It's become a budget-minded dream woods racing machine, capable of dialing in the top ten of a local A class series (if the rider can!). The GT Thunder suspension gets better each time we ride and with our project guidelines of budget and east of install, there is no substitute. The Yoshimura RS2 slip-on exhaust also added an extra couple of ponies that were much needed.

So with our attention off the engine and suspension, we needed to add some final pieces up-top - and then again, down below.

Fasst Co has been building vibration- and impact-reducing handlebars for many years. I was first introduced to the Flexx system on a pre-run test where we rode 70 miles of rutted-out Baja whoop sections from San Felipe to the Hwy 3 road crossing. I can tell you that these bars made the difference and that’s why I decided to add them to this quad.

Our Flexx bars were the "low" version so we could get away with the stock cables. This was still tight and it did cause a little grief but it worked out fine. If I did it again I would find longer cables for more suitable adjustments.

Coming to the market from Fasst Co as well is the rebound kit to eliminate the top-out some riders feel on aggressive terrain. With four different elastomers available the comfort level can be set to any rider's needs. We chose the yellow, or "medium" elastomer disc to be best for our style of riding.

Rox builds some very unique products outside of the normal riser components. You can find anti-vibe mounts, dash panels and even handguard mounts for almost any ATV. At the time of our build Rox did not have a dash for our 2009 Z400, as the instrument design has changed for this year, but I'm sure it will not be long.

Our only complaint is that the bend in the handguard mount isn’t stretched out far enough to let the covers clear the stock length levers on our Z400. With some mild trimming this problem was solved.

The grips are pre-cut for ATV applications as well and are guaranteed slip-free. We used the Rogue starter pack that comes with grips, four locking retainers and grip ends that can be left off if you're going to use a wrap-around style handguard. Absolutely the easiest product to install on this entire build. With even mimimal riding, I can already tell that the grips reduce fatigue in my hands and give me a more comfortable grip on my machine.

Our final add-ons came directly from the Suzuki accessory department. Keeping the Z400 looking stylish yet functional, these products are developed by the engineers that produce the ATV, so you can generally count on factory-quality fit.

The next addition had to be the swing-arm skid and linkage cover. The front underside of the Z400 might miss obstacles in the trail but we were sure to find a few with the swing-arm. These skid plates are made from a thick aluminum and fitment was good but I did notice they tend to bend rather easily.

Our final addition from Suzuki’s accessory department was a good looking small front bumper. We choose the small bumper as it looked better than its larger counter part. A bigger bumper might work better in racing conditions but we intend to trail rage this machine.

Come back next month for the final article in our series to see how each product performed.

-Sosebee Out

FLEXX Bars: $349.00: www.fasstco.com

Rox Risers: 2 Inch risers PT# 2R-P2SP: $79.99

PowerMadd Star series hand guards with ROX mounts: PT# 2HPK-SY/K: $59.99

ODI GRIPS: Rogue ATV Starter pack: $23.95: www.odigrips.com

Suzuki stuff - Suzuki Accessory Shopping
Small bumper PT# 99950-70403 $89.95
Main Skid PT# 99950-70414 $113.95
Shock Link Skid PT# 99950-70399 $29.95
Swing-Arm Skid PT# 99950-70425 $169.95