Haulin, please keep in mind the C'dales are high performance quads that are unlike anything that is sold today. And because of this, they may require more maintenance and you may experience more problems, that just goes with the territory. So if the probability of that scares you, the C'dale may not be the quad for you. All you need to know is go and read the warning sticker on any of the C'dales, if after reading it and you still think the C'dale is for you, go for it!!

 

Brian is right. This is a quad intended for racing. Also remember so far there have been simple fixes for most of the problems. Another thing is name another company that is backing their product the way cannondale is? If something is wrong (from what I've heard they've done everything to fix the problem). They post updates/problems on their site to make the consumer aware of them. What other company willing adments there are problems and is willing to fix the problem. Yes they are more expensive than all the other quads, but look at what you getting. The only company to break the mold and go where know one else has gone. The question you need to ask yourself is "is this the quad for me"? The anwser depends on your riding style. I'll a die hard 2-stroke rider and this quad is a 2-stroke wanta be. I was tired of fixing out of date 2-stroke quads after every race. Cannondale was the only high performance new quad that had what I was looking from. It wasn't my first choice, but the other quad is not in the showrooms yet (Gas Gas 300) and I was done waiting for it. I understand this is a big purchase and it should be a handle as an important one. Just remember is not what you ride, It's how much fun you have riding it. Goodluck.

 

smitty,i noticed you said your dealer was waiting for the remap software...
my dealer pulled it off the internet directly from cannondale and had me out the next day...fyi

 

thanks for all of your help. I really appreciate it. I know the dale is the bike for me and i know I'll be happy with it. I think it's great how you guys help one another with different problems and questions. I've learned a lot just from reading this forum and will continue to do so in the future. Thanks again. Jared

 

Haulin,
I was one of the people that posted a few issues I was having with my Speed. I replied to each thread with the simple fix to each of these issues and have NOT missed one weekend of riding yet. What I am saying is these little issues are not really problems with the quad, but with the learn about this new quad as you go experience. A computer controlled fuel injected quad is way different than my 400ex was. The 400ex could be a ride and forget type of quad, I took care of mine meticulously, but some guys I know changed oil only 2 times per year...no troubles. I will never be that type of owner and will ask questions about stuff on the Speed I don't know. Hope this helps, JIM

 

I think one of the main things is that all the other quads have been out for a long time and the maintance is already a "KNOWN" so to post about them is redundant.

Banshees how long have people complained about the air filter and chain adjustments.
Raptors Tranny axle etc.
250R's The frame cracks at the front and under the footpegs
Zilla Main bearings and air leaks.

I have only had one problem and that was the front wheel being drilled off center. ITP not cannondales problem. WE HAVE IT GOOD.

I have been to the tracks and out for joy rides with no real problems.

Due to the quad being NEW and the Manufacturer being NEW to the scene, along with the quad being "Different" you expect these things to pop up as not that many are around.

I work in a R&D Fiber Optic Lab and am pushed every day to find the why, and the fix, so this intrest me. That and not eveyone owns it.

Maintance takes me just as long as my last quads. I didn't just wash and put the 400EX and the Suzuki 230's in the garage with out going over them.
Smitty

 

Thanks for all your help. I went to the dealership today to check them out. It was the first time that I saw the cannibal and speed and was able to compare them side by side. They are both excellent, no radical machines. I've done extensive research on the dale quads as I do on everything I buy and I'm sure that I won't be disappointed in them. Plus if I have any questions about anything I know where to go. Just to let you guys know I especially enjoy reading smitty's and alaska's posts and replies. You guys know what your talking about and I feel that I can take what you guys say as scripture. Not that I'm religious or anything although that's not a bad thing. You know what I mean. Well thanks again for all your help and continue the good threads. Jared

 

Hauling,

I know you will pick whatever machine fits your riding style. I try to talk to people and read everything before I go running my mouth. I've talked to Harry at Trinity, Kyle at R&S and Andy's my main man at Cannondale.

Before I bought my 2000 400EX, I looked at the 300EX, to small, the Banshee, hate Two strokes, DS650 way to big. I'm 6' and 230. So I got a 2000 400EX it was fun, and fast. Than my bud got the DS, I got beat by it and my other bud LT250. I was looking at a 440 Kit and a-arms and shocks to make it what I wanted. I soon reliezed that it would never be water cooled, and reliable after all the upgrades it needed to keep up with the crew.

I started shopping again. Raptor tempted but at Dumont dunes it did not impress me. DS, still to big. Banshee, still hate two strokes. Suzuki, still not out. Cannondale, UMMM, 440cc, water cooled, fuel injected, aluminum frame, built in USA, fast as hell, great shocks, felt right, sounds different. I could afford any of them plus mods. The Cannondale already had what I wanted. So I saved a couple of thousands.

I polished the frame. www.hairschool.org/quads.htm for photos. The pipe will be here Wens. Remap Tuesday, beat my buds DS and Shee on Sat at Glamis.

Good luck on whatever you choose.

Smitty

 

Haulin',
Thanks for the compliment, I am glad my sometimes seemingly basic questions and problems do you some good. I figure I can only learn about this quad by experience and why not tap into the experience of owners that have owned one before me? I have found everyone of the Cannondale owners to be very helpful and we don't seem to have the bs going on here that other forums have.

Smitty,
I loved my time in Glamis! I am planning on another visit next year sometime, will have to get together and ride. I met a couple guys from the TRX400EX@yahoo group and we had a geat time riding and bs'ing around the campfire. JIM