Just Curious...

[Zackie]

I'm new into the world of Quads.. and i don't know the reputation of the 400ex....

Since all you guys know what the hell your doing and tlaking about.... Hell i thought Nerf was a foot ball.. any who... What are your thoughts on the 400ex.... How does it really compete with other stock quads.... is this an underdog.. is it a piece of junk or what?

[4everhonda]

In my opion it's honda's greatest thing since the 250r, I haven't been on those new 450r's yet but I've heard there even better. Trust me though you wont be dissapointed with the 400ex Ive had mine for 4 years and it's great.

[2004exrider]

its a good all around reliable quad. fun for trails, racing, what ever ya want to do with it. its not the fastest or the greatest quad but its a quad that you will always have fun on. after market and oem parts are cheap and easy to get. ill stick with mine as long as i can.

Jimmy

[Zackie]

I was reading somthing on the 400ex.. about it beating other quads that have more power than the 400ex... like the powerband or somthing.. Is the 400ex really an Underdog? Is there really more than meets the eye? ANd if so.. does anybody have any stories about surprising their friends either balasting away a raptor or a polaris or what have you..?

[jak1389]

quads like a yfz450 or 450r will walk all over a stock 400ex.i love my 400ex, and i too and going to try and hold onto it for as long as i can.

[Zackie]

What are some Must Mods i should do to the 400ex when i get it?

SOmthing that would definatly make it stand out. I like Noises too;)

[jak1389]

add a pipe, if you want it to sand out pc the frame and sub, then get some fullbores.new shocks help alot, and theres alot more if you want to dive into the motor. those are some basic mods that will help out a little.

[2004exrider]

if your wanting to keep a stock engine, just get k&n/uni filter and take the airbox lid off, exhaust (slip on or full) and a different cam. mess around with gearing a little, try lowering the front sprocket by a tooth or do both sprockets and run 14/39 gearing (stock 15/38), advance the timing by 6 degrees (curtis sparks timing key). these are fairly cheap and easy mods to do, its almost endless what else can be done to it.

Jimmy

[Zackie]

i hate to play the dumbass here but what does all that do? I know about exhaust and cams.. but whats the pc frame and sub frame and 14/39 and so on and so forth...

[jak1389]

pc is short for powder coat. its better than paint. holds up much better and many different effects you can do.


14/39 is referring to the sprokets. 14 tooth front 39 tooth rear. it adds more torque and acceleration with the loss of some top end.

[theTman]

ah u beat me to it!!

[Zackie]

okay so mor torque is less top speed. torque is like power to the wheels? if i want a higher torque i'm going t lose top speed... Being at 15/38 whats the top speed?(roughly) and being at 14/39 whats the top speed? Higher torque means what? besides loss of top speed. is it like faster throttle or acleration at lower speeds? or like power up hill ****?

[nosliw]

they wheelie unlike any other

[nosliw]

Originally posted by Zackie
okay so mor torque is less top speed. torque is like power to the wheels? if i want a higher torque i'm going t lose top speed... Being at 15/38 whats the top speed?(roughly) and being at 14/39 whats the top speed? Higher torque means what? besides loss of top speed. is it like faster throttle or acleration at lower speeds? or like power up hill ****?

maybe 66 or so for the stock gearing, i've heard a few mph lower with the 14t.

higher torque means higher torque. less top end and much greater bottom end. you can go slower with the same rpm's as you held with the stock gearing only you were going faster.

[2004exrider]

there suppeosed to top out at 68 mph, but mine tops out at 56mph now. but i dont really need that much topend. with the 14/39 it just gets you up to your top spped faster.

jimmy

[Zackie]

i weigh about 190-195lbs.. is this thing going to stress out moving me around and up hills and all of that jazz? Is there any Mod i can do to it to give it more hp to take less stress on the motor and gears and tranny?

