Hi ya'll
It's been a year and a half since I've been to this site! I no longer own a 400ex, as my ID implies(too slow). I now own a YZ 125...not happy.

I would like to look into a Cannondale, either the Cannibal or Speed. Could anyone please give me some advise?
We have a few C-dales were I ride but they are the local pro race team. There are no stock quads among them.

I'll be riding mostly trails with occasional rec MX mixed in. Is the Speed worth the extra $$ for this purpose?

Would anyone be willing to share what they paid for their quad? If not, I understand.

Are there any problem areas? Reliability issues?

And if you had to make the choice again, would you buy another Cannondale??

Thank you for your time

 

Dang, can't believe no one has responded. This group is usually very quick to take up the cannondale banner. Guess it's on me then. Welcome back 400exryder. Sounds to me like the speed would be great for you. The 'dales are awesome! They may well be on there way to being the new standard in quad racing. I mostly rec ride myself and bought the 'dale with intent to see if it was any good. I've beat it hard and it has held up great for a year. I will likely be buying another as i'm very jealous of the guys with 2 'DALES! Read back through this forum for full info. I'm not hearing about problems with the current production models. If you get an older one it may have a couple bugs to be worked out but nothing major. I'd be looking at a speed for under7800 OTD. Good luck!

 

The speed or the cannibal would both be good choices. If you can find an early 03 cannibal with the rear ohlins I would go that route and have it remapped but if you cant the speed is the better choice in my opinion(the 03 cannibals now come with a fox rear shock and different tires). The earlier models had their problems but the current production models should have all of the bugs worked out. I have an 03 cannibal le and I love it. No problems at all. There is no other quad out there that offers anywhere near what the c-dale does. And the customer service is second to none. They will do things for you that will blow your mind. I have heard of guys getting free fixes on things that weren't even under warrenty. If you get a cannondale you wont be dissapointed. I think it is the best decision I have ever made about a quad.

 

Where are you in PA? I can hook you up with a test ride.

I think you'll love a Cannondale. The new 03's are pretty bulletproof. Alot of changes have been made, and up to the shock recall, I haven't heard of too many problems. You can either PM me or email me at jcv400ex@hotmail.com I'll make sure you get a ride on one.

 

It depends on if you plan on getting more involved in racing (major upgrades).
If so get the 03 Cannibal.
If you are just going to trail ride and race on occassions and not want to sink 1000-2000 in shocks and major perfromance then I would go with an 03 Speed.

The reason I say get a 03 is do to the fact that there have been a good bit of changes on the 03's that improve handling and other areas. There is nothing wrong with the older models, but alot of the racer will be selling their 02's for 03's. If you want to save some money you should be able to pick up an used 02 of a good price.

BTW I agree with Ryanstones on the 7800-8000 OTD for a new speed. I paid 9500 for mine but got a set of carbon fibers with 6ply razors all around, nerf bars metal oil filter, second air filter and a bunch of misc. stuff.