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Posted by: CTATV
Z/KFX hands down. Im not brand loyal i havent ridden a pred but my buddy has a Z and that thing is great in the trails. Great geometry, not too narrow, and the power delivery is great and steady through the entire RPM range which is what you want for the woods in a 4 stroke. Gotta have bottom and top which is why I got a Quadzilla.
Posted by: wheelinforlife
400ex has always been king of trials! Not the fastest quad but very good on trials.
Posted by: reconranger
Z400, by far. Raptor is tall and tippy. Predator is well, a Polaris.
Posted by: 440EX026
Above all I like to ride BR>
And most every sport model out today is a lot of fun in the trails, and perform well too.
They all also share two very important things, and thats their not perfect (yes not a damn one of them lol) and that a top level rider could lose most of us on what we think to be the slower one while we were on the faster one.
I am still amazed when I remember how Chris Borich had won the a-class in a few local harescrambles on mostly stock machines (piped z400 and yfz if I remember right) while all the others were riding race prepped ones with major engine and suspension mods.
Also I wouldnt be lying if I told you I still prefer my modded 3yr old 400ex over all those mentioned, but does that have to mean its better or what anyone else should ride???
Posted by: ridinsmooth
z-400 is the best in my opinion out of those i like the warrior myself
Posted by: blindside350
Quote
Originally posted by: reconranger
Z400, by far. Raptor is tall and tippy. Predator is well, a Polaris.
I agree!
Posted by: Scooter86
The Pred had some unfortunate vent routing, causing them some problems in water. I don't know if the newer models are the same, but in any case the fix is a simple rerouting of the vents. No $$ and only a little time. Of those you have mentioned, I think the Pred is THE best trail quad when considering the 05 models.
Posted by: TexasPsycho
I've rode each of those except the kawasaki but the Z is bascily the same thing. I liked the Raptor because of my size (6'3" ) but really liked the way the Z rode and handled plus it had decent power. For some reason the preditor just didn't feel right for me but that doesn't mean it's not the one for you. I ended up buying a DS650 because it was the most comfortable for me and I liked the power. You said you will blast by any of the others on the open area on the preditor? I have way more power than the 400ex and can smoke one in the straights but before I can do that I have to stick pretty close to them on the trails. I have been beaten by several 400's just because they handled better on the trails and by the time we reached an open area they were to far ahead for me to catch up. I'm getting old though and I can always blame it on that!
Posted by: Trevor
I would go with the z400 or a 05 400EX reverse is a must for a good trail bike!
Posted by: 86LT250RFatty
raptor is king of trails, although all the quads are great, its a matter of what feels more comfortable for you and your price range. all great choices
Posted by: Vunit
Well all are great quad and they all have there ups and down, but if i had to pick i would pick the KFX400 or the z400. They are great in all around performance and got a few upgrades for 2005, the raptor is a great quad but just not up to par for hardcore trail riding, they are better off in the dunes. The predator is also a great quad for the trails and stuff but with the new 2005 gearing that means alot of up and down shifting because the way polaris set the gear ratios at. Over all the KFX400 and z400 are you best bet, but all the quads are great machines!
Posted by: XtremeSkier
TLD pred
Posted by: Steveo10
Predator
Posted by: Steveo10
I went ridin with a kfx400 today for the 1st time. Hell of a trail quad. Hard to keep up to at timez. But when it came down to straight-away's i caught him no problem.
Posted by: NECTrider
it seems you have your mind set on a Pred.. But thats the One of those i wouldnt suggest for trails.. just from what ive seen.. I've seen two die in an.. oversized puddle i guess you could call it. I was right behind the guy and we were doing about 40-45 down a small dirt road type trail and we flying around a corner into this puddle and LITERALLY a wave went over him.. and when it was done he wasnt too deep in water.. it was just the wave part.. and it stalled and wouldnt start again.. and i had to pull him off the trail... then other time i just saw someone elses pred getting pulled coming from that same puddle. I personally would suggest the Yamaha.. cuz thats who i am.. but it depends on the rider really.
Posted by: NECTrider
V-Forces are great on the trails. As heavy as they are... They have enough power to make it through anything... just punch it and it'll get out of most areas. I love it.
Posted by: strubby
I usually suggest the Pred too. I rode my friend's TLD whenI had my Warrior and liked everything about it. Now that I have been riding my Z, and have a few mods on it, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I rode the same TLD yesterday and wanted to get right back on my Z. He has E-Series muffler, and Pro Circuit (I think) headpipe. Mine picked up easier and just felt lighter. I'm more comfortable on it, and I know I smoke him in the trails. I still think the Pred is a great bike, but my Z changed my overall opinion.
