alright -
I need help deciding what quad to buy: my options are limited too - 400ex - cannondale - ds650 - OR my freinds 01 raptor that runs and is rideable but needs about 400.00 worht of work... i could buy that for about $2000.00, it was beat to hell before he bought it and the carbs, are a lil 'iffy' and it idles high, and then low, and then it'll shoot back up again so... yah... it was crashed a few times before my frend bought it for 1500.00 - and I'm looking into a 400ex but only have 2500.00 to spend... :-/ As for the 400ex i heard that it sucks seeing how it doesnt have reverse and/or liquid cooled - can do w/o the reverse. - I also could buy a Cannondale BUT, dont know which one to buy, or where to get parts, and I heard that they 'break down' easy, and the cams are always bent and outta shape etc. etc. I also heard they are a mechanical Nightmare. - as for the DS650 i've only seen about 3 go for under 2500.00 ON EBAY... and thats it.
I'm 14 years old, and have been riding since i was 3 *11years* and stand about 5'7 - 145LBS. -----
What can you tell me about these quads, the pros. and cons. and what do you suggest - i do mainly trail/pipe-line riding and once in awhile will find myself in a sand-pit for about a half hour. I also like to ride at night.
Again THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP.!

 

dont get the raptor 01 trannys are ****
i would get the c/dale or the ds
maybe the ex would suit you because of your size

 

i would not go with the Cdale your right about the problems. if it was me i would go with a 400ex very reliable or the DS fast and yet somewhat reliable. it matters how much you really want to spend because the DS will get ya at a little but hight tag. my friend had a 400ex before he sold it off and i had alot of respect for that quad because if i did anything like that to my quads it probablly wouldnt be running anymore, those things stand up to alot.

 

You can find an older 400ex for around 2500 or so. Just be patient and look for a deal. Thats your best choice for your desires and you budget.

 

I like the Cannondales but don't get one. Parts get pretty pricey.

 

i would say tho get the 400ex,i plan on getting one sometime soon,it seems like it would fit your size better.as for the 01 rappy not all their trannys were crap,a freinds dad has an 01 and it has never even made tranny noise.the ds's are nice quads but for your size i think thety may be a little much.and i dont know squat about the dales.

 

This is a very wise choice.......they are undervalued because of all the new bikes,,,,and still offer just as much performance for what you describe (trails)

A 400ex will keep the $$$$$ in your wallet. It is a simple, low maintenance bike,,,,with gobbs of cheap parts out there.

This would be a fine bike for your size and experience. I dont think the DS, Rappy or cannondale would be a wise choice for you.

 

thats exactly what i've been looking for. a 400ex but i just figured i might as well have another choice incase i find one of them. such as the raptor or w/e... but my friends needs some work...t hat i dont want to put into it, and he has something w/ his tranny....