so i just picked up a 2000 Honda 400 EX, im a novice to the quad scene and just wondering if these are decent quads, longevity, how hard is it to find parts? i just know that honda mowers, generators, and cars are pretty good as well as motorcycles, but done know much about their quads. it runs good and im sure its got some hours on it(dont know exactly how many) but no weird noises, no smoke. so any general knowledge will help, im also just looking to meet some people to ride with since i don't have many friends who have quads. im located in Western Washington state, thanks!

 

great quad. Replacement parts and aftermarket parts everywhere.

 

the 400ex is a great all around sport quad- like mentioned above, parts & mods are everywhere. pretty dependable and plenty of power for the traills and pits.

400ex was my first experience on a sports quad after leaving the 2 wheel scene- and I loved it. Now I'm more into the 4x4 sport util's...

congrats on your new quad

 

ok ,thanks for the info, its good to know i finally have something that isn't super rare and thats worth something,lol. Now for my next questions. The previous owner was running 89(mid grade) octane gas in the quad, is that ok? i thought i heard somewhere that premium grade fuel should be ran. Also when i change the oil, what shall i use, Ams oil? honda?

 

That motor, stock, is set up to run on 87 octane ( 8.2:1 compression ratio), you wont gain anything with mid grade or premium, no matter what anyone tells you, octane is NOT performance,it is just resistance to detonation (pre ignition or 'pinging') Unless you put in a higher comp piston or shave the head to bump up compression, 87 is fine. For oil, Honda lube is spendy, and not even synthetic, Amsoil is a great oil, and there are many others out there that work great, just make sure it is an oil made for wet clutches.

 

you're fine with reg fuel on your stock 400ex-
everyone will give you their "opinion" on oil- if you want to spend $8-$12 per quart for honda oil- go for it. It's mostly gimmick IMO.
I always just used a quality motor oil from the auto parts store- it should say made specifically for wet clutch motorcycle engines tho.

 

so i was going to try and change the oil in my 400 EX, i found the oil fill which i beleive is the same place that the dipstick is located; but i cat seem to find the drain plug, before judgment is made, please keep in mind that im a novice to quads,lol. any help will help.Also how much oil is needed to fill the engine to its proper level?

 

it's under your motor- if you have a skid plate on it, you'll see (should see) a small hole to access the oil drain- just crawl under there and look up- you'll see it- don't forget about the oil filter on the side! Just as important!

 

and btw- don't feel so bad, I couldn't figure out how to get the damned seat off my 09 polaris 850! no lever like I'm used to- just grab & pull.

 

Don't forget the other drain bolt, on the oil tank in front of the motor.