Posted by: Russo400
If i had to pick i would eather get the z400 or the kfx400 the raptor 660 is more of a dune quad and i relly dont know much about the preditor.
Posted by: Morewood
Of the four you listed, the stock 05 Predator is going to beat the others in a straight out drag.
JMO.....
The Z400 is a great bike and I like it a lot except it is just a bit underpowered for me. If you are a light, small person it might be the best for you. It is a great all-around quad.
The DS650 is great as well, but too big and heavy for an average sized person. The big guys (like TexasSycho) seem to like them a lot. But they will not beat the others, except in the desert.
The V-Force is the only one I have not ridden multiple times....but it too is too big and heavy for me. If you do not want to shift, then it might be the one for you. It also will not beat the others in most applications.
The Raptor is a good trail bike but does have that high center of gravity (feels tippy in stock form, but that can be fixed by widening....but that extra width is then a disadvantage on tight trails).
I definitely prefer my Predator over my Raptor on the trails. In fact I prefer my Predator over all others on the trail. JMO
Dirt Wheels rates the 05 Predator as the number one trail quad. I especially like its cornering, handling, and comfort. It comes stock with excellent dirt tires, and excellent suspension. If you want to add power, it is just like all the others....just add $$$$$. JMO
If you don't mind kick starting and no reverse, you should consider the Honda 450R.
Some people don't like the fit of the Pred seat, so try it before you buy. They are all good....Have Fun!
Posted by: Morewood
Predator21....I think you are wise to ask for the reasons and facts behind the opinions you are getting. And I think you are also smart enough to discount comments about a particular machine from people who have not ridden that machine.
I, too, used to have no interest in a Polaris. But in the last three years Polaris has jumped into the sport quad market with real commitment. The 05 Predator is now a Great quad. The Dirt Wheels test riders are not fools, and they say the 05 Predator is number one on the trails. I agree...JMO. See my previous message in this thread.
I currently own a Predator and a Raptor, so I will be glad to give you any detail of comparison you need. I have also ridden my friends' Z400s many times, I have ridden my friends' DS650s many times, I have ridden my friends' YFZ450s many times, and I have ridden my friends' 450Rs many times. This experience is my basis for comparison.
I am an average sized male, 180 lbs. And I like to ride fast, in any conditions. (See my signature info.)
Fit is important! In the old days you could buy either the used 250R or the Banshee if you wanted to go fast. Now days you can actually shop around and find a (new) fast quad that actually fits YOU.
Everyone has different values...some like to ride fast, some like comfort the most, some like tight trails, some like climbs, and some like drags, etc. Try to figure out which quad will fit you and also will excell in the areas you want to ride the most.
The Z400 is underpowered, but if all you want is to ride is tight trails and if you are a light person and if you don't want to drag race, it may be just the quad for you. It is an excellent quad over-all. It just lacks the power I like.
Price....When I am spending 6 grand on a "Toy", I want to be sure to get the one I figure I will be the happiest with, whether it costs $5800 or $6400. So don't base your decision on price unless you are forced to.
Good Luck, Ride Safe, and Have Fun!
Posted by: justgo
I like my V-force on the trails
Posted by: Predator21
which would be better for the trails, predator, z-400/kfx400, 660 raptor??
Posted by: Predator21
yea i really like the pred but just seein what u guys think thnx for the replies
Posted by: Predator21
trevor the pred has reverse to
Posted by: Predator21
thanks for the help but im gonna go with the 05 pred if i get beat in the trails ohh well i hit a open area ill blow any of the quads i listed away in a straight away. and if any huge wave goes over a quad its gonna stall and not run.
thanks for the replys
Posted by: Predator21
SO what the f... is wrong with polaris?!?! recon and blind side??????
Posted by: Predator21
Quote
Originally posted by: 660Rryder
Don't take it so personal. Evidently they don't know a good bike when they see one.
i know but i really do agree with you on that one a z-400 will not hang with a pred thats all i can say
Posted by: 660Rryder
Don't take it so personal. Evidently they don't know a good bike when they see one.
Posted by: 660Rryder
Whoa! Hold up. I was just saying the pred is a fine machine. Now i still have my Z and it is also a great bike. In the woods with the right rider he might leave you trying to keep up. But in a straight line or an open trail the Z doesnt really have the speed or power to keep with the 500.
