekend camping in wash 6. I am sure I will get a chance to race you or another predator owner over the weekend. And as far as you know all I have is a pipe and jetting. ![[Cheese]](graemlins/cheese.gif)
I kinda meant that you stated that a Raptor with a pipe and jetting were enough to beat a stock Polaris... what you probably meant was a Raptor with a Pipe,Jetting,extended a arms ,extended swingarm, reversed rims, ohlin shocks and a 727 kit, would beat a stock Polaris Thats if you can find a 85lb 16 year old to race it for you.
See ya pres. day
Thats if you can find a 85lb 16 year old to race it for you.See ya pres. day
You sure that was the horse's "Mouth" talking?
Yea it's true but Shhhh...... Don't tell anybody![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Yea it's true but Shhhh...... Don't tell anybody
I would have to agree with most of you, having a z400 myself I like the great handling and the light weight that makes it great for jumping. It is great up Olds and does even better up China. I rode the 400ex and didn't care for the unlining vibrations. The 400EX is a great bike but as far and agility and better handling I would definetly stay with the Z400. ![[Monkee Dance]](graemlins/monkeedance2.gif)
Mine ,it has never left me stranded ,has started every time I went to ride it, never even fouled a plug .won more race's up the hill than it's lost, allways has had enough power to get me out of thoose oh chit situations and has never made me get off in a unruly manner . takes all the abuse I through at it and keeps comming back for more .Yes sir I bought the best quad for ME .
88' Honda Fourtrax with a 350 power valve (I will take it with just a 310, too )
(I will take it with just a 310, too )
The predator might be a great quad but until they are around for a few years to prove themselves I don't think I'd buy one. They are totally backwards from normal Polaris's I'm mean where is the stupid BELT DRIVE on the thing??????? It might be a good quad but until they prove themselves as a 5 speed quad I don't think many people will buy them. I own a Raptor and a 400EX I like the handling of my wifes 400ex but I really love the POWER of my Raptor. The Predator has more hp stock verus stock. But when ever I hear Polaris all I can think of is something for the SNOW, or something to haul out deer or elk not the SAND.As for the Z-400/KFX-400 I've ridden them and they really don't feel they have much more power then the 400ex.I think if you take a few parts from every quad on the market you could make the most bad a$$ quad on the planet. Just think about that for a few minutes.
Having been a 250R rider I decided to go to 4 strokes and wasnt sure on what to get. I was a little iffy on the Polaris but then my friend got one and after a couple trips to Gordons Well I decided that the Predator was actually a lot pimper than I thought. I got to ride his pops piped 400ex and I was like whoa. So im a believer of the Predator. So I guess you gotta have ridden one in order to decide if ya like it or not. Ill be at Glamis this weekend feb 9th-? and then at Gordons Well during Prez Day. So if ya wanna ride it hit me up
I think we are all prejudges to what Quad we like best because of the Quads we have. At the time we purchase them they were the best Quads for us. I ride a Fourtrax250R and think that, that is the best Quad ever built.
But if I were just getting into riding and wanted something new then I would probably buy the Polaris's Predator.
just my 2 cents...
But if I were just getting into riding and wanted something new then I would probably buy the Polaris's Predator.
just my 2 cents...
the best quad is one thats FREE
Hey SS obviously you have never even seen a Predator... Let alone do the research I did before buying the bike. It does not have "Belt Drive" it is manually shifted. The 500CC motor that is in it is built by the Fuji corporation who build the engines for Kawasaki as well. They also come stock with Fox shocks, Braided brake lines, Douglas Rims and Maxis tires. They are extremely adjustable to rider style and conditions. I.E. Preload,Rebound & Dampening.
I and my wife have over 30 hours on the bike and I would say I've put it through its paces... The only problem I have had so far is that it keeps running out of Gas....after a 4-5 hour ride.
I also purchased a 5.0 Mustang GT in 1987 a first year attempt by Ford to revive the Mustang after having built some subpar models. Was this a mistake???? The Z400 was only released last year seems a few people are riding these as well. But believe what ya want... the world would be a lonely place if we were all "Predators"
I and my wife have over 30 hours on the bike and I would say I've put it through its paces... The only problem I have had so far is that it keeps running out of Gas....after a 4-5 hour ride.
