When I was tearing down my 400ex to take the motor out, I noticed that the steering stem we bent ever so slightly right above the top bushing. This kinda suprised me, considering that I had inly been in one minor roll-over in which my right knee absorbed most of the impact. Kinda makes me wonder how many other people have there steering stem bent, but just never noticed it? They must make them kinda thin as a weight saving precedure, because I have rolled my recon sideways down a hill, in which it did 3 complete rolls, and it's steering stem and bars are still perfect.

 

Honda contracted out the Steering Stem to Yamaha to build. Thus, they bend and break easily.

 

That wasn't very nice...remember all the 1st year problem's that the 400ex had (electrical shorts, cracked swingarms, ect...).

 

just wondering, when you turned your handle bars did the top bushing skweek? cuz mine has been skweeking for about a week, but if i put wd-40 on it, it will stop for a while. just wondering because i really hope i didnt bend my steering stem, i mean i hanvent even fliped it yet. i hope that there isnt any other weak things on the 400.

Chris
2001 400ex

 

Every ATV I have ever had has a squeeky bushing at that location...I just pop mine out and repack it with grease every now and then...

 

Please help me out if you can!

Lately, my handlebars turn to the left too much. A noticeable amount more than on the right. If I make a hard left turn on a berm or something, the left side of the bars will hit my thigh. This has just started happening recently. Another thing I noticed is, the black piece below where the bars mount, cuts into the tank cover when the bars are turned all the way to the left. This has left a small cut in the tank cover.

The front end has been checked, and everything is aligned properly. I can only think of it being a bent steering stem. I have had one minor roll-over in the past. Also, I dumped the quad onto it's left side a while back, and the bars were forced far in toward the tank, seat, etc. pretty hard. This wasn't long before I noticed the trouble with the bars, and I think it has been the cause. I'm just not sure what the actually problem is. Any insight? Thanks a lot. (Sorry for the long and boring post.)

 

Sounds like you have a bent steering stem, probably on the upper part. These things are pretty weak, but I think it's designed that way for a reason (more later). If it is bent to the point where you feel that it should be replaced, you have two options; 1. Buy another OEM steering stem for around $50, or 2. Buy a stronger aftermarket stem for around $200-$400 (not sure on the price). Personally, I would go for a replacement stocker, as you can probably buy 4 of more for the same price, and also, once you have a strong steering stem, the next thing to bend is the frame, which needless to say, is bad.

 

I just bent mine on my 250r the other day too. So heres what you do. Stocker's will always bend above the top mount but usually never at the bottom. Aftermarket stems are the complete opposite, they bend at the bottom and not the top. So heres what you do. You take your stock stem and cut it off below where it is bent and weld 4130 chromoly tubing on it with anit-vibration mounts like a Lonestar or a Laeger. Then get a top clamp from Lonestar and your set. You'll a strong as hell stem the way Honda SHOULD of built it.

 

Yep,,you bent or twisted the steering stem. They are very easy to tweak. I didn't even completely roll mine and it bent and twisted the stem. I ordered a new one from servicehonda at $45 instead of going for a $300 aftermarket one.

BTW,,,yamaha did some of the wiring on the 400ex, thus problems.

Just joking,,all in fun.

 

Okay everyone. This really sucks. Well, can bend my stock one back? How difficult is it to take off/put back on? I doubt I can do anything with my stock one, so can you guys tell me where I can buy another stock stem for cheap? I saw someone say Service Honda. What is the item # for the stem there? Is this the cheapest place? Thanks a lot.