Today I bought my first quad after shopping all the closeout deals. Started looking at the Raptor 250 (felt like Mario Kart.. for me anyway), so then I turned to the Raptor 350, until I saw a 2008 Honda TRX 400EX on sale for the same price. I read a lot of forums and reviews on comparisons of the two, and felt the Honda was best for me in terms of trail ride and low maitenance. So I signed the papers today.

I'm about 150 5'10" and 32, so i figure this thing will last me for a long time for my needs, which is mostly trails. I'm not trying to kill myself, but will mod as I get comfortable.

The only thing I bought from the dealer was a helmet and goggles. The helmet i could have gotten mail order $30 cheaper, but it was local business, so it was money well spent.

I would like to know what I should get right away mainly for safety and protecton first, for example nerf bars, skid plates. Stuff I need or "should" have. I would also like reccomendations for durable parts for the price. I need to save as much as I can for a trailer!

 

Welcome! 400Ex is a great quad but as with any sport machine if you plan on riding it in the woods a good set of skids (Underbelly and swing arm) are a MUST! Here is a link below to some of the best skids on the market!
TRX400EX

 

Nice! Which thickness do you reccomend? I'm also looking into nerf bars.

 

Welcome! Honda makes a great quad! I have owned their old three wheelers and they still ran great! Have fun!

 

Welcome

Congrats on the new buy.

 

Welcome to the forums.

A good pair of boots and nerf bars would be the next purchases I'd recommend.

Enjoy the ride.

 

Congrats on the purchase! Now go buy you some PRM belly and swingarm skids, and some sturdy nerfs(just about any brand will do, but only buy ones with replaceable steel footpegs.) Maybe a front bumper for those oopsie moments(again go PRM.) I have a .250 Z-Plate skid, and it is indestructable. You would almost have to rip the swingarm OFF to break it, and I have gone through about 5 skid plates in the past 5 years. Get some decent riding boots and go have some fun.

 

What do you think about Richochet armor like Dodge suggested?

 

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I'm picking her up tomorrow.

 

I have heard they are good. I know about 4 guys running the .250 Zplates, and no failures. PRM has a pretty good reputation for their other products as well.