looking for opinions, price is within 200 dollars of each other for an '05.
both have elec. start & reverse...
im kinda leaning toward the suzuki because its watercooled, but other than that, im not sure...any opinions are appreciated. thanks.

ZUKI!!!!

Zuki.......

This is my second quad, and I wish it had been my first.

ZUKI.

z400.....

thanks so far...can i assume you all own a zuki? any dislikes?
any honda folks wanna share?

I really like the 400x......there now you have a honda guy too. Handling is great even with a big boy like me on it (230lbs.) though it isn't the fastest thing out there. Don't forget about how reliable the Hondas are, they last ohhhhh just about forever.

Go with the z400, Hondas are good, but the z is just as reliable and also water cooled. Best all-around quad.

We have a Z also and its a great bike.

I bought my wife the Z last year and love it, Oh the wife likes it's to.

Well I guess it all depends on what colors the wife likes . On a more serious side there are pros and cons of both bikes.
The Suzuki has more power and better suspension, the Honda has a smoother less intimidating powerband, and trail soft suspension. It does however handle marginally better that the Suzuki and has alittle lower center of gravity. The Suzuki has more HP potential and with less money spent, were as the Honda requires more money for less.
If you are the kind of guy who hates doing/spending money on maintainence than the Honda requires alittle less and is easier to work on, it definately is low tech though, but most parts are less expensive than the LTZ's and more readily available. Like said before the aftermarket is pretty deep with stuff for both bikes.
If you are going to ride the bike some as well I would go with the Suzuki, but if she likes to cruise around camp or and occational dune outing the Honda would be fine.

Just my .02

go zuki. i ride an EX and love it, but the zukis seem like an all around better bike

look at my signature and you'll see my answer...

I believe the zuki/kawi twins are the best "wifes" bike out there. They have an easy clutch pull, shift easy, have plenty of power bone stock, and have a light front end so they steer easy (important for some women without a lot of arm strength). We've had at least one since June of 2002 and never had a major problem. I believe the $200 difference is worth every penny between the two you are considering.

Thanks a lot everyone, with her having a ride too, it should make getting out there much more frequent this year

Looks like I'm a little late but I'd go with the Suzuki. Has just a little more poop.

Jeff

good choice!

looks like we're pickin' up a Z tonight!

well, the first deal fell thru. the dealership we went to last night couldn't match la cycle's price, so just got back from la cycle on my lunch break.
i'd definitely reccommend them, they made it quick & no bull, which i like.
'05 Z400 $5299.00 out the door.

They definately have low overhead so they can charge those O.T.D. prices. Bought a couple streetbikes from them, even when I worked at a competeing dealership, though other dealer seem pissed when you mention their name. Go figure. Great Price congrats

I bought my '03 Z400 from them. 100% recommended. Crappy part of town tho... maybe that's why the prices are so good?

Congrats on the Z, excellent choice, you won't be disappointed!

I got a quad for my wife...
























































It was a good trade..

Congrats on the Z400. I got my wife one last year and put a ALBA full exhaust, K&N, and re-jetted it (about $450 for the kit) I also went down a tooth on the front sprocket ($17). I recommend both those mods for the Z400 (I got those helpful tips from the board last year). The new gearing will get her up anything out there and she'll be able to do it a little slower. The pipe opens it up a lot and plus they (and you) can hear what's going on while teaching her to ride.

Congrats!

Dropping a tooth in the front has to be the first item. Makes a huge difference in driveablility (sp?) As for the rest, the newer z has a nice power curve, I would concentrate on suspension. A nice set of TCS and she'll beable to ride all day with no vatigue.

My $.02

When I bought my 03 400ex, i called around for the best price.
Best price came from Berts of all places. I paid all cash...LA cycles couldnt beat Berts, lol which is funny. Berts is usually a big rip off. I got to berts, they tried changing the price but finally stuck to the over the phone quote after a few choice words from me...

erik