i was looking into a used 400ex to replace my blaster how are these machines and what should i look out for when shopping around for one also any known problems with these things from what ive heard there pretty much bullet proof

 

Assuming it runs well and doesn't smoke, I would make sure you can get the swingarm bolt out. I am serious when I say I would not buy a 400ex if the seller didn't show me the bolt wasn't seized in the bushings in the engine case.

Basically, you just need to loosen the nut. If you can then turn the bolt, you are in good shape. If not, you are going to need to try pounding it out. The problem if you can't is that you will need to cut the bolt out. If there is a lot of play in the swingarm bearings already, then you might end up needing at least a used swingarm off e-bay.

I would check the a-arm bearings, wheel bearings, steering stem bearing. Basically if you have to replace all these bearings, you are at least looking at a parts bill if not a labor bill too if you can't do the work yourself.



/Jon

 

are there any weak apots in the frame i should look for cracks at also are there any model years that have had problems like the 01 raptors

 

I would look at the frame where the top portion of the steering stem bolts to the frame. If it has been flipped, many times this weld will crack or the bracket will be bent. You wil have to take the plastic and gas tank off to look though. The only problem area I know of is the parking brake usually doesn't work.