I agree about the Warrior. If the Warrior can hold on for so long then there will be a place for the 400EX.

 

LOL there's been alot of examples of other "veterans" still sticking around - The "old tech" Banshee, the "slow" 300EX and Mojave. These quads have weathered the storm as newer, more technically advanced models have come out. Like someone pointed out, the R&D costs have been spent on these machines, and there's still a place for them - it just comes down to economics: supply, demand, and pricing. I agree the 400EX still has it's place -with the right pricing, that quad can be a real bargain.

 

I totally agree with you that the 400ex still has its place and will be a great bargain for anyone who wants a fast reliable bike. However, I the 450r may only have 50 more cc's but I think its going to be quite a bit faster than the 400. Perhaps you were just talking top speed but I think the real difference is going to be in how quick it is. Time will tell of course, but I think they are both awesome bikes, and I'm certainly not going to sell my 400ex even if I do purchase a 450r

 

good stuff guys, i think your all right on that one. the 400ex will always have its place. peace out.

 

Displacement isn't meaningful when you are comparing engines of such different design. The EX is an old air cooled thumper, where the TRX is a high-tech water cooled screamer. The TRX can make twice the horsepower that the EX will! And, the TRX makes it power at WAY HIGHER RPM.

 

I think there will always be a place for the 400ex. It handles well, is decently quick and I am considering adding one to my little stable. I buy a 400ex over a suzuki z400 because the honda has proven quality. I have an old '86 Honda 3 wheeler that still starts on the first kick every time and the only thing i've done to it was keep the oil changed. As far as the 400ex not having reverse, I would rather get off and push once in a while than buy a bike that has inferior quality.

 

I raced a yfz 450 when they first came out. We came out of the corner twice with the same momentum and we were dead even. I weigh 230 and he looked about 180. His 450 was bone stock and my 400 has approx. $1600 in the motor. Pros and cons for both machines........depends on rider experience, style and pocket book.

 

your right, the z400 took the 400 class and the new 450 looks pretty sweet and unless there is one major flaw in the 450 then the ex is out.

 

warrior350,

There is one major flaw in the new Honda 450. It doesn't have electric start. The bulk of all quads are not purchased by people who race mx. It will have a niche market and get some press from the mx scene but it will not be a flagship product with only a kickstart. Add electric start and it will be as heavy or heavier than a 400ex and cost as much as Yamaha's product.

You can say I told you so one day if you are right but I don't believe Honda will stop making the 400ex within the next 5 years.

/Jon

 

they have talked about the 300ex is going to stop being made in a couple years..

why would they stop making the 400ex too,
it doesnt make any since to stop making them both........IMO