In light of the new DS650 and ultra high performance Cannondale and Yamaha being developed it would seem like Honda should take note. I hope they don't take a real conservative market position and shy away from making a big bore quad. They could take a version of the engine from their new XR650R put it in a scaled up 400EX frame and have a winner. If they have any intention of doing so it would be a good idea to let us know. I'm going to buy another new high performance quad to go with my 400EX. I'd wait for a new Honda if I knew one was in the works; otherwise it will be a new Yamaha, Bomb or Cannondale.

 

man I don't like all these huge quads. don't you know how heavy a 650ex would be?

 

No huge/overweight quads for me. If I wanted a truck, I'd buy a truck. I am personally going to wait for the Cannondale, it's going more in the direction I would like to see things go.

If we're lucky, Honda will forego the 650EX and build an updated 400EX based on the new 400 (or so) cc YZ killer/CR250 replacement with an aluminum frame to boot.

Don't expect Honda to reveal their plans until the thing is ready to hit the dealers. Honda has a long history of secrecy with new models. We only got about a months notice on the 400EX before it was available.

 

I can't see Honda dramaticaly changing the 400EX or replacing it since it is such a good seller and has only been out about 2-1/2 years. I think you guys may have a good point about the weight and size of a 650cc class ATV. Perhaps they're too big for most people.

If the new Cannondale and Yamaha cut into the 400EX's sales enough, then I could see Honda offering a aluminum framed high tech quad to compete.

 

Honda already has the technical ability to build a quality aluminum frame. Just look at the CR dirt bikes. All they need to do is build the frame to fit the 400ex stance and update moter to a water cooled fuel injected 400 cc super quad. This will for sure out sale any sport quad on market even the new cannondale Yamerhammer and the possible new Kawi. Honda has just got the rep of being reliable quality quads.