Yep, its stock except:

Rear Wheels & Tires: 86 ATC250R Gold wheels / New Holeshots (6ply)

Stock handlebars with an aluminum crossbar (they're squishy without it)
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While I was out there, I wished I had tried the stock tires, I tried them for a few minutes as we unloaded the bikes out of the trailer, and when I put the Holeshots on, it felt like I had less HP, but I was worried about traction (turned out, that wasn't a problem).

This was my first trip to the sand, so I don't have much tire selection experience for that terrain, but a friend has an '00 XR400 and started the day with a 12 paddle, he hated it and wasn't having any fun, went and bought an 8 paddle, he said it made all the difference in the world. Apparently careful tire selection on a 4-stroke is of utmost importance in the sand. I have heard that on ATV paddle tires you want a much shorter paddle than you would use on a 2-stroke, due to the power being more spread out vs the instant hard hit of the 2-stroke.

We are planning another trip this spring, e-mail me if you are interested in trying to meet us out there. Hopefully there will be a couple of 400EX's, lots of bikes, and a couple sand rails.

<a href="mailto:gellett@earthlink.net">gellett@earthl ink.net</a> is my real e-mail addy

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Gabe

'86ATC250R
'86ATC350X
'00TRX400EX

 

Gabe, I think you are right about the paddle tires. They are "Sand Sharks" 20x11x10 which I purchased at Jim's Sand Toys in Waynoka, OK. My 400 dosn't seem to like them at all. Think I'll try selling them, although on my next trip to Sahara I'll run my stock tires, before making that decision. My brother had an '88 250R in '89 and said he thought the stock rear tires performed plenty good at Sahara. I hate that I have so much money invested in the paddles and wheels, but we all learn things the hard way!

 

I must correct the mistake I made on my last reply. With all of you guys' help I have a 400 that runs like it should! Thanks
My throttle now opens all the way and boy did I find out what a difference it made.
I went to the dunes last weekend. I am no longer disappointed with my quad. The sand shark paddle tires that I complained about last time I wrote under this topic are just fine. When your throttle dosn't open full they will bog you way down, but this is no longer the case. They work great! I removed my stock spark arrester and i think that helped as well. It did have a mis on throttle response at first touch, but it really ripped when you get the air flowing in. It was the loudest 4-wheeler on the sand, but I like its growl.

 

Glad to hear that it made that much difference for you too. I was rather disappointed with mine at first, and thought to myself "no way this thing has anywhere near the power of my 350X", now I think it could whip my 350X pretty easily. The old 250R is a different story though....

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Gabe

'86ATC250R
'86ATC350X
'00TRX400EX

 

I finally decided to break down and check my y2k...who didn't know that? Had at least 3\8ths of an inch play in the slide. Took it for a test ride afterwards and had to sit on the gas tank to keep it on the ground!

Thanks Gabe, and btw...you owe your camaraman a bigtime favor...nice pics.

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Steve Small, '00 400ex
'00 Trail Boss for the wife.
Impuls90 for the boys.
<a href="mailto:extreme400ex@home.com">EXtreme E-mail</a>

 

My carb was opening about 80-85%. My local dealer also said it was opening all the way and that the rumor was an internet rumor. These guys are idiots and don't want to do anything except change the oil and fix broken quads. I say never buy anything from Garvis Honda Town in Des Moines Iowa.

 

Glad to hear all you guys finding this on your machines, nothing much beats free HP, eh? Now if I can find something similar holding the front suspension back (vs spending lots of money on new shocks)...

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Gabe

'86ATC250R
'86ATC350X
'00TRX400EX

 

WOW! This is GREAT! Now this is what these forums are for! Im checking mine ASAP!

 

Let us know what you find..

Making this mod sure beats bolting on an exhaust system, drilling holes in your airbox lid, installing a cam, etc.....

You'll probably always want more, but the extra power should keep you happy for a little while

------------------
Gabe

'86ATC250R
'86ATC350X
'00TRX400EX

 

Gabe, I bottomed out my shocks yesterday at the river, when I was told I was being out jumped. I bit the hook, line and sinker. My buddies were just wanting to see my 400 fly. They got what they wanted! My question is, When landing on all fours which shocks are most likely bottoming front or rear? My shocks are set at factory setting.