I am going to look at a 2000 honda 400 ex tommorrow. The seller sent me a picture and the bike looks to be in good shape. He says it runs fine and doesnt need anything. He told me he will take $2000 cash. Is that a good deal for a 7 year old atv? Also, are there any things I should specifically look for to make sure the bike isnt gonna be a headache and need a bunch of maintenance after I purchase it?

 

I'm in on this! I'm in nearly the same situation.

 

well as long as the bike has been kept up maintanance wise and looks to be taken care of get it...you can always change the plastics and other stuff but the 400ex engine is just about bulletproof so even if he abused the bike you should be fine...sounds like a good deal to me as long as the bike runs good...good luck and let us know how it is

 

$2000 sounds pretty good. Remember to check chain and sprockets for wear($100+ to replace), clutch slippage, tire wear, brake pads, cracks around shock mounts, tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings. Check the oil to see if it is black. Check the air filter to see if it is covered in dirt. If the oil is black and the air filter is filthy you can expect to do a rebuild soon. Check the shocks to see if there is any fluid leaking from them. Make yourself a checklist and take it w/ you. That way you won't forget something.
Retail value is about $2700.

 

Well I just picked it up today. for a year 2000 model it is in excellent shape. Needs nothin and all the plastic/seat is good...no cracks/tears...brakes are all good..good tires. I checked the oil and it was clean as a pin. He said he has always run synthetic Amsoil in it since he purchased it. Its all stock except for the K/N air filter which was also clean. The rear was tight too...no sway in it as I tryed to move it side to side by the back wheelie bar. Its a nice bike for my size too..I weigh 240lbs and am 6ft 6inches. Has plenty of power { kind of reminds me of my 350x 3 wheelers I owned in the past } . I would like it to have more top end speed though.... I really dont want to fool around with a new pipe and jetting the carbuerator to attain that right now. Would my simpliest option be changing around the front sprocket or back sprocket..or both? Any suggestions on the quickest, cheapest method to attain more speed { even if I have to sacrifice some power} is greatly appreciated.

 

Going 1 up on the front sprocket will net you a few mph. You will lose a little bit of acceleration but if it feels like it has more than enough now you will like it w/ 1 up. Front sprockets are cheaper than rear ones and to me it's easier to change the front one.