Dear 400ex riders,

I have read two articles, in two different magazines that the 400ex has a problem with frames cracking where the a-arms pivot, and where the rear shock connects to the frame. I have a 300ex and want to trade it in on a 400ex, but not if they have this problem. I just wanted to know if there was anyone who owned a 400ex has had this problem? Please let me know thanx. Any response will be greatly appreciated.

 

I read one of those too, but it was stated it was under race conditions. I have not had any problems with my frame. I have broken my swingarm though. It broke very easily off a double. I jump my 400 all the time and that is the only problem I have had so far.

Adam Smith

99 400EX

 

I have broken my frame in two places (on each side, on the tube as it turns down by the upper frontshock mounts). I also cracked both rear foot peg mounts. This is fairly common in racing. Alot of B and A riders on 400's already have the front gusseted and supprted. I ran the full GNCC circuit this year and with all of that abuse, it held up fairly well. Before I tackle a full circuit again, I will modify the frame in several places to keep that from happening. It can still be a great frame with a few mods.

I have also heard on the rear upper shock mount but haven't seen it yet.

Yea, I have broken a swingarm also.

 

Under normal and even harsh riding, (maybe not extreme racing in stock form) the 400s are extremely durable. Do not let what you read keep you from one. It will not break.
If everyone posted here that HASNT had any frame/swingarm problems, this would be a 10 page thread already. (I have owned two 400's. a 99' and a 01', no problems with either, and my current 99' has been raced and seriously abused with no durability issues)

-Matt

 

I have had my 400 for 2 years now with no problems at all. My buddy and i have done a fair amount of racing at our local tracks and we ride sand alot and hae had no trouble with our frames. The guy that write those articles are probably looking from the racers perspective. Rec riders will probably never have a problem.

 

400's are rock solid. Racing will break anything on any quad. Could happen a few days or weeks later, but racing was the original cause......