I also purchased a 5.0 Mustang GT in 1987 a first year attempt by Ford to revive the Mustang after having built some subpar models. Was this a mistake???? The Z400 was only released last year seems a few people are riding these as well. But believe what ya want... the world would be a lonely place if we were all "Predators"
quote:Thought about that for a few minutes.. hmmm.
Originally posted by SANDSPANKER:
The predator might be a great quad but until they are around for a few years to prove themselves I don't think I'd buy one. --------------I think if you take a few parts from every quad on the market you could make the most bad a$$ quad on the planet. Just think about that for a few minutes.
So even if I take a few parts from all the quads to build a bad ass quad.. you still would not buy it for a couple of years right.. Are you still waiting to buy a High Def TV also?
or a radio that plays CDs?
The Predator looks to be a very nice bike, there were two I saw at Glamis this past weekend. As someone said, it does depend on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a great all-around dune bikes here is my input:
Z400
Pros: Handles very nicely, electric start and REVERSE, solid power. Will climb China wall (abeit kinda slowly). Great transmission feel. Good for lightweight riders (175lb or less).
Cons: Lack of cc's is a serious limiter in it's modification potential for moving very quickly. Max big bore kits only make around 47rwhp to date. It already has an 11:1+ compression ratio to make the power. It will move a larger rider around the dunes, but it is underpowered for bigger riders. Suspension overheats quickly.
Predator 500
Pros: Good power, electric start, solid suspension and quicker than most stock Raptors (although we did have a stock Raptor in our camp that beat both Predators this past weekend).
Con's: Limited upgrade potential of motor (at present), no reverse (con for some). 1st year quad (con for some). Smaller displacement makes building a VERY fast Predator a challenge.
Raptor 660
Pro's: Best out of the box engine for modification potential. Electric start and reverse. Good suspension. Good for smaller and larger riders alike. Big cc bike leaves plenty of room for larger riders.
Con's: Should have been 2" wider in the rear to avoid tippy feel some talk about (never an issue for me). 01's had tranny issues (issues resolved for all others).
If you just want a good all-around cruising dune machine with electric start and reverse, and are not interested in going fast up the hills then get the Z400.
If you could give a hoot about buying a first year quad with no reverse and wanted more power and had to buy North American, then go with the Predator.
If you want a bike that has a motor with a very large upgrade potential to replace your Banshee for duning and doing pretty good on the hill then go with the Raptor.
Z400
Pros: Handles very nicely, electric start and REVERSE, solid power. Will climb China wall (abeit kinda slowly). Great transmission feel. Good for lightweight riders (175lb or less).
Cons: Lack of cc's is a serious limiter in it's modification potential for moving very quickly. Max big bore kits only make around 47rwhp to date. It already has an 11:1+ compression ratio to make the power. It will move a larger rider around the dunes, but it is underpowered for bigger riders. Suspension overheats quickly.
Predator 500
Pros: Good power, electric start, solid suspension and quicker than most stock Raptors (although we did have a stock Raptor in our camp that beat both Predators this past weekend).
Con's: Limited upgrade potential of motor (at present), no reverse (con for some). 1st year quad (con for some). Smaller displacement makes building a VERY fast Predator a challenge.
Raptor 660
Pro's: Best out of the box engine for modification potential. Electric start and reverse. Good suspension. Good for smaller and larger riders alike. Big cc bike leaves plenty of room for larger riders.
Con's: Should have been 2" wider in the rear to avoid tippy feel some talk about (never an issue for me). 01's had tranny issues (issues resolved for all others).
If you just want a good all-around cruising dune machine with electric start and reverse, and are not interested in going fast up the hills then get the Z400.
If you could give a hoot about buying a first year quad with no reverse and wanted more power and had to buy North American, then go with the Predator.
If you want a bike that has a motor with a very large upgrade potential to replace your Banshee for duning and doing pretty good on the hill then go with the Raptor.
