I am in a wheelchair and would love to buy a 400ex. However, I would need to install an electric shifter kit and some kind of reverse capability to make it practical. I once saw an ad in an old Dirt Wheels for an electric shifter kit, but I don't have it any more. Anybody have any contacts? Has anyone had any experience (negative/positive) with the kits? Do they fit the 400ex? Any ideas on solving the reverse problem? Yes, I know I could buy a Polaris, or even a 300ex (for the reverse). But once I saw the picture of the 400ex, well you know the feeling... Thanks for any help.

Terry

 

Terry- I don't think the electric shift is the way to go on the 400ex. The electronic shift kits that I am familiar with work on auto-clutch. I'm not sure how you could work the manual clutch and the shift button at the same time.

Adding a reverse would require expensive modifications on the transmission. I'm not even sure it could be done on the 400ex.

I understand your interest in the 400ex though, I love mine. You might consider a sport model with the auto clutch. I read an article not long ago in Dirt Wheels about a modified Yamaha Wolverine. I know it isn't exactly what you want, but with the motor work, it might come close to what you want.

Good luck, I hope you find a setup that works for you.

 

I also saw the ad in dirt wheels. The website for the Electrix Shift kit is http://www.cyclecountry.com I also don't think that you could put and electric shifter on the manual clutch driven 400 ex. I don't know who makes it but I saw this stick shifter. It attaches to your foot shifter and comes up to where you can shift with you hands. It is pretty inexpensive too. Look in some of the atv hunting magazines. I think I saw it in Cabelos fall 1999 mag. Good luck.

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Matt Sibley

1999 Honda 300 4x4 Vampires and 2500 lb. winch

 

Thanks for the input guys. Wow, that was quick! I didn't realize the shift kits were designed for use with an auto clutch. I might explore the hand change option, but the thought of taking a hand off the bars at 40mph+ to click it into top makes me kinda nervous! Point taken about the reverse. I think I would probably go for the Polaris 2x4 400 over the Wolverine (I am an old motocrosser) - but thanks for the tip.

 

Polaris 4X2? You mean the Sport I assume? You should buy that. It's faster than a 400EX anyway. (No matter what dirtwheels says) I've rode both. The 400Ex is a nice bike though don't get me wrong. A couple of mods on the Sport though and you will be beating Banshees. Yes, it weighs alot. And Honda reliability is top notch I know. But the Sport 400 engine is a powerhouse just waiting to be modified and beat on ! On the other hand even a stock one is quick, plus they are about $1200 cheaper than a 400EX that doesn't have near the power potential, doesn't have the ground clearance, no reverse either & on top of that it's kinda small.
c-ya,



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Andrew Thomas

'99 Scrambler 400 (New & improved with RCR kit and more raisins than ever) & '99 Trailblazer for Baby Butt Cheeks...

 

I'm not so sure about a polaris. I know alot of polaris owners having to do lots of maintenance every week just to ride on the weekends. As far as reliability HONDA is probably tops. Oh I definately under stand about not using but one hand to steer at over 40 mph. I guess the hand shifter isn't a good idea after all.

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Matt Sibley

1999 Honda 300 4x4 Vampires and 2500 lb. winch

 

Andrew. For 2000, the Sport is now known as the Scrambler 4x2. I agree with you though and Dirt Wheels does too. They tested the Scambler 4x2 in this months issue. It ran around 63 top end. If I'm not mistaking, that's about on par with the ex. Go with the Polaris.

Jarrod Holland

 

Have a nieghbor who lost his leg on the side where the shifter was on his honda he tried the hand shifter but just never could master it. He eventually bought a Polaris 300 in 1995 he loved it last year he gave the 300 to his kid and bought a magnum 500 for himself says its the best riding most comfortable atv he,s ever ridden but if you rather not have a Polaris remember pretty well every manufacturer except Honda builds automatics now. You might also consider the Honda 450es with the electric shift I have seen some people have there electric shifters have intermittent trouble but im sure that Honda being on top of their game as well as they are have remedied this problem . I know a lot of the guys who assemble the 450s and the ex,s the plant where they are built is about 35 miles from me. Really well trained good group of guys who take pride in their work. Consider an automatic I really think you would enjoy it I know I wouldn,t trade mine for a gearbox. Kagey 99 Magnum 500

 

Well, I have a lot to think about! I agree, Honda pretty much can't be topped as far as reliability. The reliability issue with the Polaris is starting to worry me, plus the stories about lack of dealer support I have been reading about in the Polaris board. This is a shame, because the Sportsman 500 (I rode a friends) really impressed me. It (and I am sure the Magnum) can certainly cut it with the big Hondas. I like the big 4x4's/4-bangers, but they would be overkill for where I ride. Overall, the 400 Polaris is beginning to sound good - it can drag a ex? Wow!. I hope you Honda guys know I at least explored the option. Thanks again for all the advice and help.

Terry

 

Terry,
As far as reliability I believe Honda is No.1. I have 2 Polaris quads, my brother had a Sport, my friend has a 300 Express & my other friend has a 400 Explorer. None of us have any bad experiences with our Polaris's.
I'm sure there are some lemon Polaris's though. Can a Sport drag an EX ??? You've been riding too many Dirts Wheels articles !!! Dirt Wheels brags up Honda because Honda is their big ad supporter. Also, Polaris's did at one time back in the 80's seem "uncool". But they have come along way and some guys just can't take getting smoked by an automatic. Do the same mods to a Sport that you do to an EX and the Sport will really smoke it. I only have the RCR kit on my 4WD Polaris & I can beat a 400EX. The 400EX's motor is like a 400 you might find in an old Pontiac Tempest where as the Sports is like the 400 in the Ram Air GTO. The Sport 400 is a powerful motor capable of 50-60 reliable HP on 93 octane gas. I don't hate Honda's, I just like my Scrambler.
Ride a Sport, see if it is what you want. I think you will like it.
c-ya,

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Andrew Thomas

'99 Scrambler 400 (New & improved with RCR kit and more raisins than ever) & '99 Trailblazer for Baby Butt Cheeks...