Oooh nooo another which quad is better thread
First thing is a word of caution to anyone looking to use this info or other info like it on another thread as you need to be able to look between all the third hand info and hype to see the real deal.
Maybe it would be fun if all of us who posted in threads like this went back and removed any info or suggestions that were not based on first hand experiences we had ourselves (as opposed to my gf's brothers, uncles, cousins, bf etc.) But then the threads would be almost empty and pretty damn boring too.
Guess we all have to work harder to get the "real" info in order to keep the entertainement value of the site.
Anyhow as far as the models being compared go I believe from "first hand" experience your friend would be happy with either one, but when making decisions that involve a fair amount of $$$ all of us want to be trying to make the better choice, and for the sake of this think about the following.
First is how the atv will be used (you got us that info already), then we need to look at the rider, his abilities, needs for riding, what or any intended mods and when, and lastly just what he really expects from this ATV in the long run.
Since both the units being compared have the same basic sales items (shocks, reverse, liquid cooling etc) you need to look a lot closer to find the little stuff that really seperates them.
Intended mods mean a lot in this comparison due to how well the stock Pred's suspension and geometry work, and not the the Zuki is bad but polaris just did some things different than the norm and they work well. So if you are going to leave the suspension stock v/s going all out with full aftermarket shocks and a-arms etc it will make a difference in any honest comparison.
The Z400 is more prone to lifting the front wheels (both good and bad) while the Pred seems to squat more in the rear under acceleration which keeps the front more stable (similar to what you find from an aftermarket set up) and not that it cant wheelie or what ever but it is different.
If the suspension is going to get modded the above info is just old news as the Z will be fine (and maybe better but I would be relying on second hand info lol) and the whole issue lost.
Now when we get into reliability issues its interesting because much of what we believe (I am a victim of this as well as anyone else) is taught to us from things like advertizing, other riders problems, our own experiences and a host of other methods, but which of these is honestly a true scientific evaluation of reliability? I know I have had good experiences with Honda and Yamaha (ok some bad ones with the raptor too, but overall the brand is reliable I think) but does that mean polaris is bad? Does hearing about other riders who had problems make theirs a problem brand?
Weight and size are another issue and depending on your physical size you may be more comfortable on one over the other, but I dont know many riders who do not like having a lighter quad that they can "throw around" more easily (one of my personal reasons for liking the 250R, 400ex, z400, yfz, 450r etc) and a lighter rider especially a less experienced one would find it easier going with a lighter machine.
Tires, nerfs and other stuff are items you will be able to add or will be changing at one time or another anyhow so try not to let these things take precedence over engine, suspension and general set up and reliability when making a decision. Its true that these things can add more value to your purchase but in the long run most likely will not effect if you actually like the model the decide on. Just a note that the Irazr is getting some great reviews from riders of all levels and I cant wait to test out a set.
One last thing is that it was a great idea to ask this here and not on a site that caters to either brand as you should get better or more fair feedback this way. Nothing is more humorus to me than watching people defend and make claims on their current owned model only because they own it and not giving a hoot for helping the guy asking the question. It is really funny especially when you get one of those people who just quotes what others have said previously and basically offers nothing else from his own experiences.
Sorry for the length but I like to try and help when I can.
