I agree. check that cable. mine was not set right either and it made a big difference

 

my 2002 400ex problem:
1.starter solenoid crapped out
2.alot of missing, broke, stripped bolts.
3. valve stem on rear right tire is crap ... and leaks sometimes
4. Front sprocket, all the teeth are snapped/broken at LEAST half way over.

The only big problem was the solenoid. I just had to jump it with a screw driver until i got a new one. I bought this used with ALL of those problems except for the sprocket. I managed to do that to the sprocket because i like to wheelie ALOT, and i do this by starting from a stand still and sorta almost dumping the clutch... so it puts alot of pressure on those teeth. They werent even wearing now or worn out or anything until i snapped them. The chain and rear sprocket are in excellent condition.

 

my friend sanpped his oil filter cover bolt (the long right one) and then his top oil line that goes into the clutch side of the motor by the oil pump. the 400ex bolts are very thin and soft. his seleniod also went bad.

 

I will admit that I have rode my 400 harder than most people do, and I also used to ride for 3 - 8 hours a day for about 4 years. Mine definately has more miles or hours than alot of people have on their quad. I am honestly happy that mine has lasted this long. Just upset that I hear about people that have 1970 Honda's that run better now than what they did when it rolled off the production line.

Every single Honda around my part of Indiana/Ohio is a complete hunk of crap. Mine was one of the very first 400EX's off the production line, so I excpect a few more problems. I can't say that I personally know anyone who has/had a Honda and was happy with it.

Truth is I have never seen a Honda that aged well, maybe its from neglect or something else, but everyone I know that has a Honda usually has to say that they can't go riding cause the Honda broke down.

Now, I am not a Honda hater or any of that crap, but I will not buy another Honda ( guess that kinda makes me one ). Well I would seriously consider a 650R/EX but other than that ... nope.

 

hey ish, u gotta start wearin a helmet man. just think if something went wrong when u jumped over that grizzly. no offense but remind me of the rednecks i saw ridin aournd the upper penisula without helmets.