If you were buying a quad, would you buy the new 400EX or a used 250R and fix it up? The 400EX seams to be a great quad right off the show room floor, but for 5500 you could find a good used R and really "trick" it out. Will the 400EX take over the 250R as best quad?

 

I've rode a modified 400EX and a trick 250R...they are both good machines. The only thing that would make me buy the R over the EX is the fact that the R is a 2-stroke...I just don't like the power delivery of the 4-stroke engine.

 

I have a 400EX on the way (aug 10 ) but hopefully im gonna start looking for a 250r next year because i also like the power that a 2-stroke offers... in my opinion i think 4-strokes last a bit longer between rebuilds. It is a very hard choice to make between the 400EX and the 250r thats why im gonna try and get both <IMG SRC="http://forums.atving.com/ubb/smile.gif">

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I read in alot of different aricals that the EPA is moving to pass legislation to ban all two stroke motors. Has any body heard any thing about this?And I think this is why honda is putting a lot of R/D into the four stroke. Lets face it if the honda250R was forced to be as quite and clean as the 400ex it could not compete. And I love those dirty smelly loud envirmental pigs.

 

Some differences could be comfort; Porshe or Cadilac? If you like smooth feel, go with the 400EX, if you like the strong "power" feel, then go with the 250R.

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Evan Johnson 88 LT250R 98 Blaster

 

I have had both machines and both are great, and both have their pros and cons.

The 250R is great cause it has been around for along time 13 yrs., and there is probably not a way to improve it that hasnt already been discovered. I would have to say the top engine and chassis builders have got the 250R figured out. Well, lets face it this machine has buttered their bread for over 10 yrs.

The pros of the 400EX are it is a new machine, and if you get yours from the showroom floor you arent buying a machine with a "history". If you treat your 400EX right and maintain it properly you shouldnt have to expect to spend any money on repairing it (except for the rear tires and brake pads)! So you can spend extra money you get on mods. Which is what I have been able to do. Another good thing about the 400EX is it is really easy to go fast on, and 4 strokes are the way of the future.

The cons of the 250R is that it is an old machine. If you buy one from somebody you have to pretty much take their word for whatever new parts they have in it, and how long they have run it with these new parts. When I read things like stock 250R with original piston I just shake my head. Is that a good thing? How long has this thing been ridden less than 100 hours? To me the 250R is pretty pricey too. It is a ten or more yr. old machine that people want at least $1500 for regardless of condition. Most of the ones that seem to be worth having are at least $2500. So now you have $2500 invested in something that if you want to be safe you should completely disassemble and inspect. So you are taking away from precious riding time to have a machine that you got to look over for at least a couple days to be sure of the important stuff, and if you really get into everything it could take longer. Of course this assuming you have the mechanical know how to tear apart a 250R completely, and put it back together...without extra parts!

The cons of the 400EX is it is a bummer to spend $5500 plus on a machine that you plan on modifying, and changing to your liking. Another major bummer is alot of the 400EX goodies are on hold and you have to wait to get them. So even if you got the money you have to wait forever to get them. I cant imagine it will get much better when all the new 400EX's come out to the public.

I guess both are great machines. I liked the 250R alot, but now with my new mods on my 400EX I am starting to like my 400EX better. I think either machine would be a great choice, but as time marches on I think the 400EX becomes a better choice. Maybe, not better, but newer!

Adam Smith
99 400EX

 

With my work and family schedule It's all I can do to get my quad washed, filter cleaned, and oil changed before I get to go out riding again. The last thing I wanted was a rickety, high up keep, hand me down. For me the EX offered the most fun for the least hassle.

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TRXter

400EX

 

Two months ago I was in the same situation that you are. I decided to go with the 400EX and I couldn't me happier. It is such a fun machine. It is very, VERY easy to go blazing fast. For that very reason, I am grounded from my quad! I have thought about it a lot, and I cannot decide what the best feature on the 400EX is. The motor is pretty good. The suspension is amazing, very smooth for the trail and excellent for jumping. Maintnence is easy too. Oil changes are a breeze and the air filter has easy access. If you get a 400EX, you won't be dissapointed. Good luck. Ride Red.

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Two months ago I was in the same situation that you are. I decided to go with the 400EX and I couldn't me happier. It is such a fun machine. It is very, VERY easy to go blazing fast. For that very reason, I am grounded from my quad! I have thought about it a lot, and I cannot decide what the best feature on the 400EX is. The motor is pretty good. The suspension is amazing, very smooth for the trail and excellent for jumping. Maintnence is easy too. Oil changes are a breeze and the air filter has easy access. If you get a 400EX, you won't be dissapointed. Good luck. Ride Red.

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I am sure i won't be disapointed, Ive been looking forward to the arrival of mine now for about a month (coming Aug.10) i even have some aftermarket goodies for it coming. All my parts will be here and nothing to put em on....lol talk later. Steve

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97,98 Forman 400