Thanks a lot guys, everyone has really eased my mind on this future purchase this summer. I appreciate all the info you've given me and any I may receive from here on out........Just one more thing for RedEX: The reason I talked about leaning forward on a steep climb is because that's how I'm used to doing it on a Rubicon. I've ridden utilities all my life and that's just how I've been taught, you know. The guy last weekend was sitting down on his EX as you've described, usually even pulling a slight wheelie while climbing out of a creek. Is this the general method for a sport quad rather than getting your weight over the front tires?

 

Hey, I've got a '99 400ex that is pretty built. First, I would say that there is absolutly no reason to buy ANYTHING less than the 400. I'm 5'9 and about 175-180, and I honestly barely ride that one anymore, but go for my yfz 450 because I always want more power! Anyway, about the frunt end commin up, that is true. I can pull mine into a wheelie pretty easily even in fifth gear, but it's not scary in the least. When the nose starts commin up, you'll feel it right away, and all it takes is letting off the gas slightly for the nose to settle right back down again. Plus, the 400ex is probably the most comfortable wheelie bike that there is! (at least that I have ridden). I can ride a wheelie through all five gears in mine almost effertlessly. Anyway, $2200. sounds way cheap, but maybe there just cheaper where you're from. Look at the condition of the bike, and you'll be able to tell what it's worth. One thing about sport bikes, unlike farm quads, sport bikes are usually very clean. A good condition sport bike should have very little visible wear on it. I used to ride farm quads, and a farm quad in "good condition" can still look like it's on it's way to hell! Make sure that the plastic is clean, not a lot of scratchs, there shouldn't be anyting bent on the bike, the motor should start right up, the oil should be clean, and not even close to black. You should chang a sport bike at 15hours of riding at the most, so the oil should still look really new. If you can, pull the spark plug and check the condition of that. You'll be able to tell if it's running lean, rich, hot, etc. Anyway, good choice on teh 400. It's a great bike. Especially if it's stock, you'll get to learn the technique of riding sport bikes on a rather timid machine, than there are tons of building options for them, so you can open the beast up as you get better. A pipe, filter and jet really do wonders for that bike too. Anyway, I have the 440 big bore kit, race carb, race cam, high compression piston, pipe, and some other goodies. My bike will keep up with a slightly modified yfz 450 (my 450). The bike has a lot of potential. You'll be happy with it.