Hey i havnt been one here for awhile and now im looking at a 2003 honda 400ex its yellow ill try to get a pic up but it looks good even the tires and rims look new but i want to go over a couple of things first
1. do the 03's have reverse?
2.is there anything i should check spacificly on the 03
3.how fast does it go im guessing about 55 60 mph

thanks alot for anyhelp what so ever

 

1. no reverse

2.nothing i know of

3.i think upper 50's

 

Any time you are buying a used Honda, make sure the swingarm bolt is not frozen.

Ask the owner to loosen the nut to the end of the threads and tap the bolt to show it can move at least 1/2". If it is seized, the only way to remove it sometimes is to cut it out with a grinder or use a torch. It is not a pretty job and can result in damage to the swingarm or engine cases. There are 2 bushings through the engine case that seize to this bolt. Honda does not have part numbers for these two bushings. Your only options are new cases or getting a machine shop to make custom bushings for you.

If it fails this test, I would lower my offer by $500. This is a major pain in the butt to deal with.

Just do a search on any ATV site for swingarm bolt and see how many people suffer from this problem.

You should definitely check out all the bearings. Make sure there isn't much or any play in the top a-arm bushings. If so, knock another $100 off your offer. See if you can grab the rear brake rotor and move it at all (if you can then the axle bearings are suspect). This is a $50 job if you can do it yourself.

mid-60s is common.

/jon