With the 2005 400EX they changed the gearing; what is it like now? I was comparing the 05 and 04 and the 05 I think the weighs close to 11 lbs more! Also on the 05 how easy is the reverse to use and is it being accessed from the side fender a + or -. And did they change the engine at all? I know it wont matter much but will the 04 be faster than the 05 because of weight disadvantage. With all that said is the extra $500 for a new 05 (compared to a new 04) worth it.

 

I can' answer that question, but I got the latest issue of Dirtwheels and it has a shootout between the 2005 400EX and the Z-400. They claim that the new gearing seems to accelerate a little quicker and pulls better on the top end, but I don't know because I've never ridden one. You might pick up a copy and read the full review.

 

The '05 weighs more because they added reverse. Honda is gearing the 400 ex more towards woods and trail riding because they have the 450 r. In my opinion reverse is worth the extra 500. I looked at one a month ago, but decided to get a foreman to use in the mud.