I don't know about you guys, but I have been waiting for this shootout to come out for months! I had a feeling last night, and I drove to Fry's, and there, behind some crappy, misplaced Hairstyle Magazine were 5 brand new July issues! I don't know if I should give the results, or make you all go get your own issues! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

They break it down to a ranking of the best quad for each of the following: MX Track, Trail, Dunes, Desert Racing, Top Speed (this one may surprise you all!), Power Characteristics, Handling and Suspension (this one shouldn't surprise anyone!) and Best Overall!

It's a good, informative article - worth the wait, I thought!

Corry [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I read that shootout last night too. Based on what it said, Honda had better totally redesign their 400EX. It got dogged out in most categories - especially drag racing and top speed. It was the slowest of the bunch by a large margin which isn't really a surprise.

It sounds like the Cannondale kicks some serious but when it is running. I think that is outstanding for the very first year it was introduced. Once they get through their growing pains they will be hard to beat.

Maybe Honda will get off their butts and come out with a real sport quad now.

 

I have heard rumors that Honda is going to be coming out with something like a 650cc or 660cc to compete with Yamaha, but who knows - now maybe they will take some notes on the Cannondale and come up with something really cool in between! Whatever it's going to be, it's going to be worth the wait, I am sure! I will be happy to wait on my 400EX - what with it's superb suspension and excellent handling and all! The hardest part of this whole quad thing is restraining myself from going out and buying the newest and fastest quad every time one is introduced! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] That would get veeeerrrry expensive!

Corry

 

I've had that issue for a good two or three weeks. Seems like they send out the subscriptions a month earlier than the stores.

 

ya i've had that for like a month now it seems like. im waiting for the new one. i wanted to buy the winner but i had to take the second place quad. i like it though it needs some extras when i get the warranty worn off

 

It is hard to believe alot of what is said in the mags. They seem to flip flop in their opinions and then somehow come out with an odds on favorite. I just need to seem alot more of the Cannondale before I can get too excited about it. It seems like the perfect race quad will not be built for quite awhile. I think when it does finally get built it will be a Honda. I say that because they know what it takes 250R.

Adam Smith

99 400EX

 

Yeah, you have to take everything you read with a grain of salt, but it's good all around info! And I am going to get my subscription tomorrow for Dirtwheels, since this store thing is obviously just too d*** slow! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

I was happy to see my 400 can still hold it's own in a much more competitive field. Top speeds don't matter too much to me - not a lot of dry lake beds to run in here! But Honda is definately going to have to step up to the plate here, soon! They will! All good things are worth the wait! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Corry

 

Yea I normally get copy's of Dirtwheeles or 4wheel ATV Action about 2 months in advance. I got July's issue close to the middle of may.

 

i was kinda confused though when i seen the 400EX was in it's position being the only older quad was the banshee... Honda knows their stuff and i bet the new quad will be a real thumper (CRF450 engine in a EX frame) which is really the only logical quad to make... i would like to see a 600EX but the 450 motor would satisfie me just as well... i'll be in line to pick one up when they come out... but i guess we'll have to wait and see what Honda's answer is

 

Me too. I will have a biiiiiiiig fight with my hubby about that one, I am sure, since I just bought my 400EX this year! But I can't wait to see what Honda comes out with, and I know I will want it reaaaaaaallllly bad! I would probably only lose a couple of grand in the upgrade, don't you think? I am sure they won't make it as pricey as the Cannondale! They have always been reasonable!

Corry