why is the 400ex air cooled? why didnt they make it liquid cooled it it were to be for dunes? does anyone know if the 400ex will have reverse in 2003? if there is, my bet is definetly the 400ex...

 

It's aircooled because the engine was taken out of the XR400 motorcycle. This engine was made air cooled for simplicity, and just because honda decided to make it that way. The 400ex isn't really a dune bike, it's more of an all around mx/woods/trail/xc/dunes/whatever else quad. I highly doubt that honda will add reverse for 2003, as it's not a big deal to have reverse, no matter even if "you ride really tight trails".

P.S. It look's like you go through quite a few bikes and quads.

 

I believe that adding a reverse usually means replacing an existing forward gear because of space, and I don't think 400EX riders want that.

On needing reverse, I think that's more personal preference. I'm sure a manly dude like 250rampage never stoops to using the reverse gear on his Recon. Especially when 1/2 way down a trail with a steep drop off on one side and a near cliff on the other. He just shrugs his shoulders, jumps off, and flips his bike around by lifting it with one hand. He's awesome...

 

Of course that's what I do, i'm more manly then Janet Reno...Actually, i didn't mean to come off like that with my first post. Reverse is a nice feature, but it shouldn't be a selling point. It sounds like maybe the new 'zuki would be good for thunderpower, elec start, reverse, liquid cooling. I wish that would have been out a year ago.

 

<< I believe that adding a reverse usually means replacing an existing forward gear because of space, and I don't think 400EX riders want that. >>



don't XR 400's have 6 speeds? that should leave space for an extra gear on the EX shouldn't it? if honda added a reverse on the 400 for 2003 i'd be mad! cuz i'd be stuck with the lame 2002 model.

 

Actually, the 400ex has wider gears in the transmisson than the xr400 for more durability, there is no extra space.

 

Honda will not change the 400ex because it's selling as is. So there is no need to improve it.

 

LOL HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA LMMFAO @ ADING REVERSE TO 400EX

 

The 400ex is air cooled and has no reverse for the same reasons that:
The Rancher and several other Honda utilities have no low range.
The Rincon has drum brakes and no locker front end.

Honda counts on it's name and realiability ratings to help it sell models that have less features than the other brands do for the same price.

I doubt if the 400ex will keep selling &quot;as is&quot; next year, with the Raptor, LTZ400, Kawasaki's 650 twin sport, and Cannondale all on the market. The 400ex already lost several sales this year that I personally know of(friends)because of the lack of reverse. Now if they upgrade the 400ex with the 450 or 650 motor, they will be back in the running...

Good luck,
Lorrin

 

Leel

You are VERY right. Honda is normally the last to invest in thier largest money makers (4Wheelers). There is no excuse for a machine not have disc brakes on all there quads and reverse. The Raptor does so why not the EX? As the industry gets more and more competitive (WHICH IT IS) Honda will have to be more inovative.

Articat has seen the light with the addition of the 500i (a nice machine!), Yamaha with the Griz, Polaris with the Sportman 700 and Kawasaki with the 650. Maybe Honda will see this inovation and get the hint....disc brakes, independant suspension, Locking front end!!!!!!