<< I didn't know you were refering to a Cannodale,guessed I spaced out when I saw the 400ex in your sign on name !! >>



LOL!

Yeah, we're both former 400ex'ers.....that have crossed over!

 

Jim,

That must only be a factor for cold weather. I pulled my battery right out of the box, put the fluid in it, and bolted it up with no problems???

 

Alaska,

I had the exact same problem with mine when I brought it home from the dealer. Between a weak battery and the wrong starting procedure I fouled the plug. Afer cleaning the plug and charging the battery, I haven't had a problem since.

 

Vito,
I see in your post you say you &quot;put fluid in it&quot; referring to your battery. My question is this, aren't these maintenance free batteries? I know mine is, even says so in the manual. The dealer just didn't charge the damn thing and it cost me some pain-staking time in trouble shooting; which could have been lessened if I had just started with the simple things first...like battery isn't fully charged. I feel stupid, but it's done now. I will just make sure to have my Dakota down at the start line next weekend for our first race of the season...: )

Once I got to really ride the thing, it was a blast! We were hitting this one 50 foot table top, had no real run up to the jump due to all the mud/ice puddles; but the Speed was able to grab and build RPM's up to 3rd gear in that short space....that was never going to happen on my 400ex. The Ohlins feel spot on for me, even landing flat; not a sign of bottoming...and I weigh 240lbs. Like jcv400ex, I hope the shocks don't soften up too much after they break in. They feel really good on whoops and small bumps, etc...almost as good as my triple rate Elka's did...that is impressive too.

We also did some drags with a piped/modded Banshee, my friend's 250R that is bored/modded and some dirt bikes. Even though there was no real room to get out of higher than the beginning of 4th gear, my Speed was neck and neck with the Banshee, 265R and the 125 dirt bikes....the CR250R bike kicked our butt. When there is more of a run, I will see what advantage there is in a drag with these guys again, but I was getting crushed by the Banshee and 265R on my 400ex; so this was a good day.

Sorry for the long post, just figured impressions and experiences kind of help this forum keep in focus on what it is here for, feedback...not the other bs.............JIM

 

Yeah, they are maintence free. But when I got the quad...the battery was still in the box. I had to fill the battery and put the caps on it. At the shop they used the wiring harness they have there to run it for the break-in, changed the oil, and I was on my way.

I wouldn't wait for them to do everything, so I told them I'd do it at home. I couldn't wait to ride it!

 

Alaska,
Congrats on getting everything figured out.

One thing though, I'm not sure I would jump start the quad battery off of the truck. I've heard (never seen) that the differance in AMPS is huge and could cause a problem with the quads battery.

Anybody seen this happen?

Just my concern.

Smitty