Who ever said the banshee is un reliable is smokin crack, and I dont mean the white kind!
I was at FSW and i could not belive all the Rappys and Ds's that wre broke down. None of the banshees did.! And we smoked them high dollar fools!
Chummin, Were going to have to line up(yea your 450!), Ill show you what excitement it. Its exciting moving too and fro trying to avoid my ROOST!![[Roll]](graemlins/rollsmile.gif)
![[Smokin]](graemlins/smokin.gif)
![[Ninja]](graemlins/ninja.gif)
![[Vader]](graemlins/vader.gif)
![[Pimp]](graemlins/pimp1.gif)
![[Bandit]](graemlins/bandit.gif)
RoostKing...
I was at FSW and i could not belive all the Rappys and Ds's that wre broke down. None of the banshees did.! And we smoked them high dollar fools!
Chummin, Were going to have to line up(yea your 450!), Ill show you what excitement it. Its exciting moving too and fro trying to avoid my ROOST!
RoostKing...
I seem to remember a Raptor that beat you two out of two at FSW. You did gain some revenge the next day by beating a Raptor with torn carb boots. Then again a 420 Stroker Banshee with Kenz pro-porting should be able to run with a basic bolt-on's electric start with reverse Raptor ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
, give or take a bike length or so.
, give or take a bike length or so.
quote:Huh... what 450? My 2 wheeler? I avoid your roost easy!
Originally posted by RoostKing:
Chummin, Were going to have to line up(yea your 450!), Ill show you what excitement it. Its exciting moving too and fro trying to avoid my ROOST!
RoostKing...
I just stay oh... bout... 1/4 mile back and no problems! As much as I can't stand these BeenChays.. Roosts is FAS and it dunes good.. Not as good as me of course but it does dune! I'll ride with that fool any day.. Guess its safe to say, I'd rather follow a Banshee and run with a Craptor..
The belt drive comment was a smart a$$ one at best. And as for the fuji motor I don't like Kawi's either. I've seen them they look differant but every quad does.It does sound like a good bike but I'd have to wait and see before I go and buy one. I bought a 2001 Raptor 1st year and have had no problems yet!!!!!!! I think its how you take care of your stuff. The only thing that matters is are you happy with what you bought?????? I am so thats all that matters!!!!!!!!
[QUOTE]Originally posted by treshombre:
[QB]Hey SS obviously you have never even seen a Predator... Let alone do the research I did before buying the bike. It does not have "Belt Drive" it is manually shifted. The 500CC motor that is in it is built by the Fuji corporation who build the engines for Kawasaki as well.
[ 02-04-2003, 02:57 PM: Message edited by: SANDSPANKER ]
[QUOTE]Originally posted by treshombre:
[QB]Hey SS obviously you have never even seen a Predator... Let alone do the research I did before buying the bike. It does not have "Belt Drive" it is manually shifted. The 500CC motor that is in it is built by the Fuji corporation who build the engines for Kawasaki as well.
[ 02-04-2003, 02:57 PM: Message edited by: SANDSPANKER ]
well if ANYONE thinks the polaris is so good, I'll spot you the whoops at olds and still beat you to the top
quote:Ill be at Glamis this weekend. Ill take you up on the offer. In fact I'll spot YOU the whoops, AND still beat you to the top
Originally posted by MichaelAZ:
well if ANYONE thinks the polaris is so good, I'll spot you the whoops at olds and still beat you to the top
If your up for it let me know
this topic sure did open up a big can o worms. I bought my banshee because I dug the snappy powerband on them. I rode a couple of other bikes, but the banshee just seemed to be more fun FOR ME. Is it the best? I dunno, who cares? It might not even be the best for me, but it's my favorite. However, you know a bike's good when everybody hates on it... just like the Raiders. Nobody hates on a no-name. But anyhow, if you get into the science and technicalities of all these bikes, then this shiat can go on forever.
