having a moral dilemma

[camoweasel]

Here is the situation. I currently own a 1985 Honda 350X that is basically original with a few aftermarkets in great condition. (whitebros, 6-pack rack, razr2s) I absolutely love this bike.

Well now there is an 07 Z400 for sale at a local garage for 2900. It is in excellent condition; no broken plastics, original tires. Looks and sounds awesome. Now I am having a dilemma because this is a great opprotunity to own an atv made after 2000!!

How much of a "step-up would a z400 be compared to a 350X. I know there not the true MX racers but I am 100% trail rider, so I don't want to always go balls to the wall.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Well, we have an 03 Z400. My brother has an 86 350x. Power wise, the Z is quicker. That liquid cooled 400 really gets it. Its got something like a 62mm stroke, by a 90mm bore! Talk about a short stroke barn burner! HOWEVER, i would NOT get rid of a nice ol' legend like your 350x to get a Z400. To me, the tradeoff of losing a great ol trike vs the more power and some other features like E-start and reverse arent quite worth it. I think you would regret selling the X not too many miles down the trail. We really like our Z400 alot, its a great all-round trail and seasonal road quad. Thing is, theres LOTS of them out there. Keep your 350, and save your pennies, or splurge a little bit with this years tax return and get the Z. Thats my $0.02


$2900 is a pretty good deal for an 07. I see 03-06 models going for $2200 or less around here....the 450s really drove the prices of the Z400s down.

[camoweasel]

Well, we have an 03 Z400. My brother has an 86 350x. Power wise, the Z is quicker. That liquid cooled 400 really gets it. Its got something like a 62mm stroke, by a 90mm bore! Talk about a short stroke barn burner! HOWEVER, i would NOT get rid of a nice ol' legend like your 350x to get a Z400. To me, the tradeoff of losing a great ol trike vs the more power and some other features like E-start and reverse arent quite worth it. I think you would regret selling the X not too many miles down the trail. We really like our Z400 alot, its a great all-round trail and seasonal road quad. Thing is, theres LOTS of them out there. Keep your 350, and save your pennies, or splurge a little bit with this years tax return and get the Z. Thats my $0.02


$2900 is a pretty good deal for an 07. I see 03-06 models going for $2200 or less around here....the 450s really drove the prices of the Z400s down.

I understand your point of losing a classic because I get nothing but compliments for my machine being in such great shape. BUT I would love to e-start, reverse, and and endless wotld of aftermarket accessories.
DId you know CT racing has a pipe that gives you about 10 more HP just be rejetting and losing the air filter lid.

[dirtjunkie85]

Well in a machine against machine comparison there is none. the Z400 walks all over it. better suspension, better motor, liquid cooled, and you'll be able to find parts. however as said before the z-400's are kinda a dime a dozen so if you like bein different you may want to stay with your trike.

[SWIGIN]

I have a 350RX which is a 350x motor in a trx 250r chassis. But mines all after market and custom. The motor is not stock but is nothing special and it will kill Honda's and Suzuki's 400 quads. And on a MX track it will give built up 450s a run.

I know some on here don't want to hear about using a trike motor in a quad but for the record I never killed a trike to get my motors. Anyway, a 350RX is still a great quad to build and it hangs with the new quads just fine. If you need more power there is always the 460cc big bore stroker opption...lol

[TheRealFatShady]

I would say keep the 350x. Quads will still be around in several years, but trikes won't be. At least not good shape ones.

If you really want electric start and reverse, pick up a 300ex engine or a 250x engine and drop it in the 350x frame. There is a guy in PA selling an ex running engine for $300 in the classifieds. And dirtcrasher is working on modifying better rear suspension and trx450r rear ends so that we can have brand new parts for years to come.

I was recently given a 250x. Will likely spend $200 or more to get it running (so I'm considering that ex engine) but depending on how I like it, I may drop in a full 350x engine for it. Gains 100cc, a sixth gear, but loses reverse. Quads are fun, but to sell something you won't likely be able to replace for one seems like something you would later regret.

[parker88]

I agree with the other guys z400s are a lot of fun on the trails but in the long run your gonna regret it. Ive been looking for a 350x for a while now and they are not easy to find in good shape like you said yours is. I had an 03 z400 a few years ago and it was the perfect trail bike for me but I just love getting so many compliments on my 250sx I wouldnt trade for nothing...

[Ironbnder]

Selling a Trike is like selling a gun. You just should not do it. The future is to uncertain. Keep the 350 and buy a quad.

[oldskool83]

what he says unless your total done with them

[spoon]

Man I was in the same boat not once but twice. I found myself 19 years later buying my 350x's all over again. So dont sell, listen to the gang here. Just wait the quad will come.

[inv3ctiv3]

I sold my 350X for my 400EX and I'll never look back to be honest, I really love my 400EX and loved my 350x. I will own another 350x someday but for now it's so nice having a newer machine.