I am about to buy my first quad bike and after reading through these forums and talking to local riders I have decided to go for a 400EX. Mainly due to it being a good all round bike with proven reliability.
I am looking at bikes around the '03 '04 mark, however if I can not find anything good I will go new (would rather not fork out that much).
Questions;
What are the prime things to look for when buying second hand?
I plan on leaving it at a holiday house up north, when leaving it for long periods should I run it dry of fuel?
Is there any other good ideas for storing over long periods (eg. keep battery on charge)?
Read various articles about chain wax. Can anyone comment on using WD-40?

 

Check the frame for cracks, if you can do a compression check on it. Ride it and make sure it runs good and strong. Check bushings and such for wear. If it's an '03 or '04 it shouldn't have many problems.

As for the WD-40 I've heard it collects alot of dust and it can also be used as a degreaser so it's probably not the best thing to use.

 

were do you live i am selling mine if you are interested their is a parts list below and i have more on it now $3500 obo its a 2004

 

If you checked his profile, You would see he live's in Australia. I don't think he would buy A quad in New York. However that is A great offer. But A bit to far for me to.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img]

 

Make that Australian dollars and you pay for delivery and you've got yourself a deal!!!!

Nah thanks for the help guys. Hopefully I will be joining you in the quad biking fraternity and be able to help out with valuable advice soon. Going to look at a second hand one tommorow night which I could probably get for $6000 ('04), then again I can get a new one for $9,000. Any comments on which way to go?

 

well 400EX are defentaly reliable. I got mine in great condition with a k&n pro flo kit, FMF Pipe and dinojet kit for 2000$ and i live in michigan. Just keep you'r eye on the paper and some websites as well as ebay and urr fiund you'r self a deal. Also for 6000$ iv seen new ones. The only negitive on my 400 is it has no reverse witch the neew modles have reverse oh and the airbox some guy put in keeps falling appart, I hate when people put silly mods on

 

Just picked up my 04 and they had it out for $3500

 

Wow! $6000.00 for A used 04? What is the currency exchange compared to the U.S. dollar now?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

well to put in perspective they are 10 000 brand new (I can get a grand off through a friend). I don't think exchagne rates are the only porblem, it is also the high import and customs tax (plus GST) that we get slugged for imports into Australia. It is frustrating especially when you here about you guys buying them for $3,500. For more perspective my annual salary is $70,000 (might add this is above average for aus.)

 

Then you'd have to pay taxes on that $70,000. If someone in Canada made an annual salary of $70,000, they would probably end up with $40,000 after taxes if they do not have any deductions.