Im 14 and own a 250 xplorer...i'd like to get a 400 xplorer. Are there any known problems with this bike? What are the best years? Thanks!

 

seaneyboy- Going from the 250 to the 400 you will find the 400 much more powerful. The 400 xplorers are great machines and are really quick(2 stroke) faster than my H.O. The only problems I have heard about are seals on the waterpump going bad otherwise nothing else. The best year to get would be a 2000 or newer unless you want chain front wheel drive. 2000's would be my choice because after 00' they took off the speedo and headlight on the bars.

 

GREAT machines very fast but need lots of TLC to keep them in top shape. Any year of a 400 2 stroke would be ok the older ones do have 3 chains to adjust but can be bought rather cheap.

 

Got 600 miles on my 2001. You will like the snap of that 400. I just had to replace a bushing in my swingarm ( probably my fault because its a bugger to hit that greese fitting on the left side ) other than that it has been a great trouble free machine. Muddin in Mich

 

Actually the 99 xplorer 400 has front shaft drive.Not sure about prior years.Love mine.A little more maintanance than shaft(rear) drive but you dont lose as much power as a shaft.Extremely quick.With a little work,65-70 mph is no problem.

 

I have a 1999 400 Xplorer, the first year with the shaft to the front drive. No complaints with it after 7200 miles.
There are a few things to know about these. The pre-1999 were 3-chain models. Nothing wrong with them, but the chains need a lot of maintanence, and the right hand side rear swingarm bolt is prone to loosening. Also, the carb boots aren't as tough as on the 1999 and newer ones. Again, not a big deal, but something you want to keep your eyes on, so it doesn't crack.
2001 brought more changes, refinements maybe. Braided Stainless Steel brake lines instead of rubber, and stronger steering components. I have never seen anything on the steering on the older machines actually break, but the newer ones last far longer.
The 400 is a great engine, just keep the air filter clean.

 

i own a 00 400 xplorer and and 95 400 sportsman and they are very snappy and quick but like ftwflh said on this forum they take alot of TLC, i dont know ive had many problems with my xplorer the 2 stroke is nice but its not what its hyped up to be they seem like they never run right and i just have had bad exp. with Polaris quads i guess, ive noticed that honda and many other brans are a lil more dependable and less maintenance, but the 400 xplorer is a nice quad but just take good care of it keep an eye on the front cv joint boots and grease it alot and just keep things in tip top shape and you may have good luck with it.



Good luck man [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Loved my 96 400. Only problem was the water pump seal.
Light & fast & still a great work horse. I think this quad is very underrated. Never any
problems with chains etc., just normal lube maint.

 

Oh, and watch the air cleaner closely, that 400 takes a LOT of air, and is very picky about the filter being clean. If it gets plugged up at all, it affects the carburetion.
Otherwise, it is probably pretty much a bigger version of the 250.

 

The 400 Xplorer is probably still, my all time favorite 4WD utility machine. Mostly because of its willingness to be modified. Not to mention the true AWD.