Isn't the bike with the most stickers the one with the most horsepower?
oh yeah, tres... what's up with you pumpin' up the predator so much? I thought that was your wife's bike and you owned the two and three wheelers? ![[Beer]](graemlins/beer.gif)
Isn't the bike with the most stickers the one with the most horsepower?
oh yeah, tres... what's up with you pumpin' up the predator so much? I thought that was your wife's bike and you owned the two and three wheelers?
well john s yi. you can odviously run your mouth but can you run the hill . bring it over to patton on pres weekend and we'll see if you just talk the talk or if you can walk the walk.
Michael and a few of us will be going on Presidents weekend, not this one. He could give you 10 bike lengths and the "go" and still beat you up Olds. In fact we have a slew of basic bolt on Raptors that will give you the same opportunity. Meet us at Olds at Noon on Saturday Feb., 15th for your lesson in beat-down's, compliments of the Raptor community on Glamisdunes.com.
quote:
Originally posted by John S. Yi:
quote:Ill be at Glamis this weekend. Ill take you up on the offer. In fact I'll spot YOU the whoops, AND still beat you to the top
Originally posted by MichaelAZ:
well if ANYONE thinks the polaris is so good, I'll spot you the whoops at olds and still beat you to the top
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
Thanks for the backup 727
oooooh, I will be there to watch...
quote:We'll see. Ill be at Gordons on Prez Day weekend so ill be at Patton or Test. Find me or I'll find you. Ill be with another guy with a Predator. You'll see us for sure. I'll just have to show you.
Originally posted by mwbbanshee:
well john s yi. you can odviously run your mouth but can you run the hill . bring it over to patton on pres weekend and we'll see if you just talk the talk or if you can walk the walk.
quote:I'll be at Gordon's Well Pres Day weekend, but at Glamis this weekend.
Originally posted by Raptor 727:
Michael and a few of us will be going on Presidents weekend, not this one. He could give you 10 bike lengths and the "go" and still beat you up Olds. In fact we have a slew of basic bolt on Raptors that will give you the same opportunity. Meet us at Olds at Noon on Saturday Feb., 15th for your lesson in beat-down's, compliments of the Raptor community on Glamisdunes.com.
quote:
Originally posted by John S. Yi:
quote:Ill be at Glamis this weekend. Ill take you up on the offer. In fact I'll spot YOU the whoops, AND still beat you to the top
Originally posted by MichaelAZ:
well if ANYONE thinks the polaris is so good, I'll spot you the whoops at olds and still beat you to the top
quote:I'll be there along with a couple of other STOCK Predators as well. In fact I'll make mine stock as well except for my paddles
Originally posted by mwbbanshee:
well john s yi. you can odviously run your mouth but can you run the hill . bring it over to patton on pres weekend and we'll see if you just talk the talk or if you can walk the walk.
We'll just have to see this for ourselves to believe which is a better quad What time?
your going to have to have a WHOLE lot more done to your bike Im afraid, I (using raptor 727's phrase)put the "beatdown" on 2 different predaturds MLK weekend sat at the olds hill by 2/3 hill. Ya got spunk and thats a good thing but spunk will only take you so far.....
[ 02-04-2003, 05:02 PM: Message edited by: MichaelAZ ]
[ 02-04-2003, 05:02 PM: Message edited by: MichaelAZ ]
I wasn't telling the truth earier. I used to a PREDATOR. But is was years ago it was a BMX bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Raptor 727,
Thats even better! I made you run your bike so hard, it ripped a carb boot in the process! Glad you didnt hurt the motor though! Guess Ill have to line up with ya over Pres weekend, at noon. My 2 runs against your were without my new throttle cable being adjusted, as I had just come off the trailer and hit Olds. Missed shifts and such, but no excuses, Run what ya brung!
Chummin,
Right on! I wouldnt take on your bike on unless i was running what i am!
At any rate, the Banshee is reliable and a really exciting quad to ride!![[Burnout]](graemlins/burnout.gif)
RoostKing..
[ 02-05-2003, 11:32 AM: Message edited by: RoostKing ]
Thats even better! I made you run your bike so hard, it ripped a carb boot in the process! Glad you didnt hurt the motor though! Guess Ill have to line up with ya over Pres weekend, at noon. My 2 runs against your were without my new throttle cable being adjusted, as I had just come off the trailer and hit Olds. Missed shifts and such, but no excuses, Run what ya brung!
