Hey Guys,

We were clocking my friends Banshee's top speed the other day with my car (I know, not really accurate) and on our way up to the flat that he was going to gun it on appeared a Honda 400ex. Well, the EX passed me (I was only doing 45) and then he got up to my friend on the Banshee. It looked like my friend noticed him about as he got to his rear tire, so he gunned it and just walked away from him. Frankly, I wasn't really impressed with the 400ex. I had never even seen one run until then, and I had heard that they were Honda's "answer" to the Banshee. Anyway, to my question: When my friend and I race his '98 Banshee (stock except a K&N) against my Stock (until my RcR Stage 1 kit arrives sometime this week) '98 Sport 400L, I can get him pretty good off the line, and all the way up until I hit top speed (which seems around 65 according to our car test), then he just walks away from me by like 5-9mph or so. How would I do in a race against the EX? Like I said, this was the first time I saw one run, and I wasn't on my quad so the only thing I can compare it to, is how it competes against the Banshee. Any input would be helpful. I'm sure I'll here the classic, "Your Junk Polaris won't touch a 400ex" if there are any Honda guys on here. Don't get me wrong, I love the looks of the Honda, but it just didn't compare to the Banshee at all. However, like I said, I never owned one, or drove one, or even seen one until this weekend, so my opinion shouldn't count for much. Thanks guys.

-Josh

 

All 400ex's need there throttle ajusted from the factory so they will go WOT. Maybe the one wasn't. Mine will keep up with a banshee until top end. I never raced a polaris sport so I dont know how fast they are. I have heard there pretty fast though. They should be for 400cc 2-stroke! I think 400ex's top speed is between 65 and 70.

Safe Riding

 

Thank you. I appreciate an honest answer. Like I said, those guys took off at around 45mph, so maybe that is why the Banshee had so much of an advantage. The 400ex is a sharp bike, and if I would have gotten a good deal on one of them, instead of my Sport, I would probably own one. Thanks again for the help.

-Josh

 

I don't think the 400ex was made to be an answer to the banshee. The banshees are awsome machines but they take a litle skill to ride. The 400ex on the other hand, is the most forgiving quad there is. Even the most novice rider can jump on it and look like they know what they are doing, the bike does all the work. I think Honda did the right thing, the banshee has been out for over ten years so if you haven't bought one yet you don't want one. Besides, honda conquered the banshee with the 250r. Now the 400ex is a 4 stroke(I think 2-stroke are on there way out) that handles better than a 250r, and is fast and light for a 4-sroke, but not fast enough to get you into trouble. Honda new what people want, and now the 400ex is the biggest selling sport atv, and I believe they will out sell the raptor too. But this is all my opinion, and we shall see.

 

The 400EX is not a drag bike, but put it in tight woods with a half decent rider, and it will eat most quads alive, due to its handling characteristics. If Honda ever comes out with a bigger version of the EX, I'll be on the list to get one.

 

I live next to sand dunes called the little sahara in Utah and I have had many chances to go up against a 400 EX racing up the largest hill which is called sand mountain and every time I race a 400 EX on my stock Scrambler 99 400 4X4 I always win. There are some hills on that mountain that I go up that the 400 EX can not make it up do to not enough power and speed.
I always ride with friends that ride a DS 650,Banshee,400 EX and a Quad Zilla 500.
The 400 EX is the slowest out of the bunch that I ride

http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/mindype

 

Well guys, thanks for the replies. The guy on the EX wants to race me this weekend so I'll let you know the results. I'm mainly worried about him getting me on top-end. I am confident that I can get him until then though. It should be a good race either way. I plan on Video taping it, so I'll post it on here when I'm done (if I win of course...hehe, just kidding). Well thanks again guys.

-Josh

 

My riding buddy has a 1996 Xpess 400 stone stock he can beat 400EX's in any drag race, even on top speed, seen it done a dozen times at least, but tight woods trails area different game all together that takes more rider skill into account.

 

xepathfinder, either you are an idiot or the guy riding the 400ex is.

 

Well no **** you can make it up some hills he cant. Your bike is 4 wheel drive, smart guy...

I bet he has way more fun than you, especially if your bike is fully automatic!!! (how exiting THAT must be)
Why dont you ask him to race on a trail, or track, or just about anywhere else?
Yea...... I didnt think so.

-Matt