Well, I did it. I picked up a new 400EX Saturday and spent much of the weekend getting the feel of it before we go to The Badlands this weekend.

Before My question, let me say I have been riding atc's and atv's for over 17 years.

My problem is: From the first go I notice the clutch acting as if it is slipping. If I try to take off without breaking traction, the cluck often makes two quick clanking type sounds and either dies or gets going with a second of hesitation. I first thought that I needed to let the clutch out faster since the 400EX has more torque than my Warrior or Mojave but that didnt help either. I find that I need to give it enough gas to really spin the tires to keep it from doing it. The problem is when I am tight trail riding. You have to slow down and play the clutch a bit but it simply wont let you. I tried crossing some old RR tracks the other night and since I needed a slower speed the darn thing keep clanking and dieing. I Much have had to start it 15 times before I go over the tracks. Sound strange to you?

If this is something that shouldnt happen I want to get it fixed before the weekend.

You advice is much appreciated...

 

I have a 01 400ex and never had this problem.I would take it to the dealer. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

Take it back to the dealer. Something is wrong with it. I recommend asking for a brand new quad or asking for your money back. I think you have 3 days to get a refund if you received defective goods. This might not apply to quads though.

 

Take it back quick and get it replaced on warranty.

 

well when i start out in second it makes a strange noise but ever since i put on a hydraulic clutch it hasnt done it it might be something stupid like the didnt have the clutch adjusted cuz if is fully engaged when u pull it in the then the clutch will be engaged when u think its not so when u r trying to shift your really only shifting with the clutch half engaged i had this happen to me when i first got mine but i fixed it

 

doesnt sound right to me. take it to the dealer.

 

i think u might just have to give it more gas, and let the clutch out faster it took me a while to get use to it but that happens when i start in to high of a gear

 

Another Note... This only seems to occur when the quad is warmed up. I know if I goose the gas it isnt a problem but it took me 10 re-starts to get across a set of RR tracks. I took it back to the Honda dealer last night and since they are in the middle of a big city there was no where to open it up and get it warm so they didnt know what I was talking about. They tinkered with the clutch cable and said try that. I was kind of pissed. I said I could have done that much instead of having to drive 45 minutes one way. I am certain that is not it. I've riden and worked on atv's for 17 years and have never had or heard of this problem. I let a few other 400EX owners ride it and they didnt know either. Now what. The thing is only a couple days old and the dealer wont or cant help.

 

When I purchased a 400ex new, the clutch was very "grabby" for about 2 weeks. WHen the clutch is properly adjusted, you will have maybe a 1/2" freeplay at the lever. Make sure the clutch cable is routed correct too (not binded). Is it full of oil?