If your into racing and bragging rights about which ATV is faster, get the 400ex. Reverse isn't THAT big of a deal, but it is nice to have it. The 300ex has enough power for anyone. For example, over easter weekend I went up to a place in NC called Brown Mountain. Going up the main trail, I got behind a Raptor. In no way was he going slow, but I was still right behind him. So there you have it, a 300ex will keep up with a raptor and pretty much any other ATV on a trail. Oh and by the way, this was a wide trail. Just incase your wondering about the raptor modifications, he had a FMF exhaust, but not sure what else. I have white brothers exhaust and a jet kit. That is my engine mods. My suggestion, get the 300ex, it will stay with a 400ex on trails, which sounds like that is mostly what you are doing. Plus the 300ex will save you a lot of money.

 

I have a 300ex and my husband has a 400ex. This past weekend we went for a trailride on the smallest trail I have ever been on. I think it was a motorcycle trail, but it was designated orv.
I had more problems with my 300ex making it thru the trees than he did on the 400ex. As for not having reverse, he never has to get off the 400. Just put it abit uphill and use your feet on the tires to roll it back. Works every time. I do the same, the 300 reverse is a pain in the neck!
There are times that you really need both hands on the handle bars and that isn't possible with the reverse on the 300ex. If I were you, I would get the 400ex and have fun!

 

you must not be able to ride as good as your husband considering, trouble in trees, you are narrower. Than he is so you should be able to stuff that 300ex anywhere.

I'm saying get the 300 only because i have a 300 and love mine. It fits me perfectly, i love the power, the motor is built proof, i have reverse(which is easy if you undo the saftey cable and you can just pull it in. Or kick it with your foot with the clutch pulled in.

400ex is a lot of hype to me. But thats just what i believe..

its all about what YOU want and what YOU like.

Ride them both and decide which one fits you the best.

 

RE
"Banshees reverse....nope
250r reverse.....nope
quadzilla...nope
quad racer...nope
honda 400ex....nope"

I guess yamaha is the only company with some brains these days, they put reverse on their raptor. Hopefully honda will do the same on the next big motor sport quad they make.

Reverse is like women, sure you "could" live without them, BUT WHY THE HELLL WOULD YOU WANT TO?

 

i just wanted to thank every one for their input.just wondering if in any one rides in pa with a 400ex.i think thats the one iam going to go with.i went & looked at one yesterday,its an awsome quad ,i just wish the dealership was friendlier.the didnt even acknoledge my prescence.i guess because i look so young.or something only if they knew the lost a sell.thanks.......

 

I love my 400EX. Reverse might be nice for some people, but I am young and like a little exercise every once in awhile. My dad had a 250X when I was younger and it was a pretty nice trailquad. If you ride really hard and use all of the 300EX I imagine you will beat alot of people on faster quads.

While some people say the 400EX is alot of hype. I think it is really easy to ride fast and very forgiving. It also is plenty fast stock for most eastern trailriding.

When my bike was bone stock I rode with a fast Scrambler 500 rider and was able to pull right up on his back tires on some fire roads. I really would have to say the 400EX is faster and quicker than the Scrambler 500 stock for stock.

Adam Smith

99 400EX

 

Buy used. You can save a lot of money that way. You can also find a real good used 400ex/300ex. I've had one new 4-wheeler, but then I started getting them used because if you aren't in a hurry, you can find a used one that is good as new.