Chummin,
Right on! I wouldnt take on your bike on unless i was running what i am!
At any rate, the Banshee is reliable and a really exciting quad to ride!
RoostKing..
[ 02-05-2003, 11:32 AM: Message edited by: RoostKing ]
Let me set this straight. Im not trying to say the Predator is the best quad or better than anyone elses. However I do think it is the best stock 4 stroke quad off the showroom floor.
[ 02-05-2003, 06:32 AM: Message edited by: John S. Yi ]
[ 02-05-2003, 06:32 AM: Message edited by: John S. Yi ]
Dude, dont trip and fall down as you back peddle that one! LMAO..
Gotta watch these Craptor guys and these guys like roostking.. They'll beat you up pretty bad on the hills... good news is.. they'll still offer your loser butt a beer at the bottom...
Gotta watch these Craptor guys and these guys like roostking.. They'll beat you up pretty bad on the hills... good news is.. they'll still offer your loser butt a beer at the bottom...
quote:Its dangerous to drink and ride!! Would I do something like that!! We'll Ill be at Patton valley on Prez day weekend. How could anyone miss a predator
Originally posted by Chummin:
Dude, dont trip and fall down as you back peddle that one! LMAO..
Gotta watch these Craptor guys and these guys like roostking.. They'll beat you up pretty bad on the hills... good news is.. they'll still offer your loser butt a beer at the bottom...
While Patton Valley is no doubt a fun place to ride and play, it is still a small pond as compared to Glamis which is a big sea with big fish. We prefer big fish as opposed to lil' fish in a small pond. If you want to be the king of a small pond, more power to you, but we prefer to run big fish (win or lose).
quote:
Originally posted by John S. Yi:
quote:Its dangerous to drink and ride!! Would I do something like that!! We'll Ill be at Patton valley on Prez day weekend. How could anyone miss a predator
Originally posted by Chummin:
Dude, dont trip and fall down as you back peddle that one! LMAO..
Gotta watch these Craptor guys and these guys like roostking.. They'll beat you up pretty bad on the hills... good news is.. they'll still offer your loser butt a beer at the bottom...
I just love to ride! Its not about the racing ( a little friendly competition never hurt though) but the meeting new people and enjoying the dunes. If you ever come up to glamis, Well ride hard! And Chummins a pretty good leader as well!
RoostKing...
RoostKing...
The Predator is the best stock quad made:)
suzuki lt80 is the best ever made... period
Hmm, I'm in the same boat, want a better/faster/nimbler bike - but don't we all?
I have 3 400ex's, and they are a great all around bike, almost anyone can ride them, they are fun, fair amount of power,they don't break, and are good on gas mileage. I've ridden the Banshees, Raptors and the new Z400. I have helped put the chain back on the $12k Cannondale about 4 times a day, and didn't like the Raptors at all (too tall and narrow, but nice power.) The Z400 was nice, but not enough difference to change from my 400ex.
If I were to buy a new quad today - I wouldn't. For duning I'd buy a used 400ex for $4,200 and build it the way I wanted it - many mods available. For pure speed I think I'd go with a Trinity Racing Banshee. Thats it - buy two!
Still waiting on Honda to come out with a new model, like an all alum frame with a 450 in it...
My $.02...
I have 3 400ex's, and they are a great all around bike, almost anyone can ride them, they are fun, fair amount of power,they don't break, and are good on gas mileage. I've ridden the Banshees, Raptors and the new Z400. I have helped put the chain back on the $12k Cannondale about 4 times a day, and didn't like the Raptors at all (too tall and narrow, but nice power.) The Z400 was nice, but not enough difference to change from my 400ex.
If I were to buy a new quad today - I wouldn't. For duning I'd buy a used 400ex for $4,200 and build it the way I wanted it - many mods available. For pure speed I think I'd go with a Trinity Racing Banshee. Thats it - buy two!
Still waiting on Honda to come out with a new model, like an all alum frame with a 450 in it...
My $.02...
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