I am now the proud owner of a 2003 Honda TRX 400EX. Some observations are in order. After switching from a Polaris Sport 400, the new Honda seems a bit small. I really didn't get to ride it much today (hey, it was 20 degrees out) but it seems to wheelie very easily. It also didn't want to run very well. I don't know if it's the cold weather leaning the machine out, or the fact that I just didn't let it warm up enough. I've owned enough Honda machines in the past to know they are notorious for being cold blooded. The tool box lid seems a little loose, but that can be fixed with duct tape. The turning radius is somewhat larger than my old Sport was. I already miss the reverse.

The learning curve as far as going back to a manual clutch and transmission was nil. I guess it's a lot like riding a bicycle, except it's a lot harder to put bubblegum cards between the spokes. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

The motor seems pretty peppy for a fourstroke. It has just enough power to make it interesting. Still I didn't buy the machine because it was a powerhouse.

Speaking of buying it, they had it marked down to $4699. $1000 less than retail. They had the Suzuki LT-Z marked down to $4999. I guess there is a price war going on and the only people to benefit from it is us.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

All in all I'm pretty satisfied with it, but I do have a few questions.

#1. How far will it go on a tank of gas? The 2.6 gallon tank seems tiny compared to the Sport's 4 gallon tank.

#2. Has anyone tried one of the aftermarket tanks for it? Most specifically the Clarke 5.5 gallon tank. I want a machine I can "ride all week and fill up on Monday". Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi Mike, I have an 01 temporarily still stock. The fuel mileage is quite good depending on how hard you ride, 70+ miles on a tank without hitting reserve. I changed the pilot jet from the stock 38 to a 42 and got rid of the cold bloodedness otherwise they have to warm up fully before it will accellerate cleanly.

 

Powerslider,

If you get 70 mile on a tank, then in theory, a 5.5 gallon tank could go around 150 miles or so before hitting reserve. THAT is a lot of riding on one tank of gas. It would completely drain my dump can.

You have to remember that I'm new to these manual transmission quads. CVT equiped machines go through fuel like they have a hole in the tank (you have to keep them revved).

Thanks for the info on the jetting. I'll look into getting the pilot jet.

 

The mileage difference between 2 and 4 strokes is considerable, I know what your saying though on the thirsty Polaris, my Scrambler averages about 11mpg.

I don't rev the Honda that high, it's power peak is around 7 grand so it's pointless to go to the rev limiter. You'll be quicker short shifting. I've ran the Upper Peninsula (Mich.) with the EX and carried an extra gallon of fuel but never needed it. I was surprized with the mileage it got, by the way if you want a six pack rack AC has a nice one that clamps over the grab bar, works well for carrying fuel or whatever. I'm running Amsoil 10/30 winter, 20/50 summer, I like this oil.

Check the dealer set up over, my toe setting was way off. Renthals will greatly reduce the annoying bar vibration, my hands would go numb with the stock bars. On the chain adjustment, the chain tightens as the rear susp compresses so make sure you don't over tighten it. I also installed a set of Holeshot tires for better flat resistance. Good luck!!!