I enjoy reading your site and my two cents is this: It has taken two years to see what kind of problems the 400ex has. There's not many of them but everyone now knows what they are. I don't think there is a better quad out there, with the exception of the 250r, for riding in the woods or on the trails. Honda never has built anything to compete with the Banshee and I don't think they will build anything now to compete with the DS or the new Yamaha that's coming out. The DS and the Banshee and the new Yamaha are going to rule the sand and drags just like they do now. I personally don't like the size of the DS, because I ride on Tight trails but I think it's awesome looking and if I had a place to ride it I would have one. It'll take a while to work out the bugs on the DS and the new Yamaha, but the wait will be worth it for you guys. Sorry for the long Post.

 

cool post,sensible observation's are very cool,thank you. Anyhow you are dead on about tight trails,but it feels great everywhere else.
ride on Honda1.

 

Well, it may have taken two years. But, I don't think that those problems should have occured in the first place. Honda should have known better. They ran into the same kinds of problems with the frame design on the Pilot.

They have the money to spend on research that no other company can come close to.

When it really comes down to it, how can a couple extra inches in width make THAT much of a difference for trail riding. I have been trail riding for over twenty five years. I have used VW sand rails on the trails, Baja's, Odyssey's, ATC's, ATV's and dirt bikes. The trails that would fit any quad, should fit the DS. Some trails will only fit a dirt bike, so any three or for wheeler wouldn't work. What then?

The DS turns on a dime, has great torque and a stable stance. Sure, it may not fit between some trees that a 400EX would. But, there are areas that a 400Ex is too wide, and an ATC70 would fit better. Does that mean the ATC70 is a better trail bike than the 400EX????

Laters,
CRT_Leech

 

well said.

 

I didn't buy my ds for trails thats why I kept my scrambler.I did try my usual trails and it was not a great experience.I tried my buggy once in the trails,I carry a come-a-long now.

 

TO CRT : You shouldn't be so defensive about your quad. I wasn't dumping on it. I LIKE IT!!! I just stated that I like my 400 better for the conditions I like to ride in. I personally have not had any bolts work their way out or loose,my froame is not cracked or peeling and my swingarm is not cracked. I ride very hard, but do not jump very high like the ones who have had trouble. my statement to you is every quad out there is going to have trouble of some kind and you have to expect it, deal with it and move on. You may like your DS for tight trails and that's great for you. REMEMBER I'm not being derogatory. I'm giving my opinion. The DS is a great quad and I for one am very glad it's out there. I also am very glad that's there's some new blood coming out next year. I think that will only make for better riding and more people getting into the sport.

 

I wasn't trying to sound defensive. It's just all the people with 400EX's coming into the Bombardier forum saying what a big boat the DS is and how you can't trail ride and blah blah blah.

I'm glad you like your 400EX. I was a few minutes away from getting one myself. I waited to see what the DS was all about, sat on both ( same dealer, same night) test rode the DS and decided on the DS.

If you have seen my earlier posts, I have also said repeatedly that every vehicle out there has it's own quirks and problems.

It's easy to get defensive when every one is taking shots at ya :-)

Laters,
CRT_Leech