Im looking for a used 400ex from '99 to a '02 is there any problems a should watch out for in theses years?

 

I've read that the swingarms can crack under racing conditions.

 

Can you say BULLETPROOF!

 

The swingarms on any make and model can crack under the right conditions. The 400EX is as tough and dependable, if not more so, than any other quad made.

 

yes the swing arms break if raced. i've broke two stock,two lone star, and one rpm. look for cracks that start at the plugs at the front of the swing arm. no small cracks, good swing arm. lone star like to brake on chain side towards front. also cracks on welds for shock mount. rpm first starts to crack at welds by needle bearing pivots. all these arms except for the first one broke with a axis shock. frame cracks in various locations. first cracks will appear at head stay mounts. also check tubes above front shocks, and tubes above pegs were welds are. stock bearing carrier likes to crack around chain side. besides what you read in magazines i barely tweaked the stock axel. i use it when my rpm is getting restraitened. with lots of oil changes and filter cleans the engine lasts. never split the cases yet. put a cam and a big bore carb, pipe, high compression piston, and the bore of your choice and you'll be much happier. just plan on putting head gaskets in ever once and a while. i hope i did'nt sound to negative i've had a lot of fun with it since i bought it in 99.

 

Thanks I'll look for thats when shopping around for my 400ex

 

I just bought an '03 and love it. Check out this article from this site but not linked anywhere on it.

http://www.atving.com/editor/review/...0ex/review.htm

After reading all the current magazines, I expected the 400ex to be a dog. Not the case! It moves! It's a very well thought out and well designed quad, too. The attention to detail is far overlooked and I can tell it well last for many, many years.

When shopping, look for abuse. Any quad in the wrong hands can become a beater. Check for frame cracks anywhere from wrecks. Check the dip stick for cleanliness of oil. That can be a sign of how well it has been maintained. And if it doesn't run for whatever reason, don't buy it, no matter what the price, unless you want a project.

 

Hey thanks mrbones for that old review.

Could you point out where those old tests are located over at ATV Connection Magazine.

I know that most are located in ATV Reviews but not all of the past tests/reviews are in that section.

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Also the rear brakes go out on them.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

I did a search for Honda 400ex in Google and it came up in the top ten. It's probably an old link they don't even know is still there. You can search Google using one domain in the advanced search section. But, you will get a lot of results from the message boards. Other than that, I don't know how else to find them.