----Your opinion please----

[tbrown86]

Hello, I'm going to be new to the sport atv scene. I'm going to purchase a Honda fourwheeler. I cant decide between a couple quads and was wanting your opinion. I'm going to be mostly trail riding, I though about maybe trying a harescramble but def. not motocross.

I'm torn between a 400ex and a 450r. I can buy a 2002Ex in awesome shape with a White Brothers pipe for $2400. I found a 2005 400EX, off the show room floor for $4200. OR there is also your run of the mill 450R, USED, for around $4000.

Again I wont be doing any MXing. From what I hear its hard to kill a 400ex. Is an 02 EX worth $2400 in good condition. Its in good enough condition that its on the showroom floor. Thanks for your guys' inputs. I love the website. Thanks

they are all fair deals, as long as the used bikesa re in good shape. my thought swould be go for the 450r. it is a much better machine. don't get me wrong, i love my 400ex, but performance wise, the r is better.

both can be modded to do whatever you want

[quads14589]

if ur new to this sport i would go with the 400ex, the 450r isnt as good as the 400ex in the trails.

[ohsobad_chevy]

Originally posted by quads14589
if ur new to this sport i would go with the 400ex, the 450r isnt as good as the 400ex in the trails.
Yeah, for a new rider, I would go with the 400ex. Little heavier flywheel.........you will appriciate that in the woods!! :)

[tbrown86]

I was kinda leaning towards the used ex. Its already depriciated about as much as its going to. Parts are cheaper and easier to find and I think its a simplier motor than the R. I've been on dirtbikes my whole life and have decided to get a 4wheeler. If i do go with the ex will it be capable of keepin up with my buddy's 450R in the woods? Thanks, TYRELL

[Wheelie]

An R will beat a stock EX on a straight stretch. Although....it 90% rider and 10% machine.

When you decide you need more power, an EX can be built to beat a mildly modded R.

[tbrown86]

Well i just called the Honda Shop on the used 400ex. He said they wanted $2400 for it. I offered $2200 and we met a $2300. Should I pounce on it or not? or does it sound too good to be true? TYRELL

[GPracer2500]

$2300 is pretty cheap. Even if it's not super-clean you'd be hard to go too wrong. Get the EX and if you decide you want the extra performance of the 450r then move up later. You mentioned depreciation before--by getting good deals on used machines you can move on to other machines without loosing much (if any) money.

Good luck!

[Wheelie]

Check it out thoroughly, take it for a test ride. Personally I'd go for it.

My opinion is biased though, I'm a die hard EX fan.

[250r4life]

yah, i would go for the used ex in your situation... 2300 is a dang good deal...

[MAD450r]

In the trails its hard to beat my ex. if they are tight anyways.

I ride with all kinds of quads and my ex is the most reliable of the bunch.

As for hitting the straits you will fall back some there but you'll make it up on the next corner where they have to brake really hard. I fly into turns on my EX, then slide nicely through them.

[tbrown86]

thanks for your guy's opinions. i have just one more quick question. What should I look for when I take a final look over this quad. a-arms, chain, sprokets, the air filter box had some sand on it. is this bad? the motor has no tick what so ever. i think its a good buy but i'm a little nervous. i just lost a bunch of money on a Husqvarna CR125. Paid $2000 for it and sold it last night for $400 not running. Thanks again. This website is better than thumpertalk.com. you all are more helpful. thanks TYRELL

[tbrown86]

oh.......... also I've already taken it on a test ride before I ever offered him anything for it. Its got alot of power. I'm a fan of that style engine because I have a 1982 XR200R. That bike is 24 years old and starts up everytime. Out of the people i ride with it may not be the fastest but its the most reliable. My Husqvarna was fast but it hardly ever ran. The 400EX is the same type of engine as my xr right?

[quads14589]

when u go to look at it make sure the engine sounds fine, the electrical looks fine my 400ex had some probs with the electrical when i bought it. and if the quad is in good shape.

[ohsobad_chevy]

Yeah, the 400ex engine came from the XR400 bike.

[tbrown86]

sorry for the stupid question. i just wanted to make sure. could the 400ex be competative in a MHSC series race. Most riders would be riding a 450r wouldnt they? Thanks, TYRELL

[RiderTRX400ex]

it could be competitive, but it might take twice as much money in an ex to run with a R.. get the ex, you'll love it and you wont regret it.. maintain it and it will last a looooong time

[TRX400Ute]

Go with the EX. Less money and more mods, for now.

[njk4o5]

Wow i bought the exact same quad as you only back in 03'. I got it for $3000 with a 2 year warrantee. Had the same pipe and everything. Great quad I abosolutely love it. GO for the EX its a deal

[AR15 guy]

I would go with the 400ex if it was me. I love mine. Especially on trails.

I'm sure 450r's are sweet machines but definetly not needed on the trails.

I prefer the reliability and simplicity of the 400ex. Plus its been around forever...no bugs left to work out.

[Wheelie]

IMO--The 400ex's reliability is second to none in the sport/HP quad world.

[tbrown86]

Thank you all for all the replies. I'm going to go to the Honda Shop tomorow and pick up my 400ex. From the sounds of it, its just about the best all around quad that is reasonably priced. I really do appriciate all the help. Thanks. I'm sure i'll have some more questions once its mine. I just hope its a good deal.

[Wheelie]

Good Luck on your purchase.

If you have any questions, there are plenty of people on this site that can fix you up with what you're needing to know.;)

[tbrown86]

well i'm gettin ready to go get it. i'm still a little nervous but oh well