school me on the 450s

[Dave223]

Im thinking of buying a quad after the first of the year. 2 resons mostly: My daughters 300ex has started smoking,she is outgrowing it, and my truck will be paid off by then. Im looking for a good, reliable450 quad to replace the 300ex.
With that being said, which 450 quad would be the way to go and why?

Things to consider: I want electric start, reverse would be nice also.
I looked at the Kawasaki 450 for 2007 that was in the other thread and Im in love, but do you think the alum. frame will hold up to constant beating? Does kawasaki still use the Nikasil(sp?) cylinder? Ive been told that they cant be bored later, true?
All my life I have been a Honda fan,but that is starting to wain a bit. Im going do some searching, let me know what you think. Dave

[El'Capitan]

I would go with the HOnda 450R if i was getting one...i have ridden with plenty and they are amazing...not to mention that they are hondas ;)

[RedRider_AK]

Maybe an LTZ400 would be a smoother step from a 300EX. What do you think?

[MTS]

I think i 450 might be A Lot to much going from a 300ex...well actually im Sure, a LTZ 400 would make a great machine, Electric start, Reverse (btw no 450 other than the Kawie has reverse) Or a Honda........OF course that EFI on the LT-R is NICE!!! lots more low end snap over the YFZ, I woudlnt worry about the Nikasil Bore, Your not gona have to touch the cylinder on it unless you sink it in 5 feet of mud and score it all to hell,

[smokinwrench]

I have ridden a yfz a bunch, as far as I'm concerned they are race only machines. The suspension is so stiff it makes them miserable to ride for all weekend trips.

I have just afew minutes on a 450r so I can't comment other then they are way over priced and not quite as rough riding as a yfz.

I have a predator it has reverse and e start and I have had perfect luck with it, but it is big in size.

I think I would also look into the z400 based quads. The z, kfx, and LTZ by artic cat are all teh same. The LTZ is by far the best looking with removable fenders and such.

[bigred1981]

A 450 would be a bit much from a 300EX which is very mild in power. It's not like it was 10 years ago when there was no other choice.. either 300EX, Warrior, Banshee.. but now all these mid-class bikes to choose from, I'd look into a Z-400 like these other guys are saying.. they are liquid cooled too. If anything, a 400EX, but If not a diehard Honda guru.. then look at all the possibilties.. many to look at

[devildog_0431]

I like the Suzuki LTR-450 Quad RAcer, no reverse but it smokes everything off the line, top end can't beat my raptor.

[mean350]

whyu not just buy a 350x. cheaper, funner, fast, and it dont have that extra training wheel!!! hahahahaha

[82300R]

i would say z400 also. thinking of getting another one. had one. sold it . now i think i regret it. still love my r's though.

[Dave223]

hehe I would love to have a 350x! They are just very hard to find in these parts. Only one for sale here and its 2300.00

After looking on ebay and other classified ads, Im leaning more towards making a loan for 6k, then maybe bidding/ buying 2 slightly used quads or 350x and a 400ex, something of that nature.They wont be as old/worn out as what I have now, so we (my whole family) can spend more time riding and I spend less time wrenching:naughty:

My daughter is 15, almost 6ft tall, and rides that 300 like there is no tomorrow. She rides in full gear whenever she does, So Im thinking more like you fellas and loking into the 400's . She was riding my brother in laws 440ex and handled it really well, wheelies and all! Thanks for the help, any more suggestions, post em up. Dave

[RedRider_AK]

Plus with a trail machine like the Z-400, you won't have to rebuild the top end so often.

[82300R]

Plus with a trail machine like the Z-400, you won't have to rebuild the top end so often.
after reading around other forums, swithing to a 13t front sprocket was probably all i needed to do. to get what i was lookin for. better bottom end etc. paid for, 4 year warranty, maybe three tanks a gas. let it go for 3800.00. must be nuts.:rolleyes:

[82300R]

hey dave, check out ATV ZONE in roseland, la. they have a very big selection of good used atv's at good prices. thats who i sold my z 400 to. plus they sell new suzuki's and artic cats. check them out in boats,bikes and rv's classifieds. they always have a bunch of atvs listed.

[Dave223]

hey thanks for the info...they are bookmarked for future use now, hehe

[bigred1981]

wait.. yea.. I mean you need a 350X... everybody needs one:beer
Not as fast as a 450.. but sure a helluva lot scarier to ride... trikes own