Hey guys I need your help in deciding which quad to get.

I've been riding ATV's for 3-4 years now, my first quad being a (not sure on year) Honda Recon 250. I rode that for about a year than upgraded to my brothers 2003 Honda Sportrax 300ex. I loved the 300ex compared to the Recon! Anyways, I've been riding the 300ex for a few years now and it's developing problems, but most importantly I need a power upgrade and something new.

I know my new quad is going to be a Honda, I love them, but I'm just not sure which model. Basically it's between the 2008 Honda TRX450R and the Honda TRX400EX. The first thing I want to say is I want to buy brand new and I'm wondering why there's no 2008 TRX400EX on Honda's website? The latest model I see is 2007?

Anyways, the quad is going to be used for all types of riding! It needs to be very versatile! I do alot of exploring so it's going to be riding every type of trails you can imagine! Fast sand trails with speed humps here and there, fast dirt trails, tight woods trails, sometimes muddy, rocks here and there, big steep hills, sand dunes, and occasional small jumping. But there's also good wide open locations around where I really want to be able to open up and rip!

Oh yeah I can't forget to mention I live in New England so in the winter there's gonna be extremely cold temperatures with snow on the ground, and in the summer it's gonna be really hot.

And by the way I'm not going to be able to do any serious internal mechanical upgrades, I just don't know how yet. I gotta keep it simple like nerfs, handguards, etc. The most technical I could get would probably wheels and tires and maybe having my dad help me install an exhaust system. (And would you guys please post the better brands out there for upgrades/mods?)

So yeah what's gonna be better for me? 450R or 400EX?

(I was gonna get the 450R hands down until I started reading it's not so good for anything but straight motocross so I figured I'd post this.)

Also I know I said I want Honda, but if you know of a quad that will fit my style better that isn't Honda, be sure to let me know!

Thanks guys!

*EDIT* I totally forgot to mention this: I'm 16 years old weighing in at 165lbs. Is the 400EX let alone the 450R going to be too much for me to handle?

 

I like my EX for tighter trails. It has an engine that will lug down and doesn't mind being ridden slow. On the other hand, it is no slug on fast trails or even in the wide open desert. The engine is dead solid reliable, and very forgiving if you happen to neglect maintenance.

I like the R for going fast in the open desert and fast more open trails. It does NOT like to be lugged down, and is geared tall so is it wants to run. All the 450s need frequent oil changes

I would say that of the two, the EX is the better all-around machine! If I could have only one quad that had to do everything, it would be the EX....

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: reconranger

I like my EX for tighter trails. It has an engine that will lug down and doesn't mind being ridden slow. On the other hand, it is no slug on fast trails or even in the wide open desert. The engine is dead solid reliable, and very forgiving if you happen to neglect maintenance.



I like the R for going fast in the open desert and fast more open trails. It does NOT like to be lugged down, and is geared tall so is it wants to run. All the 450s need frequent oil changes



I would say that of the two, the EX is the better all-around machine! If I could have only one quad that had to do everything, it would be the EX....</end quote></div>

Thanks for the reply, reconranger! It helped me alot!

All the boys over at www.atvriders.com for the most part are trying to sell me on the 450R's power, except this one guy is sayin the 450R requires much more maitence, more expensive replacement parts, no reverse, etc. And I'm gonna take his word over others, he has an old join date and a post count in the 7 of thousands, so he probably knows his stuff good just like you, reconranger.

So, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go with the 400EX, but when's the 2008 model going to be released?

Also, the guy suggested for the 400EX I get a new pipe and filter, do you think it's necessary? If so, what pipe and filter do you recommend?

*EDIT* Here's what they're saying at atvriders if anyone cares: http://www.exriders.com/vbb/sh...erpage=13&pagenumber=1

 

I would certainly wait to see what the 08 is going to be like! Not sure when the dealer show is. That is when they release info on the new models.

The EX engine responds pretty well to mods. If I were doing a new one, I would go with the ProDesign (ProFlow) adapter and foam air filter, the EHS racing airbox lid (with Outerwears) providing I didn't ride in a lot of water/mud, and FMF Powerbomb header and Q muffler. And of course, a rejet.

As far as the 450 goes, it just depends on which type of riding you want to favor. If you want to go real fast in open country and don't mind a lot of clutch slipping when you are on a tight trail, then it is an excellent choice. Gearing it down will also help a little. No changes in the 450 for 08...appearently.

If you want to favor tighter trail riding, then go with the EX. It will still go fast enough in open country that you won't be disapointed.

Did you also look at the Z400? I feel like it kind of falls somewhere between the R and the EX. It is the best all-around machine out there! The engine does like to rev, but not anything like the R. On the other hand, it is faster than the EX, and its engine responds dramatically to simple mods.

 

I really do appreciate the suggestion for the Z400, but I'm a Honda boy. Also recon, do you think you could open my link and view what they're tellin me and if you have any opinions about what they're sayin to me let me know via PM. No need to keep chatting in this thread.

 

Chatting here is what the forum is all about. Then other can read the chat and learn from what goes on!

I have a dozen or so buddies who have the 450R. Every one of us have 200+ hours on our original engines! We all use high quality oil (Maxima Extra ester synthetic) and we all change it reasonably often. We do reasonably frequent valve adjustments as well. Beyond that, we don't do anything special that you wouldn't do to a 400EX.

Not bad for an engine they told us would need a rebuild after 15 hours!

That said, I do expect to do a few rebuilds on my 450R, and I don't expect that I will ever need a rebuild on my 400EX....

 

i've riddin my girlfriends 400ex and it flys shes has mods also though and if ur a honda man then thats what i woudl suggest 450r are cool but for what ur lookin for i think the 400ex is ur best bet alsoi'd say a k&n air filter and razr tires good luck

 

If you are going to be exploring forget the 450R and go with the 400ex. As Recon said the 450R loves to rev, and would probably hate being exploring in the woods.

The 400ex is IMO the best woods/trail machine ever made, especially for slower technical trails.