Heres my questions how many problems have you had with it and what kinds were they. The other thing is whats the best conditions to ride it in. Thanks.

 

I've always raced the 250X and 300EX quads until a few years ago. Up till the 400 was introduced, they were the ticket in the 4 stroke class.

Look for frame cracks where all the frame members connect on the front portion of the frame.[Where the model year tag is located] They are prone to cracking here, and I can tell you first hand what the end results are if left un-noticed.

Be sure to keep the swingarm pivot bolt greased and TIGHT. If it loosens up while you ride, it will "woller" the frame where the pivot bolts tightens against and there is no fix for it.

If you use the reverse alot, you might want to weld a small piece of metal to the reverse lever on the side of the engine that sticks outside of the lever so you can just raise your leg to operate the lever. You can do this with shoes without the additional metal, but it's hard if you are wearing boots and have a size 14 boot like me.

Get rid of the stock front shocks on models that have been abused. I've seen many of them snap the upper eye off of the shock where it mounts to the frame. You can use a nice set of Gabriels that come on the later model TRX3002WDs that bolt right on. They are cheap from Honda and have the same ammount of travel as the 300EX shocks when mounted on an EX. They are both a bit beefier than the EX shocks and have a more stiffer springrate closer to the end of travel. Good economy shocks for mild jumping.

Relocate your rear master cylinder reservoir. Even with the stock exhaust, a slow trail ride will melt the reservoir. Relocate it or bend the bracket just enough for more clearance, but still keeping the lid parrallel to the frame rail.

You didn't say what year your EX was, but beginning in 1998, Honda put a much more stronger and wider case guard on the engine. A 300EX or 250X almost always busts an engine case when the chain throws off, so as extra insurance, get the case guard from the newer model. They actually seem to be stronger than the aftermarket ones. It will run you about 15.00

There are plenty more "things to look for" on this model, but those are the ones that I remember right now.

 

Ive had some problems on my 2002 300ex, this one bolt keeps coming off that keeps a protector to my exaust on and i've also had problems with my brakes squeaking really bad in the front and a tire might be out of line. These are all minor things butt it makes me mad to think that its only 4 months old.

 

HondaGuy300EX,
I traded a 99 300EX with over 200 hours on it for the Raptor. I kinda wished I would have kept it for a second sport machine. I had one problem with it and it was the right front shock. I was rocking it back and forth one day and I heard like a binding or popping sound coming from the front and located it to the shock. It was clear that the shock didn't have the movement of the left one. It was still under warranty and the dealer ordered me a new one and after that rode it with no problems.
It performed the best when we were riding woods trails.
Chet

 

Try taking the brake pads off and scuffing them up on the concrete or some sandpaper. They might have a glaze on them. The pins they ride on might need some silicone so they back off the rotor easier. Just don't get it on the pads. Just a thought.
Chet

 

Most of the problems I have had were dealer related. Like I have lost most of the screws from around the foot protectors because they werent on tight enough. Also when I got it we noticed that they didnt put in enough oil, and that my handlebars were so loose they were about to come off. Oh and the reservior that holds my rear break fluid has cracks in it, but thats probably from me, it still hold fluid in the pipe so its fine, and it still runs great. It is probably best in the woods, reverse would be about useless in the dunes. But it's great in the tight woods.

 

Thanks alot for the idea's,ill probly do that with my brake pads also so thanks chet. The other thing is how do i prevent rusting on different parts with out having to take everything apart and dry it.

P.S how is the 300 in the dunes,just curious

 

You could take a gas powered leaf blower and blow it dry, kinda like you do in the morning with the hair dryer.
I love my quads so much they get blowed all the time.
Chet [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

I have a 97 300ex.So far the worst problems I have had are 2 broken front shocks,(broke the eye's off the bottom of the shocks)Broken fender support brackets and cracked plastic.

U may be thinking that the plastic and fender brackets broke because of a wreck.Nope.They just break and crack.My dad still doesn't believe that.But they did.I mean I would be riding around jumping jumps all that good stuff.Then all of a sudden my fenders would start flapping in the breeze from the broken bracket and then they would crack somewhere.That is why I shaved them stupid things.


I see fullbore makes some decent looking 300ex plastic as does UFO so I might go with them.


As for the shocks I just bought another pair of used 300ex shocks.And so far no problems.


My frame hasn't cracked yet.But I do think that my swingarm pivot bearings are on their way out.


Thanks for all the tips knowsalot.How many bent exhaust do U see from the axle hitting the exhaust?My dad doesn't believe that one either.He thinks I had to jump off a cliff or something with it.But I haven't.



As far as where a 300ex works best.I ride mine in the woods and my practice mx track.U have to use alot of body english and clutch it like a 2 stroke but U can put in some decent lap times on it.I think they work pretty good everywhere.Just don't line up next to a raptor or something!



86 trx250r currently undering transformation!
97 300ex big plans on the way!

 

Here is the skinny as far as I see it.[my opinion in other words] Any problems you encounter will be rider indused, meaning the way you ride dictates the damage and problems you will have. Sounds like some of these guys "ride it hard and put it away wet". Take care of your EX and you will have many years of good riding. I have a 1994 that I bought right off the showroom floor and it is still going strong today. I consider myself a good rider and have been riding for almost 20 years and I don't go lightly on my EX either. I have not had any problems other than some scuffed plastic, broken brake handles things like that. Take time to maintain and you will be happy. As far as keeping it from rusting, just wash and put away in nice dry place. If you want to dry it go ahead, but water won't do that much damage. Mud and water will. If you have a problem area with rust take time and address this area with some spray silicone. It is a great machine, although I cannot wait until Honda puts out it's new monster...it is time to upgrade. Great riding!
JON