anybod now anything about the new Suzuki Z-400?  I've got a Banshee right now but I'm thinking about getting a new sportquad........

Bunghole just bought one, he should be able to tell you plenty.

IM him if he misses the post.

Jake

I haven't read any reports about the new Kawasaki 4 wheeler (4 wheels are for those who can't ride a two wheeler [X]), however, a quick glance at the Suzuki web site has Suzuki saying that the motor is based on the RD-400E engine.
Oh, you didn't know that Kawasaki and Suzuki have formed a "stratigic partnership" on certain models of bikes and ATV's. They are keeping the big boys out of the picture (ZX series and GSXR series will be seperate as will the big bore cruisers, motocross bikes and the land yachts), the partnership applies to the smaller series of dirt bikes, smaller cruisers, and ATV's.
Look at the line-up of both manufacturers before you go buying. The Suzuki Suzuki QuadSport Z400 and the Kawasaki KFX400 are the same ATV.
[img]http://www.suzukicycles.com/sr_03/atv/images/bp_ltz400_yellow.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.vaq34.com/junk/kawa.jpg[/img]

Why bother, why not get the baddest one around, the Yamaha 660 Raptor!
[img]http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/atv/500/660RAPTOR_le_2.jpg[/img]
Or how about the fastest one!
[img]http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/atv/500/03BANSHEE_LE_2.jpg[/img]
DooH, you already have a Banshee. Why change?

I've read one or two shootouts on the new Z400 and I think it did ok. But I also ride a 00 Banshee (my 2nd) and i think you would be greatly disapointed in going from "hair standing up on the back of your neck" power to that of a 400cc 4 stroke. My dad rides a 400EX, and while it is a nice bike, it's a real bore after riding mine. I guess it also depends on what type of riding you do. Dunes? Track? Woods? Banshees in stock or close to stock trim are not the easiest to ride in the woods or on the track because of the "lightswitch" power delivery and taller,slimmer stance. If it's mostly dunes or wide open spaces you ride, I would not give up the Shee.

jester

(BTW, i am also thinking of getting rid of mine, but replacing it with a GSXR750!)[}:D]

 

I like my Z400. The engine in the Z400 is a proven design from Suzuki's DRZ dirt bikes. From what I've heard, the Z handles better than the Raptor. I've never ridden a raptor so I can't compare the two. Here is a forum deicated to the Z400: [url=www.z400central.com]Z400Central[/url]You might also look at the Polaris Predator, it's a 500cc bike and it looks pretty nice. Predator should be out soon.
[img]http://webpages.charter.net/jeff.hoeft/pics/Z400.jpg[/img]
[img]http://webpages.charter.net/jeff.hoeft/pics/Rack.jpg[/img]