Hey guys,
First let me say that I'm really glad to be part of the forums. I have been lurking since about 2007 I believe, and this forum has answered every single one of my questions, so I haven't had the need to make an account. lol Now that's what I call informative. But I do have a question that is more specific, so maybe you guys can help me out.

First off let me say that I have been around atv's since I was about 3 years old, and I have been riding sport bikes for 3 years or better. So experience isn't really an issue.

Now with that out of the way, lets get to the real problem.
Lately I have came across 'some' cash (Not a money fountain) and I want to buy a used sport quad. I want a 400 or bigger, for certain.

I was very interested in a 2001 400ex that was for sale locally. It looks and runs like new, and has aftermarket exhaust, air filter, jets, tires, bars, etc. And it was for $1900. But the problem is I have been reading up on the 400exs and from what people said it sounds like they are outdated and not worth any amount of money. I am a stupid teenager; it would be for trails, maybe some jumping and goofing off, but certainly not racing or anything professional. I do take very good care of my vehicles, and I love to do mods and performance upgrades.

So here is the what I'm asking, Is this bike worth my money? Or should I be looking into something else? I know the z400/kfx400 are both good bikes for around the same price. I know someone is going to tell me to look into 450s, but frankly, I don't think I can afford one that isn't garbage. I am on a $2500 budget.

Any advice?

 

See my comments about 400EX vs Z400 and its clones, here: http://forums.atvconnection.com/buyi...005-400ex.html

I currently have 9 quads and bikes, and if I had to give up every one except one, I would keep the 400EX!!! It is the do everything sport quad! Sure it has less power then the Z or the Raptor, but all that power is tractable. None of it gets wasted spinning the wheels, like you will do with so many other machines.

My 400EX is 10 years old now (bought it new in 99), and it runs a good as the day it was new. I had a Z as well for a couple of years, but sold it....that should tell you something....

That said, it would be real nice to see Honda come out with an updated water cooled, fuel injected 400 class engine, and drop it in the EX frame!!!

 

Thank you for the input! That is for sure probably the most rounded, well planted, unbiased opinion I have heard.

It sounds like a 400ex will suit me fine. I have a few friends that have Raptor 250s, Raptor 350s, Honda 300exs, a z400 etc. I don't have to be the best, I'd just like to be able to keep up for the most part.

Is the air cooling an issue? That is my only real concern with the bike.

 

You will be able to keep up just fine. The 400ex motor is nearly bullet proof with routine maintenance. I have a 2008 model (for sale btw) and it's been better than I could have imagined. But I needed more power so I moved on to a 2008 700xx so it doesn't get used anymore. But IMO the 400ex is the best all around trail quad made. None of the frills and all of, if not more of, the thrills. Air cooling is not an issue. I have had the air fins caked with mud and never ever over heated. But if you idle for more than a minute I would suggest you shut it down. That's what I have always done. Without moving air the oil temps can get higher than you really want.

 

Alrighty then, Well it sounds like I have pretty much nothing to worry about. I'll go to take a look at it again on Monday, regardless of the decision I make, I will be sure to be posting more questions lol.

 

Air cooling is only an issue of performance, not durability. Water cooled engines will give you better performance than a comparable air cooled engine. On the other hand, the tolerances on an air cooled engine are slacker, and I think that helps contribute to their being bulletproof.

If I am at the dunes on a hot day and I pull a long uphill and the engine gets hot, I do notice a slight loss in power.

 

That is a good point. But I'm from the mountains in Kentucky
I'll be mostly riding on trails, with the occasional strip mine (Our equivalent to dunes, but much cooler lol) so I don't think heat will be as big of an issue with me. I have driven other air cooled atvs in the same areas and only had an issue when I kept it reving high in 3rd gear for an extended period of time.

 

For that price, it sounds like a great deal. And whoever said the 400ex is dated and worthless is totally ignorant. If anything the 400ex is one of the best sport ATVs at holding some value. Honda reliability and reputation always carry weight when it comes to resale.

On your budget there is nothing wrong with a 400ex. In fact you are likely to get the most bang for your buck.......

The z400 is a nice machine too, I have a 2005 and love it....but they are often tough to find used and in good condition. If they are in good condition they are generally more than $2500......

You just cannot beat a 400ex for simplicity and reliability.......

 

Well it was several people on a different forum actually. They were just making endless comments on how inferior the ex was to the z400 or kfx400.

They do seem to hold their value well, it isn't uncommon for me to see a '99 for $3400, and selling.

Well I can find several z400's in my price rang, and some seem to be in good condition. I am very interested in this 400ex though because of the aftermarket parts, most of which are new.

 

If I were riding Kentucky woods trails (I lived in WVa as a kid, so I know the area!), I wouldn't want to be on anything but a 400EX.....unless it was really tight then I would prefer its little brother the 300EX.