[ZQ8Dude]

no its not gonna stress out at all. im 205 with no touble and ive seen people who were easily 250 riding one.

btw if/when you get yours dont expect to go racing and sliding on the first day. that stuff takes time to learn or else you will more then likely roll the bike.

it took me a month or two before i started to get sliding down at any decent pace, and even longer to do it as well as that video i showed you in your other thread.


if i were you id wait on everything EXCEPT nerf bars. imho Nerf bars are the most important mods.

[Zackie]

ah yeah no doubt.... Nerf Bars are going to be on there first thing! Quck question on the Handel Bars.. if i were to bend the heck out of one side, are they costly?

[jak1389]

well it depends on the company you by the bars off of. you can get a set pretty cheap or get some that cost up to $300. it all depends on preference.

[Zackie]

are the stock ones pretty crappy? ANd whats this i hear about if you bend the bars you bend the sub frame or somthing?

[jak1389]

well if you flip or roll the quad theres a good chance you will bend the bars if you do it hard enough. but if you bent the bars it has nothing to do with the subframe in any way. you may be thinking of the steering stem. you will most likely not bend the stem unless you are in a bad crash, or you flip it pretty bad or something like that. but if you bend your bars you probably wont bend the stem unless its a severe accident.

[Zackie]

so more or less if you have a decent crash your looking at Minor repairs..... But more or less when you crash.. the 400ex is going to hold up pretty well?

[jak1389]

400exs are bullet but with enough abuse something is bound to break.

[Zackie]

no doubt.... you know to tell you the truth... i don't know what i should be doing on a quad.. like i don't know whats bad on them.. ikn fact i don't even know what their purpose is.. other than to have a blast? What are some Do's and don'ts?

want can i do.... ?

what should i not do....?

[400exc]

u can do wheelies, but start out with small ones, just tapping the gas, donts are like trying backflips the day you get it, or tricks, wait for everything to break in if your getting a brand new one, and if it is brand new, dont go out drag racing your friends stock quads or anything, wait till you break it is a little bit. 400ex's are bullet proof quads, they are very dependable, thats why i and keeping mine, and hope its lasts a long time. Just dont do stupid stuff and try to do like long wheelies, tricks, power slides, etc. the day you get it, unless you had a quad before that like z400 etc.

[Zackie]

what is a powerslide.. And wheelies are okay for them? and jumping is okay?

[jak1389]

a powerslide is when you are turning you are still hitting the gas allowing the rear to slide around. wheelies are perfectly fine for them as well sa jump. but with jumping you have to be more careful that you fully clear the jump and landing on the desired landing. you dont want to bottom out the shocks to much if at all. and if you dont know, bottoming out the shocks is where the suspension has taken as much as it can and the shocks are fully compressed. it will not be fun if/when it happens.

[Zackie]

do i need to land on all wheels just the back.. or alittle off set.. like more back then front

[jak1389]

well its depends on the landing. if its more of a flat landing landing alittle more on the rear tires is better than on all 4. if you are actually hitting a good jump w/ a nice landing, you want to go down w/ the slope of the landing for it to be smoother.

[Zackie]

can you powerslide in these or is it better to slow down then hammer it and make your back end fly out from behind you....

[jak1389]

its all depends on the turn.

[Zackie]

is it okay to take through mud and water and creaks and stuff like that.. and what about the snow? is it good to run them decently hard in the snow?

[jak1389]

yes to all of the above.

[Zackie]

well hell ... i guess if anything does go wrong you can always replace it with somthing better eh? haha.. Oh and about the stock tires.. should i chage those or what?

[jak1389]

no you dont really need to change them until they are worn out.

[Zackie]

ah rock on so they are decent enough to do whate ever eh?
I live like in the country i mean Missouri... ya know... Creeks and Woods with some feilds and alot of Dirt Roads.... So those tires are cool? And when hey are worn out.. what other ones should i get?

[jak1389]

yea they would be fine. when the tires wear out i would suggest getting itp holeshot hd's, maxxis razr2's, or kenda klaw's.

[Zackie]

ah rock on thanks bro!

