Its the ideal machine for exciting sport riding on the track, in the sand or in the woods.

The system is programmed to obtain improved traction by selecting the optimum injection volume, injection timing and ignition timing based on throttle position, engine rpm, and other data monitored Front track is widened by 25mm to improve overall handling stability feel New styling reflects the powerful attitude of the QuadRacer R450, including the sharp fenders, the overall slim design and the removable headlight The chassiss rigidity balance is changed to improve handling stability, chassis strength and overall performance, particularly in rough terrain The footpegs are now 46mm wide same as the QuadRacer R450.

Four steel gussets were added to the frame and an aluminum plate was added to the rear sub frame.

Hondas most noticeable change to the 400EX was with the front-end bodywork.

They gave the seven-year-old EX the same front nosepiece and light assembly as their 450R race quad.

As far as mechanical improvements, the Honda got a much-needed feature; reverse, and they also changed the transmission gear ratios of the forward moving gears and final drive sprockets.

Up front the countershaft sprocket was raised from a 14 to a 15.

Internally, the gear ratios were bumped up slightly across the board.

Back when Honda released the 400EX in the fall of 1998, we didnt complain much about the lack of reverse.

At the time we were so excited that someone had released a new sport quad we didnt have room to be picky.

But after Yamaha introduced the Raptor and then Suzuki came out with the Z400, we got very used to having reverse on high performance trail quads.

So much so that we took points away from Polaris for launching the Predator without reverse.

After turning a knob on the right front fender, you downshift past first gear for reverse.

Then all you have to do is shift up to get back into the forward gears.

The top speed in reverse is limited to less than ten miles per hour.

The Honda also received a new rear L.E.D.

Suzuki has been dominating the National MX circuit with the Z400 in the hands of Doug Gust.

Now they are using what they have learned on the track and are improving the Z Quad.

We could soar off this dune at Glamis with complete confidence.

The reservoirs not only hold more oil, they allow for compression and rebound adjusters to be incorporated.

Plus, in most cases, an external reservoir will allow for more travel out of the same length shock.

Another major change Suzuki made to the 400 is they enhanced the performance of the exhaust and intake camshafts.

The Z400 also received a new 37mm carb featuring a throttle position sensor which is suppose to increase throttle response.

The 2004 Z400 carb measured 36mm and the Honda 400EX carb is 35.5mm.

All of these improvements are a welcomed sight.

The frequent place to see failures was near the front shock towers.

Although Suzuki did not announce that any improvements were made, they were.

Suzuki Ltz 400 Specs