I have been noticing a lot more 400ex sales n my local paper, cycle trader, dealerships, and so on. They have also been a lot cheaper than normal. I think it's from all the people wanting raptors and trying to sell their ex's as fast as possible. What I dont get though, is why would you sell a bike for one that almost no one has ridden? It's kinda a risk. What if the raptor turns out to be a craptor? I am still getting a 400ex, it will be cheaper than a raptor, plus with a 440 bore kit, it will go faster then the yamaha for all those speed demons. That was proven in stats from an atv magazine. It will still be cheaper than a 660r. If the 400ex has the best available stock chassis and other components, then why would you want something that claims to be better? Even if the raptor has a better chassis, handling etc, the 400ex will still be number 2. And we all know the saying, "First the worst, second the best"

 

I have noticed the same thing in my area. I bought my wife a 400ex last year and we love it. I was holding out for Yamaha to come out with a quad with the 426 motor. Well No dice, I think now I'm just going to buy another 400ex. But in Yellow. Then I'll wait for Honda to come out with a 650 quad. and in the mean time I'll just ride my yellow ex. I, like you, dont think the Raptor is going to be all its cracked up to be.

 

Retail on the 400ex were $4999.00, but you can buy them for $4200.00. A friend of mine has one and I'm very impressed with it. At one point in time I had a TRX 250 A.K.A. 250 Recon and that baby was bullet-proof for years. I also owned a Warrior, which I felt was a great all-around atv. I sold that because I didn't ride it much. Besides being in excellent shape, one of the selling factors was that it had reverse and maybe that was why it sold in one day. The selling factor of the Raptor is that it has all the major ingredients of the big three and then some. Bottom-end of the smooth 400ex, mid-range punch of the DS650, and last but not least hyper-speed of the Banshee 350. I can't choose between those three, because they each have things that I love about them and I'm not hating on any of these great machines....but now there's the Raptor that combines all of what the big three has to offer in a package deal that I can't refuse. So listen up Santa Clause and obey my one wish... deliver my darn 01 Blk/White Raptor or I'm going to be pissed......

Feel the rush...!!!!!

 

No way you can buy a new 400ex for $4200. Retail for the 2000 model is $5499. You would be lucky to buy a good used one for $4200.

 

Correction the going rate is $5299. My fault.

 

i honestly wouldn't want the first of any model

 

There will always be some people who have to have the biggest or whatever the medial is Hyping at the moment. Quite often this does not turn out to be the best. The 400EX is a GREAT machine & if some people want to sell them quickly, then some lucky people who might not otherwise be able to afford the 400EX are going to get a deal! There is a reason why Honda is the number one seller and has more successful racers in both XC and MX racing than any manufacturer. I for one would wait to see how the Raptor does in real world racing and reliability.

 

Up here people are selling them(all sport quads) because they are going to 4x4's. got a friend who wants a Banshee and everyone he knows has utility quads, he will not keep it long if he buys it. He says he wants power and speed , which i love , but when all your riding partners like deep mud and never go much more than 40 it makes no sense.

 

Getting a 440 kit will NOT make the ex Faster. They say it will take over $1000 for thwe EX to keep up with the Raptor. Then u still dont have reverse. I am not talking bad about the 400 b/ i have one and love it, but they just dont have enough power.

 

The 440 kit is over $1000.And also im thinking if everyone starts selling their 400's and with the raptor coming out and evryone buying them that honda will lower the price on the 400.Thats what im thinking.
Jeff