I am thinking of getting a sport type quad.One that I am thinking about is the 400 EX. I was hopeing that some of you guys might bring me up to speed on the EX. I am approx. 5'11 and 255 lb.Would like to know your likes and dislikes as well as any major flaws of this machine. Thanks in advance for your help.


J. Prentice

 

The 400 is a good all around bike. It mods up well, and there are tons of aftermarket stuff for it. You're the right size for it. It doesn't have reverse. Have not had any major problems with any Honda.

 

Sport400

I will try and help you the best that I can. You didn't comment on the type of riding you will be doing, but I will assume that it is trail riding.

400ex Advantages

1. Superior handling. This machine never ceases to amaze me on handling.

2. Great power for trail riding. Stock engine has plenty of low end torque and with the addition of a new slip-on pipe, you can really notice a difference in throttle response.

3. The 400ex is a very reliable machine with proper maintenance. Don't let anybody tell you that Honda's are maintenance free. No quad, especially a sport machine, is maintenance free. Take care of a 400ex and it will take care of you.

4. Fairly comfortable stance. I am about the same height as you and I don't feel cramped on the machine. Definetly lower stance than your Sport, but you will get used to it.

Disadvantages:

1. A little underpowered (stock form) for the sand dunes and serious high speed riding (such as drag racing).

2. No reverse. You will get used to not stopping where you will need it, but it still would be nice for trail riding. About once a trail ride, I get into a spot where I have to use manual reverse (aka push).


This is basically a pretty tough machine. Keep the oil changed and run a quality synthetic oil. The engine runs really hot (air cooled) and tends to break down conventional oils pretty fast. Hope this helps.

 

I made the switch from a 99 Sport to a 400EX a couple of months ago.
The difference is no less than amazing. Like Magnum said, you MIGHT need to get off and push it backwards once a ride.

 

Thanks for the help guys.Mudman you are right trailriding is what I do most.I was also considering a raptor but it is a little more than I want to spend and I have read in the Yamaha forum that the 01 models are having som tranny problems.I am really leaning more toward an EX.I have to sell a Kawasaki Prarie first.Please keep the posts coming.Thanks again .


J.Prentice