Does anyone have any tips on how to keep the front end down while racing a 400ex? No matter how much I try I can't keep the front end down while trying to drag my 400. The type of surface makes a huge difference. On a gravel road, the wheels spin so I am ok. However, on grass I can't keep my front wheels on the ground.

I put a pipe on it and it increased the problem. I beat my buddy(rides a Banshee) bad last week on a gravel road, however he wants to race on grass this week and I know I will be in trouble out of the hole. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Dale

 

Well, the easy fix would be to back off the throttle a hair, hehe. Either that or lean way ahead to increase the weight on the front end and make it easier for your rears to spin. If you want to spend some money on fixing it, get a longer rear swingarm, that should help quite a bit.

 

I DRAG MY MOD 300EX AND IT HAS A LOT OF LOWEND POWER SO I FINGER THE CLUTCH ALOT . THIS KEEPS MY RPM HIGH SO THAT THE FRONT END STAYS ABOUT 3 TO 4 INCHS FROM THE GROUND ANDWHEN IT STARTS TO SETTLE I CAN LET IT HAVE ALL IT HAS TO GIVE.

 

You could get a larger front sprocket or a smaller rear sprocket. This will not only give more top end but it will keep the wheels on the ground.

 

Get a longer swingarm. I've seen them up to 14inches longer then the stock ones

 

If you drag race only you'd be better off with a longer swingarm. But if you do other kinds of riding. You should feather the clutch to keep the rpms high.

 

try leaning way up. When I drag the Scrambler I sit on the gas tank about! It doesn't totally cure it but it does help. You could always add suitcase weights from an old Allis Chalmers
c-ya,

 

One other thing.. I know this sounds carzy & I've never tried it but I know some guys put the rear shock on the lowest softest setting & squat the rear end down then rachet strap the grab bar to the swingarm (if that's possible on a 400EX?, It is on a Sport) It sits the quad real low & I understand helps out keeping the front on the ground. You can always try it I guess. But that 400Ex is torquey, just the way it is it likes to pick the front up. Fun at times, a pain at other times! I loved those 4th gear wheelies on my brothers though!
c-ya,

 

I just lean over the handlebars. It still comes up but not as far. I try to get it in 2cd as soon as possible then hammer the throtle. Racing a banshee I usually get them off the line cause while I am wheeling they are spinning which is why I like to get into 2cd real soon to get the speed up while they are spinning. Depending on the surface I will usually lead through 3rd then it is anyones race. But we usually drag up a 500foot or so sand hill. It is pretty cool cause it is just wide enough for 4 bikes and of course there is really only one good line. If you don't get it you are in the softer looser sand. Oh well just lean up over the handlebars and I think you will be fine. Good Luck

 

With mine, when i race off the line for MX, i start in second and just rev it, It still has awesome accelartion, skips a shift, and keeps the front end down and it doesnt spin as much