400ex Vs 450r

[KEVIN300A]

How much work would have to be done to a 400ex to keep up with a honda 450r with basic bolt on mods? Mostly on motocross track. Looking at a 426 with good suspension and mods would that be a better buy than a basically stock 450r you can make the purchases for about the same price! I am just getting started in motocross but been riding trails for about 10 years.

[CHEVYZ]

I would say to go with the 426!

[400exfan19]

i would just get a 450, when u put all those mods on a 400ex 2 make it keep up its really hard on the engine and takes alot out of it

[Wheelie]

My stroker has no problem keeping up with and beating the 450R.

[krt400ex]

a 416, piped, cammed, filter, jetted, piston will keep up just fine with a stock motored 450.

[ilpadrino113]

I'd go with the 450 if they're the same price, the unworked motor would be a lot more reliable.

[Kaleigh]

i say 426.. just cause it has everything ready to race.. you'll appreciate the suspension..

well that is only if you are not going to upgrade the 450r suspension.. but you can also get the 450r suspension tuned for a reasonable pirce.. I think around 250-300 for all 3

[BigFish]

I'd go w/ the 450, because chances are the 400 will need the suspension redone for u. Might as well start out w/ the stock 450, and do all the suspension/a-arms and stuff yourself. Plus that motor w/ a pipe and jetting will be all u you would need just starting out. There's a lot more potential in the 450. You'll never get you're money out of either one u buy, so u might as well splurge on a 450;)

[KEVIN300A]

I like the 450's but I am trying to get into motocross and do not have enough money to get into a 450 then put suspension on it and by what I read and the racing I have done it seems suspension will make a big difference. I was just wondering how reliable like a 426 or 416 would be racing motocross. and if I could be competetive racing against mostly a class of 450's? Another question is what about a z400 with cams and bolt on mods and a good suspension?

[Kaleigh]

dont forget you can get your stock shocks rebuilt to make them better.. I think TSC does this.. and for a good price.. just to let you know.. thats if you want to go with the 450r..

[krt400ex]

Originally posted by Kaleigh
dont forget you can get your stock shocks rebuilt to make them better.. I think TSC does this.. and for a good price.. just to let you know.. thats if you want to go with the 450r..


but gotto spend at least $600 for a arms, and anothe $400 for an axle...


get the 426...it is still ultra reliable if it was built right, and it will have the suspension. the only thing u may have to do is have it revalved for ur weight and riding style/ability

[Kaleigh]

true ^_^

hard for me to pick.. ummmm... TAKEM BOTH ^_^

[Bigun55]

I put the 440kit on my ex.... it helps it out alot put it still wont perform like the 450R does. Thats why i bought me a 450.

[400exfan19]

lookin at the mods u have 2 ur 440 it would have no problem with a pretty much stock 450

[Honda4lyphe]

depends on your money situation, from what ive been hearing the 450r isnt as reliable as expected ive seen alot of posts about engines blowing up and valv problems etc, it could just be the rider bring them past their max over and over but im not sure. personally..id get the 450r reguardless if i had the money and mod it up itd be a whole nother level of performance but i dont think it will ever be as reliable as the 400ex, on the second hand look into who did the engine work on the 426 and make sure its people who know what their doing, most engine rebuilds ive seen have been very reliable i got a buddies with 440s they lasted for 4 years and still running like champs.

[400exfan19]

ya wat he said....:cool:

[prowler029]

a good 440 kit and a new pipe and a 400 would smoke a stock 450r

[KingpinsEx]

If your looking into buying used you might as well get a 450r, they are plenty cheap nowadays with all the changes being made. If you were looking for just a general riding atv i would def. say get the 400ex. Good handling, decent power, and awesome reliability. However, since you want to race mx i would have to say your best looking at the 450r. Thats basically what they were made for and will have better reliability. Sure a 416-426 would be the best bet to get right into racing, but you need to think down the road. A stock 450 doesnt preform all that bad on a mx track and you can add mods down the road. 400ex's weren't made for mx and it won't hold up as well or long as a 450r would. Plus once you do get the mods on the 450 those 400s won't even come close...horsepower is king in mx.

I say hybrid. The price of modding the 400ex motor to make it fast as the 450's is going to cost as much as a yz motor. You could build a hybrid for under $1500. Every one that go from fully modded 400ex's and then build a hybrid say their hybrid would walk circles around their ex.:macho

[Chino886]

I've owned both and I would not want my EX over my R ever!

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[Chino886]

New:

With the same rider ability, on my 450R, I would walk circles around my 400EX!

[Bigun55]

I'm dead serious. it will hang with the 450r but it wont outrun it or nuthin. My buddy has got the 450er and the ol 440 aint got nuthin on it. Thats why i bought me a YFZ:macho