Now i know definatly that the C-DALE smokes the 400ex, BUT, what about the handling and all the little things. What do you like and dont like about both machines? I just wanted to hear every bodys opinions. I got a 2001 400ex which i love, but was thinkin bout saving up for a C-DALE also. How much is the Cannibal, Speed, Moto, and Blaze? I heard they start at like $11,000. Is it worth the money?

 

Cannibal is $7k, Speed is $8k, Blaze (GNCC ready) is $10.5k, and Moto440 (GNC ready) is $12.5k. As far as the handling issue, can't say, I've never seen one on the trail, let alone ridden one. Try the Cannondale section, there seems to be about 20-30 owners of C-dales in there.

 

They handle great but the rear tires (holeshots) grab a little to much for me when I'm tryin to slide. What kind of riding do you do? If you trail ride a lot, I would suggest lower gearing... The Dale's gearing seems to be set up more for MX, but since that's what I do, it feels great. The power is intense but keeping the front end down can be a challenge sometimes.

 

Handling's about the same, the C-dale just might be a little better for hills & Jumps. Also the brakes & Suspension are both far superior to the 400EX, the only thing on the 400EX I like better than the C-dale is there alittle easier to work on. Also they dont just smoke 400s they eat them alive, I have never ridden a stock quad with a powerband like these, Strong all through out, no flat spot, instant throttle response, and the ability to rev farther out than any other stock quad. These things are like a rocket, with the powerband of an electric motor, there just awesome, nothing like the Cannon, and probably never will be.

 

for the price gap i can get work's tripple rates all the way around along with a 440 kit and other goodies and it would beat down the c dale like a red headed step child but there are some high tech goodies on the cdale that the 400ex don't have that i think i could live without but playing with the e.f.i programing would be pretty spiffy here's another thing id rather take 5300 dallor quad and put a few grand worth of goodies on it myself maybe im only speaking for myself but i love ordering goodies getting those packages at my door and slappin them on it kinda feels more like yours because you looked into and order what u wanted on it and its not something that just rolled off the line from the factory anymore

 

I agree, half the fun with a sport quad is adding your own goodies. They sell new 400EX's in my area for under $5000. $1000 can get you some serious engine upgrades... $800 can get you some killer suspension... another grand gets you all the other odds and ends (exhaust, nerf bars, number plates, rear axle). And you get Honda quality for free (not offered by Cannondale).

By the time you pay your Cannondales off... I'll be riding the 450EX. Even if you wishers and hopers are right and it's detuned, there's nothing a cam, piston, and head work can't fix. Do you people really think Honda and Yamaha are gonna sit back and ignore the 440cc rule forever? Keep wishing.

1999 DR-350
2000 400EX
2001 CBR 929RR

 

more like a 2 grand price gap you can build up a 400ex and smoke cdales for a liveing hehe

 

If they were interested in quad racing than they wouldn't ignore the 440 rule but since they don't really give a d@mn about our sport they'll build what ever in he he// they think will sell... including MORE 4X4's [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img]. Honda won't use the 450 motor in a quad because it takes a lot of maintenance that most people just don't care to do, which would cause the motors to have more failures and the non-maintaining, little rich boys that have Daddy buy them everything will blame Honda and say that they are not reliable... Unfortunately, there are A LOT of people like that and it would cause Honda's good reliability reputation to go down the drain. Maybe... very unlikely, but... mmmaaaayyyybbbbeeeee, Honda and Yamaha will get into the racing scene if C-dales sales keep increasing and Suzuki and C-dale stays w/ the factory sponsorship. If Suzuki will stay with it, than Kawasaki will probably join in after their new Hi-per quad is released. I don't know why but I have a feeling Bombardier will get into quad racig as well and maybe even Polaris? So the only way that you might see a 440 class quad from Honda/Yamaha is if C-dale, Suzuki, Kawi, Bomb, and Polaris are all a part of the quad racing scene w/ factory sponsorships........ Thats a lot of things that have to happen first so don't hold your breath.


This is just my opinion... whats yours? Maybe you can tell me something I missed that will change my opinion, but as far as I see, thats pretty much whats goin to have to happen.

 

for a couple of you cocky guys above can you buy watercooling for the 400ex?
i think not. what about fuel injection? what about a aluminum frame?

 

YoDaddy, I agree that there's a good chance Bombardier will get into the 400 scene sometime in the future. They're getting really aggressive with their marketing, and if they had a winning quad that would only help out.
Suzuki too, is a good bet. Once there are a few manufacturers involved the pressure will be on Honda and Yamaha to step up to the plate.