There have been some good deals on z400's on craigslist and I've been throwing around the idea of picking one up. Just wandering if there are any years I need to stay away from?
I'd go w/ 05 and up.... front stock shocks came w/ ressies on 05+.... also frames are said to be weaker on 03-04's..... I had an 05 and now have an 09... great trail machine and easy to find parts!
Thanks for the info. From everything I've heard about them they are good, tuff atv's.
The 400 motor is torquey and very reliable. I have a DR-Z400E dirtbike and its great motor on the trail.
Good simple mods to make it much better are cams, a 39 MM FCR carb, and a full exhaust.
I had a 04' Z400. Never had a problem with it, but I didn't keep it too long till I parted it out. Good power for what it is.
Go with an '05 and up. I personally hate the mikuni BSR carb. I double the comment about swapping to a fcr carb if your looking to mod it. Stock, the bsr is fine. Keep an eye on intake valves too. They have been known to get tight and start cupping. Other than that lil stuff, they are great trail quads. I have been wrenchin on my buddies 05 since it was new and its been a very relaible and fun bike.
Great machines for sure!! Honestly if you get an awesome deal on 03-04 all you would need to do is go to 05+ or 450r or aftermarket of course front shocks and you'll be set. I never had any issues with my frame.
Things to look for specifically when buying. Watch the weep hole on left side(I think) of the cylinder if it is pushing oil out your cam journals cap threads could be stripped and you will need to put an odd ball 7mm heli coil in it (yes it could just be bad gasket but good chance you could have stripped out threads on the cap(s).
Also listen closely to it as the automatic cam chain tensioner applys way to much tension and the cam chain tends to wear out quickly (most convert the stock one into a manual tensioner).
Hope ya pick one up soon!
I have a 03 bought it new never had any issues with anything at all upgraded with elka front shocks 440 big bore TC racing cams and head work 39 FCR stock valves runs great electric start with reverse. Can't beat it
They make a great foundation as a starting point for a hybrid!
The Z was the first 4 stroke that regularly beat the trx250r. They are tough, and when built properly, can haul the mail!!