[IRONMIKE113]

i was told it goes about in low 70's

[400exstud]

The 400ex is a great four wheeler because the power is very smooth for a beginner, yet it has enough power for even the most experienced rider. I would say that it has more power than the average person NEEDS but if you do become comfident with yourself there are a ton of mods you can do to them.

[Zackie]

how many mods are we talking about?

[jak1389]

you can do internal motor mods, better exhaust system, suspension, and the list goes on.

[Zackie]

what are the top 5 mods i should do Excluding Nerf Bars...

[jak1389]

pipe, air filter, suspension, skid plates, air scoops

[ZQ8Dude]

Originally posted by jak1389
a powerslide is when you are turning you are still hitting the gas allowing the rear to slide around. wheelies are perfectly fine for them as well sa jump. but with jumping you have to be more careful that you fully clear the jump and landing on the desired landing. you dont want to bottom out the shocks to much if at all. and if you dont know, bottoming out the shocks is where the suspension has taken as much as it can and the shocks are fully compressed. it will not be fun if/when it happens.

yeah...it hurts. i did it once and stopped jumping for the next 4 times out lol

as for mods....you name it they make it. several years ago this quad was THE quad to buy if you wanted to go to a dealer and buy something race worthy. aftermarket for it is nearly as good as a small block chevy's aftermarket.

your sliding question. it will do both, but bonestock 1st gear wont get you there. atleast for me, 1st gear seems to be too short to really revv out and break it loose. if i were you id wait awhile until you know the bike.

[Zackie]

with those 5 mods being said.. how much more power will i get out of that.. and how do i gear 1st to go longer?

[400exstud]

Don't worry about 1st gear. You can do pretty much anything in 2nd or 3rd gear.

[Zackie]

what about RPM and MPH meters? do they have them.. or like a shift light?

[Zackie]

***bump***


sorry i'm going to bump this one i would just like to know... Sorry if i make Admins pissy hehe...

[jak1389]

yes trail tech makes a speedometer/tripometer.

[Zackie]

what about a tach?

[2004exrider]

originally posted by jak1389

yes trail tech makes a speedometer/tripometer

yep, that trail tech is still workin great ya sold me!

Jimmy

[jak1389]

thats great to hear!

[Zackie]

does it not show rpm's? and sould i find one with like a shift lite.. i always thought hose where cool...

[400exc]

mods can make it go a heck of alot faster, as logn as you know wat to get, and wheelies are no problem with a pipe, etc.

[400exc]

and i dont know where to get a shift light, but rocky mountain atv has trail tech's speedometer, like 85 bucks, dont think it has a tach tho?

[400exstud]

You don't need a tach. Once you get a good feel for the quad you will know when to shift and when you know it too will you won't even think about shifting, like most of us hear.:p

[400exc]

just dont push the gas all the way in 1-4th gear, and ull be fine! lol

[Zackie]

damn 85 bones for a speedometer.. thats expensive.. i've noticed alot of **** that is relitivly cheap to make is hella expensive... why is this... please dont give me the answer... Cuz it can be.. lol:p :rolleyes:



actualy never mind thats a dumbass question...


WOuld putting a kit like a 426 kit on this be a good idea? or does it all depend on what i want?

[4everhonda]

It's not just a spedo.... It tell ride times, distances in miles and kalometers, You can program when to change your oil, and even more that I can't think of!! It's worth it!

[2004exrider]

ebay has them for $65.

Jimmy

[Zackie]

wow.. Never mind.. haha... That would be worth it...

