For you racers out there!!! Are you guys seeing any 400ex's beating out those 250R's. I know those R's are fast but there has to be some quick 400ex's out there. I am running EX now with just a pipe and rev extender and KN filter pro level suspension and i am beating some R's. so I figure if I Up my motor to the 440 or 460 I should be able to compete with the modified 250R's and Quadracers with out any problem. Just wondering what you racers are seeing out there on the track. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

Around here, one class it quad A. It consists of 2 storkes and 4 strokes. I am yet to see a 400EX in the top 4 or 5. It's hard to judge because it is all in the rider. Most older 2 stroke racers keep 2 stroke while the younger racers buy a new 400EX, then decide to race.

 

I agree that a lot is in the rider. I run 2 stroke B at my local track and sometimes we go off the gate with 4 stroke B. In one race, 3 400ex's got the holeshot on me, but I passed one each lap. I passed them in the turns. It seemed like I could even go to the outside and pass them because once I got beside of them, when I opened it up, I had the instant advantage. But, I have been beaten by a couple of 400's. I guess the only true way to tell is have a pro on two unfamiliar, set up quads and take lap times.

 

I think the 250R is the best machine around, until Honda comes out with an updated 250R. The 400Ex is a nice machine but nothing compared to the TRX 250R. The amount of $$$ you put into the 400EX to get the same performance out of a 250R is about 1/2 the cost for the 250R. I know some people who like my 250R better than there 400EX which is at the same level of quality and they say "I don't believe the comfort of the 2-stroke" The nice thing with this bike the power is there when you want it, but the 400EX has a better LOW END torque.

 

I have a 250R that I race and a 400ex to woods ride. The 400 would make a better racer in tight, technical woods terrain, and the 250R is faster on an open MX-type track. In stock form, the "R" wins hands down in the acceleration and speed catagory.
The 400 can be made to run close to an "R" as I have friends who race nationals with me and they have fast 400's but it does take alot more money to make a 400 run with an "R" with the same riding ability of the riders. A simple pipe and silencer combo for an "R" will only set you back a couple hundred bucks, while a 440 kit is considerably more than that. Just depends on what type of racing, and the riders ability to ride the bike to it's limits.

 

I have riden a nicely modified 250R and my 400ex and I admit the R has really got the power on tap. But I can do everything on a Ex that I can do on a R. When it comes to longevity and maintenece I really like my EX. no jetting acorrding to temp, no mixing gas, and no rebuilds every season. Just set it up one time, and on and off the trailer it goes for every race no messing around with it making sure its right on for that particular day. I guess the less stress and headaches are worth spending a little more for.
Somedays I just wish I had both. May thats the Answer.

 

hehe heck yea.....I've seen a 12 yearold ona 400ex burn some guys on R's. of course it is fully modified.....and he is the son of the owner of the track......he usually rides an R but guess he wanted to try the 400ex.......well he did pretty good.....

 

There are 400EXs everywhere winning both MX and woods races. Every race I have participated in or watched in the last 2 years has had a huge 400 turnout. Around here (Missouri and Arkansas) I have seen quite a few 400EXs beat similarly equipped 250Rs - the 250R does have a slight power advantage (stock vs stock), but it is harder to use, and gets harder when modified. The 400 is a less fatiguing bike to ride as well.

Personally, I have beaten modified 250Rs with my stock 400EX both on the track and in the woods. They are close enough that most of the time it boils down to rider - some situations favoring the 250R, some favoring the 400EX. Neither MX or woods racing is dependant on the power of the machine as long as they are somewhat close, look no further than the Banshee vs either of these - no contest.

250R or 400EX - Either is a great choice for racing MX, woods, or just going out and having a good time. They are both great all around bikes.

 

Well, I just wanted to also add my 2 cents worth. I bought a new 99 honda 400ex last year and was vary happy with its performance. I loved the low and mid range, but my buddy rode a highly modified 89 R with after market suspension. So we swapped and I was completely impressed. Not only was it alot more comfortable but it destroyed my 400ex on top it and in quickness. Because I just spent so much money buying the new quad I was rather pissed that I didn't have the money to modify mine. We both figured that it would take close to $3,000.00 to equal the same performance that his R had. Knowing that I missed the 2 stroke sand throwing snap on top I was up for some other options. So to make a long story short I swapped my new 400ex 1 for 1 for one of his friends highly modified R's. The R that I had was worth every penny that the 400 was worth anf then some. Needless to say, that was last fall and I will probably never own another quad. So I hate to bust some bubbles out their, but if you love the harder extreme side of ATVing you still can't beat the R. By the way the guy that traded for my 400ex sold it I here once again that he is back to building highly modified R's. The 400ex is a great machine and is probably even better highly modified if you have the money. Don't forget you still want have that 2 stroke snap that shoots the rooster tails 30 feet in the air off the top of a dune.

 

Here in Las Vegas the quads consist of about 49% (mostly stock motors) 250Rs and 49% (mostly stock motors) 400EXs. The other 2 quads are a CT310R and an LRD440EX. Both are good riders. Time and time again the guy on the R wins with the 440ex in second. All of my quad racing friends who have a 400EX say they will soon invest in a real racing machine, a 250R. I myslef race a 250R and have never finished below 3rd place. Every week the CT310R is in first, the LRD440EX is in second, and myself (250R) in 3rd.

BOTTOM LINE:
In my oppinion the 400EX and the 250R feel so much alike that you should get whatever kind of power you are used to, the peppy, quick power of a 2-stroke or the low-end torque of a 4-stroke. Remember, racing is about 80% rider and 20% machine.