Thanks for all the help, ill definatly have to get this done, i just wanted to be positve on buying a quad from a company that went out of biz.

 

It isn't all that bad you can still get anything you need from many helpful people. Don't get the Cannondale unless you want to keep up with strict maintenence though, this is no 400EX. It's like the 400EX is a Toyota Camry and a Cannondale is a Formula 1 car - the Cannondale needs maintenced after every race or 2, etc.

 

What kind of maintenence am i looking at? changing oil, cleaning filters, etc. how bout if i dont race much, but use it to ride at the mx track? would it make a difference to the dale?

 

Changing oil and filters, cleaning air filter, that kind of routine maintenence just needs done more often. It still needs done more often than other quads but not as much so if you aren't racing it. If you are riding at an MX track and racing or not racing you'll probly be riding close to the same so you'd want to do maintenence often. Also, you must use synthetic oil in both motor and tranny as well as run 93/94 octane fuel. just FYI

 

I own both and wouldn't explain the performance difference quite as dramatically as Thomez does.

The Cannondale puts about 10 more peak HP down than a 400EX (approx 37 vs 27) - the important thing to remember is that is peak HP, below peak it becomes a different story.

Personally, my mildly built 416EX (about $1000 in engine upgrades) runs almost exact drag race numbers (in 300', 1/8mile, and 1/4mile) as my Cannibal (verified on actual timing systems). The Cannondale is a lot stronger on top, but doesn't have nearly the bottom or mid range power.

As a technical trailrider the cannondale is a chore - as a TT, MX, or flattrack quad, it's a lot of fun.

The cannondale is a great and exciting ride, but be prepared for some issues. I'd heavily recommend against an FX400. If you want to get one, get a Cannibal, Speed, Blaze, or Moto.

The other thing to keep in mind is that practically no two cannondales are built the same. This means you really better do your research before you buy one and know what you're getting into.

Power wise the Cannondales have a great top end. They lack some bottom end, but have good throttle response.

Handling wise, they have very light steering which is very nice except that it kinda gives them a twitchy feeling. This is compounded by the use of 3/2 front wheels. Their front end geometry is very similar to a Honda so overall handling feels pretty good once you get a steering damper.

Their frames are nice and rigid, excellent build quality.

If you are planning on buying one, do your research, ask a lot of questions on the messageboards on what to look for and... Good Luck [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Thanks for the info, ill keep that in mind. But why would you reccomend the others over the fx? im about lost when it comes to cannondales, thats why im asking all these questions. The one i want to buy has 02 upgrades on it so it should be pretty solid, but im still getting the crank balanced.

 

The FX was the first year and had a different computer which isn't as easy to change mapping in, had other problems, etc Your best bet is to get a Cannibal and put the FX400 plastic on it if you like that look so much. I have bought the FX400 plastics for mine for that reason, they look the best IMO.

 

Exactly what is mapping, and is there a way to upgrade the computer to cannibals specs? Ive heard of mapping and looked at a pic of the mapping on a website but im not sure exactly what it is. And i have to run 93 octane gas? thats no problem.

 

Yes you can change the computers over. Look at www.rsperformance.net they do it.

Mapping? Look here.

 

Thanks for all the help Thomez and atc. ive been surfing the forums at cannondaleriders.com and have learned a couple things from reading, BTW, i have found a 2002 cannondale speed for cheaper than the fx, i think im going to get it over the fx, thanks for the info!