Honda has upgraded the carb size from 35.5mm to 38mm. Anyone know if there might be other changes? How will the Carb size affect it's performance?

 

Looks like Honda is stepping up too the plate! Maybe some graphics and more cylinder cooling fins too?

 

I'm glad I didn't buy a 2003 400EX. I've been sitting around waiting for Suzuki to sort out their frame and rear end, Yamaha to release a new sport quad and Honda to release a new sport quad.

Maybe the 04' 400EX will be worth buying?

 

I hate too sound negative.....but the new Yamaha quad could be the same problematic quad as the 01 Raptor. Wait for the 2nd year offering or try your luck. Remember, Yamaha warrantied nothing concerning the weak axles, a-frames, and trannies on the 01 Raptor....so why would they treat 450 owners different?

 

I'm considering the 400EX more and more. But I'd hate to buy a 400EX and have Honda come out with a new quad in 2005. If they do come out with a new quad it'll probably cost a bit more than the 400. At least the 400EX has been around for awhile and is reliable. If I did buy a new model, I would want to wait about a year for the company to sort out any problems. I'm just getting the itch to buy.
Although my Warrior wasn't the fastest, I kinda miss the sportier ride and power. It was also nice having a utility and a sport to ride.

 

Considering your needs....besides price, why not consider the new sporty utility quads? Prairie 650, Griz 660, Rincon 650 (although new...Honda does'nt suffer teething probs on their 'utes). I hear bad reviews on the 700 Polaris even from the dealer..lol.

 

I've considered the new Rancher 400 and Foreman 450S. But I doubt that I'll gain much top speed over the Recon. (Around 45mph) My one neighbor has a Foreman 450ES and he said that his top speed isn't much over 45mph. I would want a selectable 2x4 to 4x4 on a 4x4. I would love to have a Rincon or Prairie 650. But I really don't want to spend much more than $6000. I would have to buy one used. But if I sold the Recon it might make up the difference.

I guess I just want something to raise a little heck after riding the Recon for a couple years. Something to make me feel a little younger. It doesn't have to be the fastest, just faster. I think I just want to feel like I really need my helmet.

 

If you don't wanna go over $6k, then don't worry about the new Yamaha or Honda (hopefully..lol) quads because I guarantee the price will be more than $6k...probably closer too $7k realistically. I would lean towards a 400ex or maybe a Z400 if I were you. The 400ex will do what you want and be cheaper though.....I have people posting around $4,500 for new 400ex's lately. These new, more racy quads are not gonna be near as dependable as a much cheaper 400ex either....thats a fact.

 

I thought that a 450 price might be between the price of a Z400 & 400EX and the price of a KFX700 & Raptor. ($5700. to $6500.) The 400EX is tempting because of the price and currect changes. It can also be improved upon. I just don't want to regret buying a 400EX if Honda comes out with something like a 450 with things like reverse, liquid cooling, fuel injection, etc... for a price like $6200.
I've seen some of the ads for $4500. but there's none near me. If I could get a 04' 400EX for between $4500. & $5000., I'd probably buy one. Then I would have enough $ for some add-ons.

I would consider the Z400 if their problems are corrected for 2004.

 

I don't look for the price of the hopeful Honda and the 450 Yami too be below the price of the V-force or Raptor....outta the box they will be running with them.....they will be priced too compete with them.