I'm looking to purchase my 1st Z400 and would like to know any thoughts about the differences in the 2008 Z and 2009 Z.
Fuel injection seems to be a pretty popular topic as does the suspension changes.
What I want to know is...my local dealer has the 2008 for $1100.00 cheaper than the 2009. Are the changes worth the extra money? Carbs I can work on, F.I. I cannot. Other mechanical stuff, no problems.
I also saw on the review on this site that the manufacturer went a little too far with the suspension and it is somewhat a rough ride and pushes in turns.

Does anyone have any input or comparisons?

Would like some thoughts before I make a decision and before Suzuki takes off their cash back deals.

Thanks everyone and I am a newbie on the site but love it!!!!!

Let's ride.

only 1100 diffrence between the 08 and 09? i would definatley get the 09. i personally think fuel injection is great and i probably wont but another bike without it.

If I had the money today to buy another I'd go find an 08' and save the money. The aftermarket suspension world has not embraced the 09' at all and from all I've heard they have no interest in doing so. The motor hop-up co's seem to be offering items as the only difference is the fuel injection. I personally put a much higher merit on suspension though. If I wanted horsepower I'd have bought a 450. Also, with now having FI its no longer go buy a couple $2 jets and ride on. Now you have to buy a $200-$400 programmer to go with the $250-$800 exhaust you just bought. I personally just think the 08' model is a better all around quad.

Same here. I read reviews comparing the 08 to the 09 and they all said that even adjusted as soft as possible the suspension will be rough for a 180lb rider as the 08's will not. Speaking from experience cuz I'm only 135 on the 08 stocks.

They said the 09 does have better bottom end but with the f.i. and the spec change on the cams the 09 no longer has the grunt that the z400 was famous for. And that in every race the 08 won.

The only real benefits I see in buying a 09 would be not having to re-jet for elevation and the wider foot pegs.

The 1" width change doesn't seem to be too beneficial to pay 1100 for. The looks may be a little sharper but I like the 08 looks more.

I'd get the 09...i like fuel injection and the 08 looks dated.

+1 ltzguy

the 09 will cost more to mod... but if you do mod it... it will be much easyer to tune rather than buying a bunch of jets trying them out and tunning....


I dont know how the FI would re act to a big build like a 470 or something though... that I would be curious to see....

but if the FI can manage that withough changing the injection set up... awesome....

would be a tuff desicion... but looking at my buddys ltr450 and his FI... id think id go with the 09... only reason i would even look at the 08 would be cheaper modding

LOL ya the 09 looks sexy!!

LT-R450

meh....everyone has a ltr450...not many people have an injected 400....can you say turbo i guess i'm jus one of those people that like to be different. i like the looks of the 09...if i come across some plastics for a good deal i'm doin it....i'd like to fit the fuel injection too...anyone with an 09 that wants to go fcr???? make a deal with ya!

LTZGUY... do you think you would need to port that throttle body to compensate for the build?

cause i would def look into a efi for our bikes... im sure it would be some work to do... but once its done.. no more jetting nightmares....

I have a 06 ltz400 and weigh 175lbs. I couldn't imagine a better all around quad. If it's cheaper to go with the 08 and cheaper to mod the 08 and the 08 is faster, hmmmm... I'd buy the 08 and spend the extra money on a yoshi exhaust and filter, then your way ahead.