When I first hopped on the Honda TRX400EX, I instantly thought, "This is the perfect ATV for me!" Having put some time on all the stock 450s, I realize the 400 is more my size and speed. If I were buying, this one might cause me to dip into my future kid's college fund. Honda's build quality shows-when loading it into a truck, navigating technical trails or carving big dunes. So I have no major complaint with the TRX400EX; I'd like to see what it will do with a pipe and some aftermarket tires. I thought the gearing was perfectly balanced, which made climbing and descending trails a breeze. It did seem a bit tippy on the dunes when I really pushed it, which may be due to my riding level, but it wasn't something I noticed on the other 400s. If you spent your money on the 400EX, you won't be disappointed.
Automatic-no shifting neededComfortable ergosTall, narrow and heavyChain stretched like a rubber bandTook way too long to warm upBeginner-friendly starter ATV
When I learned that the Suzuki Z400 and the Arctic Cat DVX 400 are essentially the same machine, I wasn't surprised. They rode very similarly, yet the Arctic Cat's seat was so uncomfortable it felt as if I was sitting on a rock. It was not my favorite feature. If Arctic Cat made the seat change in the future, it would come down to color and graphics for my money. However, the ergos on the DVX seemed to be a bit different from all the others and it fit me the best. I found shifting in the trails to be really easy, and going flat-out on the dunes was a blast. What a fun machine! You'll love the power but hate the seat. On its twin, the Z400, what you'll notice first is the smooth-as-silk motor. Second is the excellent handling-it's obvious from where the LT-R450 inherited its turning technology. The Z400 is superb, whether it be on tight, twisty switchbacks or just shredding the top of a dune! The motor will surprise you as you keep up with your buddies who just coughed up seven grand for a brand-new 450. Surprisingly, I found the ergos to be a little snug. It wasn't horrible, but I wasn't as comfortable on this machine as I was on the DVX or the 300EX. Overall, this ATV is a perfect balance between power and handling. However, I'd buy the TRX300EX for the wife and the TRX400EX for myself.
Lauron Kirk/6'3"/185 lb/IntermediateThe Suzuki Z400 and the Arctic Cat DVX 400 were both fun to ride. They had plenty of power for little hillclimbs and enough ground clearance to go over small rocks. I could just cruise around, or I could really give them gas and run through the gears for some high-speed fun. The power was great for breaking the back wheels free pretty much whenever you needed or wanted. Both had plenty of room for my 6-foot 3-inch frame, and I didn't feel as though I was hanging over the front end when I stood up. The electric start was great and the reverse wasn't too complicated to operate.
Tyler Ruiz
Switching to the smaller machines, I was excited to ride the Raptor 350, though I was a little disappointed with the fit. I couldn't slam the handlebar to either side for tight turns or slides without bashing my knees (yes, I am tall), and I ended up riding it like a superbike rider by hanging my knee out every time I turned sharp. This was very uncomfortable, and I'm sure it looked goofy. With my knee out, I was able to whip the Raptor around with very little effort. It may have less power than a 400, but it can still break the back tire free for some fun. I also had a chance to sample Honda's TRX300EX. Shockingly, the Honda was a little larger and fit me more like the 400s did. But its 300cc motor lacked oomph and was unable to slide the back wheels as easily. On straightaways, it seemed to have enough get-up-and-go, but I found myself running through the gears more-shifting to get up to speed and maintaining power for inclines. A fun quad but not enough power for my size-which meant the 400s were looking like better choices.