We just got a 99' 400ex today and I love it. In first gear I can get the front end up by hitting the gas but it just can't be done in second gear without popping the clutch. The guy we bought it from just put new holeshot tires on it. He said that with the stock tires he couldn't keep the front end down. could it also be something with jetting? There is nothing wrong with the engine incase you have thought that. He has a jet kit but I havent gotten into that yet. I have a k&n filter on it and will put a white bros exhaust on it soon. What should I have the jetting at. I would like it the pop wheelies in second and third gear. So, what does the tires have to do with it, how should I jet it with filter and pipe or pipe and header, and should I get a full system with headeror just a pipe. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

You should be able to wheelie untl 4th gear without the clutch on that thing. Take a look at the plug, if its black- go down on jet sizes, if its white- go up, if its brown its just right and doesn't need to be changed.

 

hey, hate to break it to you but it sounds just like what happened to me. The bearings were bad in the rear axel. You might check them. Also, go ride another 400ex, if yours feels like its down on the power, and top speed, its almost definately that.

 

Oh yeah check the chain too. It could be so loose that its got no power.

 

What size tires did the previous owner put on it? are they 22's if so this could be the reason for it not wanting to wheelie in second gear. go to a 14 tooth front sprocket. this should help.

 

mine still wheelies through 3 and i got 22 inch tires and a 36 (2 smaller) rear sprocket. was that sarcasm berm banger?

 

yeah a little derek.......i think its just the rider.....all honda's will wheelie in 2nd[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

It is probably your clutch slipping!!!

 

no way berm, i can ride wheelies all day long, but when those bearings went, it was like instant power loss. I could still rock back in forth acrosses the balancing point (on in 1st and second gears) but i couldnot just be going and then try and ride a wheelie out. Think about it, what do those bearings do?

 

There is a lever (black rubber on it) on the right handle bar, use your thumb and push it towards the front of the bike! LOL