Ok guys, I hate to have my first post be a question. But, like a good noob I went through the search function like crazy before posting.

I have a brandy new 400ex. I flipped it on a turn (too fast I guess [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] ) and bent the handle bars and am pretty sure the steering stem twisted a bit. When I run a straight line, the bars are turned a bit to the right and if I straighten them out, the wheels/atv goes to the left. So, I won a stock 450ex steering stem off ebay. From what I gather, the 450 stem is bigger.

My question is if anybody knows if it is a direct swap?

Also, when looking at replacement handlebars, is there any difference in the 400 vs. the 450?

Last, any good recommendations on a really strong but not too exspensive replacement bar?

Tia!

BTW, as I mentioned, I am new to the sport. Like a good dad though I jumped in with both feet. We got the AC90 last year and 2 weeks ago I bought a TRX250EX and the 400 EX. I ordered myself, my 13 year old son and my 12 year old daughter all the needed moto gear and built a track around our 40 acres. They have been riding every day, with my daughter already needing/wanting to upgrade the AC90 because it is too slow! I'm looking for another atv, probably an automatic for my wife to ride and am thinking of a utility model so she can pull a trailer and some farm stuff. I get ATV SPort magazine and feel that kids into ATV's end up smarter and cooler and know what real fun is. So hopefully I've made the right choice!

 

I can't believe that nobody on this forum doesn't have the answer for me or can point me where to find out the answer. Class, anyone? Anyone? Class?

 

First off WTF is a 450ex? 2nd the 450R stem is bigger than the 400ex stem, and will not swap.

 

Thanks for pointing out my error. I know the 450r stem is a larger diameter, which is why I figured it'd be better in preventing bending it again. The length appears to be the same, as does the bar mount dimensions, so the only question is if the stem to frame mount shares the same bolt pattern. Since it looks like nobody has attempted this swap, we shall see. I should have the 450r stem by the end of the week.

Hopefully it will bolt right up. If not, then I'll look into an after market stem. But I'd rather spend a lot less on a beefier stock unit.

 

Well, in case anybody else ever searches for this info...

I put a 2004 450R stem on my 2005 400EX. The 450R stem is larger in diameter, but other than that is the same everywhere else. I used a 450R bracket (Stem to frame) as the 400EX bracket is too narrow to work. The only adjustment I had to do was to sandwich 2 washers on each side of the brackets to allow enough space for the stem to turn freely. I did have to adjust one of my tie rods to correct the toe-in of the tires. There seems to be less space on the 450R stem in between where the tie rods mount to the stem than on the 400ex stem. I did not undo the handlebar clamps, rather just unbolt them from the stem and rebolt them onto the 450R stem - no adjustments were needed.

Overall, I am pleased as I beefed up my stem with a thicker 450R stem and clamp I got off of eBay for less than the replacement cost of the thinner/weaker stock 400EX stem!

Parts used:
450R steering stem
450R steering stem bushing (rubber)
450R stem to frame bracket
4 spare washers
all 400EX stock nuts, bolts, hardware

 

Must have been a 2004 or 2005 stem.

 

Same Yzergod from one of the Jeep forums? Not sure what one i visit so many lol,,Quadratec maybe??

 

You're right, 2004 stem.

Yes, same yzer that's on Quadratec. Who's this?

 

I think i was Wht 83 CJ7,but i havent been on that board in years,Welcome to the world of quads(and you thought jeep parts were expensive) If you need answers about Hondas heres the place to ask EX Riders