Does the 400EX get hung up sometimes when climbing hills or doing trail riding?

Thanks, Jeff Fox

 

Depends on the terrain, you can increase ground clearance with a tire change if your terrain dictates it.

The Raptor has worse ground clearance & more exposure than a 400EX.

 

Thanks for the response Gabe. Your posts about the Raptor are why I'm considering the 400EX over the Raptor. I thought I saw the Yamaha web site rate the Ground Clearance at 10". Maybe they are not measuring at the lowest point?

Thanks, Jeff Fox

P.S. I have a pic from your web site as my screen background. Didn't you say something about your jumping a few trucks and posting the pics soon. I can't wait to see them.

 

The only place where ground clearance is a real issue is the rear of both machines. Neither the Raptor or the 400ex has much ground clearance and both stock set-ups are pathetic. My first time out on the 400ex, I bent the stock skid pretty good and had to go with an aftermarket one. I have had no problems with the Raptor set-up, but the plastic skid does'nt offer much protection and will have to be replaced also. Everyone is biased, so peoples opinion is usually on behalf of their machine. Ride both and make your decision on what you like/dislike.

 

I put 22 inch tires on my ex, and they made a HUGE difference. I don't hit near the stuff I used to.
It is also faster, but I lost a bit of power in 4th and 5th so I am gonna put on a 14 tooth c/s sproket.

 

The 10" that Yamaha is quoting is at the frame, the 400EX is the same at the frame. At the swingarm (the lowest point), the 400EX has a slight edge with a little more clearance...

The big difference being that Yamaha's swingarm is very bulky at it's lowest point which exposes more area to rocks & such. The Yamaha is also equipped with a plastic skid plate that needs to be changed immediately if you ride in rocky terrain.

If you get a chance, ride both, see which suits you better, personally the 400EX (for reasons I have detailed in the past) is my choice for the overall better bike. I like my Honda's, but I am biased toward the bike that will help make me the fastest - while that might be the 250R, the 400EX is a very close next best & can be purchased new which counts for a lot to the recreational racer/rider.