[fasterthanyouex]

okay when you first by the quad ...read about the break-in period in the owners manual....also when you are riding it for the first time..be in an open field and take it easy till you get more familar with it...wear a helmet..(life savers) it takes time to get familar..just ride it around and be careful..dont try wheeling or any hot roding stuff..to get hurt. you will wanna leave your quad stock for a lilttle while...maybe change the gear nerfs..handlebars little stuff but dont mod your motor.the 400ex should have plenty of power for anyone. have you ever drove a motorcycle before...use your clutch when you are shift(pull in the clucth ....gear up ) also if u can go on a group ride or ride with people..you will get the hang of it..but when first time riding i wouldnt suggest going by yourself.Also if you want to mod your motor get suspension first..it will make you alot faster then havign a motor mod put on there. Just have fun and Be Safe

[bwamos]

A good MX helmet is a must. You need that face guard so you dont rip your nose off (I have peronally seen it happen). Also a good pair of riding boots is a must IMHO. They will save you from a broken ankle or foot.

As far as quad goes..
get a good pipe (Curtis Sparks, HMF, White Brothers)
filter (Uni, K&N, AMSoil, TwinAir)
rejet the carb aka. air/fuel mix. Can get a kit with directions since it's your first time. Costs a bit more.. but a chap lesson on carb mechanics since it will be your first time in a carbureator.

If you ride woods in missouri (I live in MO as well).. you'll want a full skidplate under your frame.. and probably a heavy duty one on the swingarm in place of the stocker.

Replacement suspension is also a good thing. Suspension before internal motor mods, but after you do all of the above. You're not going to be taking 30ft jumps yet.. ;) I'd look into a set of Elka Recreationals after a while. I dont beleive the 400ex's shocks are rebuildable. They might be though.. the 400 experts will have to answer that one. If they are that is a cheap and good option.

Also NEVER ride alone.. it doesn't matter how good you are. You're in the woods, crap happens. A deer could run out in front of your ***. Or a turtle could even throw you into a tree if your going fast enough. A riding partner is a must. Besides it's funner to have someone to make fun of.

For the first 60 days though.. I'd jsut keep her bone stock. Get a helmet and boots.. and have fun.

And to save you from a lesson.. always hit any kind of a jump (even if it's 2ft) dead straight on.. you dont want to take them at an angle like a motorcycle can. The atv will toss sideways and/or nosedive on you.. it's not fun the first time you do it.. lol. ;)

Also remember the quad weighs 450lbs (wet /w skids).. you weigh 200. One word.. Bail! If it gets ugly don't hang on too long, because the quad WILL take you with it. ;)

[blastereatin250]

Originally posted by 4everhonda
It's not just a spedo.... It tell ride times, distances in miles and kalometers, You can program when to change your oil, and even more that I can't think of!! It's worth it!
Yeah it has all that stuff^^, plus max speed, average speed, Matinence (sp) reminders, clock, If you are going above or below your average speed, odometer, accumulated ride time, and trip meter.:eek: I used to have one and I sold it to my brother. Just make sure you ziptie the wire that goes down to the wheel so it doesn't rub against the rim:o . I got mine at moto-man.

[Zackie]

Rock on thanks a ton guys! This answered alot of my Newbie questions! Gah i can't wait to get a quad.. I might as well buy a good helmet and boots... Thanks agian dudes


Peace out


Zackie...

[maynard22]

Hey Zackie have you checked your pm's lately, I left you one.

[ZQ8Dude]

boots are definitely a must. my buddy acted like i was kidding when i told him to atleast bring his nice steel toes for riding my quad.

he partially sucked a foot down and scared himself crapless.

btw i you have a nice truck....take off the boots before walking in the bed or climbing out after loading the quad. the steel tip take out paint like its nothing.....i know the hard way

also look into a chest protector. i currently dont ride with one(stupid of me) but i recomend them. ive heard horror stories

Rockymountainatv.com has a nice one made by ARC. for 50 bucks. though its nots a big nessecity during your break in period and when your gonna be riding slow to learn the bike.

once you start riding fast, id make sure to pick one up(im just a little broke to protect myself :( )

[400exstud]

One more thing that everyone left out is that even though the 400ex is a 400 (397 actully) it has more power and/or is faster than 99% of utilities even the 700s and 800s. The 400ex does have balls!

[Zackie]

rock on i can not wait till i get one.. better start pulling doubles for a month or two and i'll have one hehe...