Heya, I am a newbie here. Have had my 400EX for a summer already, but had a wreck last fall, go figure a brake reacall. Just some broken bones no problem.

I also am just getting back into wheeling, although before it was just on 2 wheels and no jumps. I do have a few questions but lets give some history first.

I am a speed-o-haulic! Always want faster. The 400 was fine but after about 4 months (more than half my summer/spring/fall) I wanted more, found it couldn't haul me up the steep inclines well and would bog out! Granted I am 6 3" and 230. Seems on the gravel hill steep inclines, it would fight me with the front wheels, not just me but more experienced riders, not like his banshee. Since the wreck I noticed looks like it has some toe out, and will grab from left to right on the gravel when winding out 5th (60'sh), what is the toe in on this bike? I put a Big gun pipe on it and K&N kit. Definatly more power, everywhere. More torque for sure. My regular ride is a 65 Chev sb step side with a blown 350, wish power ws that easy as on the bike.

One thing else, this bike is supposed to be the best for jumping as you can be off angle and still be fine. Well, when I go to crest a hill I feel myself lifting off the bike instead of seeming to stick with it, so I back off the throttle. Well a 4 stroke that is not good, so I loose speed when I anticipate this lift. I tried getting off the seat, which on a steep incline is quite difficlut, and tried staying sitting which sometimes is not safe, or so it seems. So what gives? Feels like I am leaving the bike on the few jumps I did make, hence not in control. Please help this old GI.

Also, what is up with this thing saying I am a weekend warrior, after over 10 years active military service this pisses me off, granted its probably a board thing but still, I ain't no weekend warrior in no sence.

Big Gun

 

Toe in on most sport bikes is 3/16inch. Its probably got some bent tie rods that need to be replaced. You get the title weekend warrior, trailblazer, and pro rider by how many posts you have made.

 

If you want more power- try bumping your engine to a 440. White Brothers has a nice kit- Look to spend about $1500. OR- put on the best suspension possible (works or axis shocks)- Hey, if your tires aren't touching the ground when they should be- you are going to loose traction, which equals power.

have you jetted your 400ex? That helps alot and can make all the difference in the world!... You can also tighten the throttle cable- because most Honda ATV's come loose from the factory and need to be adjusted.

I'm the same size and weight as you. Put on a smaller front sprocket. This will eliminate the bogging on a hill climb. And look to get some better tires if traction is a problem. I went with the 22" XCT holeshots. They gave me about 3 more inches of ground clearance do to the tall tread- but again, you'll have to drop another tooth on the front sprocket to compensate for the larger back tire. Go to a 13 tooth at this point. Stock is 15t.

As for jumping. DO NOT LET OFF THE THROTTLE until you crest the jump. Or your *** will flip over your head. And take the jump OFF YOUR SEAT. This helps with landings- and gives you more mobility in the air.

Take care bud-

 

Hey your from alaska. Yeah on hill you should be leaning on the front end and standing up. If you feel like you got enough speed near the top of the hill you can let off the throttle a little not all the way. if you go off a jump and let off the trottle real quick the quad will nose dive. i dont know why four strokes do that.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]