I was planning on getting a Cannondale, but am worried about a few things. How bad is the Fx400 to maintain, I heard you have to spend a lot of time on it. I live nowhere near a dealer, so would it be a bad idea to get one. I was planning on getting a Raptor, but they are just having too many problems.

 

just get the raptor!

 

um no don't just get the raptor..get a cannondale. their faster, tricker, and (maybe) more reliable. and even if they aren't as reliable cannondales warrantee is the best in the biz. you break it they fix it free no matter what..

 

Not hard at all, but takes a few more tools than other quads. The chain adjustment is like a Honda. The air filter is easy. There are three oil drains ( the manual seems like they want you to drain them one at a time, I lossen my dip stick and drain both of the frame drains at the same time. It takes about 5-10 minuites. Then the engine drain takes about the same. As far as the valves go ,well I was told that the engine is like a car and they dont have to be adjusted. That was the one thing I hated doing to my 250x I used to own. It had a Curtis Sparks built engine on it,and I rode it realy hard so I adjusted the valves and changed the oil usualy after 2 to 4 rides. Anyway the fuel filter is clear and right where you can see it. The oil filter is a reusable type that is held in with one screw. You have to keep an eye on the rear brake disc for play. It easy to adjust also, takes about one minute. I havent had to change the spark plug yet, but I know you want be able to do it at a race and make the 2 moto,unless there are alot of classes and you miss the 1 moto because you fouled it out. I live close to three hours from my dealer,and Ive only had to take it there once for updates and a new clutch (which Im sure it was my fault that it fried). The clutch was replaced under warranty and my bike was 3 months old!

 

i have heard the same for the cannondale about the time and money stuff, but way would it be that if it is a 4-stroke and all??

 

I just went and checked out a brand new Cannibal at the new dealer here in Topeka, KS. Those machines are extremely trick! Everything is very solid and looks very well constructed! Every time I see a Cannondale the looks grow on me.

 

The worst thing about the Cannondale is changing the spark plug, so don't foul it like I did. You have to remove ALL of the bodywork, 2 braces that hold the fuel tank,fuel tank and a frame brace that runs directly over the plug. Took me about 45 minutes the first time, it's easy just time consuming.


Moto24
'01 FX400