I am looking at getting a 400ex. I have heard from a few people having problems with them. I was wondering if you guys could answer a few questions for me.

1. What are these problems and how common are they (if there really are problems)?

2. Would I be better off buying a used 2000 or 1999 model?

3. Where can I get Roll Design a-arms and Axis shocks for it?

Thanks alot.

 

I do knot know of any problems with the 400ex. I have only had mine for a few months now but no problems as of yet. I never had anyone tell me not to get it because it has problems. Most owners only have good things to say abought them. I love mine. I handles great and has good power. Reliability was one of the major reasons I bought mine. Honda has an exelent record fo making quality machines. You will not be disapointed if you get it.

 

What problems have you heard about. I've had mine for 13 months and no problems. The 99's and 00's are the same, so either will work. As for the a-arms and shocks, look in a dirtrider magazine.

 

The problems I have had are very minor.
1:headlight bracket busted. I smeared a bunch of silicone on the inside of the bracket, and have no problems now.
2:rear wheel bearings. I drove a lot for the first year and in the mud and water a lot. If you limit yourself in the mud and water, I think you should have no problems. Same could be said about chain and sprokets.Part of normal maintence.
3:Smoking on deceleration. The 400ex is air cooled and breakes down oil fast due to hot temps. I switched to Mobil 1 15w50 synthetic from 10w40 honda oil and no longer puff out blue smoke. those are all very minor things and can easily be taken care of. Change oil lots, clean air filter lots, and adjust valves 1-3 times a year, depending on how much you drive. the 400ex is reliable and trouble free if you don't beat the crap out of it. All mecanics I have talked to said everyone is happy with them, and have very little trouble. I would highly recomend one.

 

I dont know what type of problems, my friend went to the bar on Saturday and was talking to some guys about them and they said they all had 2001's and had nothing but problems with them and sold them all and bought something else. I never heard this so I posted on here to see what kind of problems, if any, you guys had with them. Thanks for the answers and if anyone else has anything to add, let me know. Thanks.

 

I dont know what type of problems, my friend went to the bar on Saturday and was talking to some guys about them and they said they all had 2001's and had nothing but problems with them and sold them all and bought something else. I never heard this so I posted on here to see what kind of problems, if any, you guys had with them. Thanks for the answers and if anyone else has anything to add, let me know. Thanks.

 

It must have been what they were drinking I have a yellow 2001 and I have ridden it over 1200 miles and only missed 2 weekends riding in 6 months. I have ridden it on track, trail and through water. I have ridden it over any kind of terrain imaginable. I ride with a group of very aggressive riders and we don't baby our quads at all and most of them have 400EXs also. I keep checking my wheels and steering to see if bearings or bushings are wearing out and they aren't yet. I have ridden it 15 different riding locations from lower SC to the mountains of WV. I hope this helps some. You can get a lemon with any quad any brand but the 400EX has a very good reliability reputation. My former quad was a Warrior and I didn't fare so well.

 

the post about 2001 ones having nothing but problems, thats entirely untrue.

For 2001, there is actually less problems. There is some electronic relay by the battery. A lot of people with 99 and 00 400ex were having problems with the starter just clicking and not getting power everytime they went to hit the start button.

So for 2001, they have a rubber cover that goes over that relay by the battery (and partly covers that battery) which is suppose to keep most of the moisture off of it, thus preventing the problem.

This is the only known problem i know of that people were having. Other things were just from wear and tear, like bearings going bad.