Finally Got IT ! Red 08 400EX :-)

[08400EX]

My dealer called me this morning and told me my red 08 was on the truck and would be there at noon. I was there with my trailer waiting :-)

I got to unwrap the crate myself!

Here are some pics, should be self explanatory.

Gonna be a FUN weekend!!

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1935a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1936a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1940a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1939a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1942a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1943a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1944a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1941a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1958dr.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1969sm.jpg

[elmer91]

looks sweet!:eek2:

my favorite part is the front end its awesome with the air scoops

[maxfior]

...you know, when I first saw the pictures of it online months ago I though it was a little fugly, but now with your, more, "in-the-living-quad-flesh" pictures it looks a hell of a lot better. And I'll tell you what else, BAD ARSE with just being able to remove the seat! It's such a pain (at least for me) to put the rear-fender / seat back on, I HATE lining it up on the front... I'm sure I'm not the only one that dis-likes it either... But cool looking machine bub! Break it in nice and have fun!

Max

[espergre]

damn, I used to think the new design was sweet. But after seeing the top down view, I noticed that cutting the fenders for a racecut appearance is no longer possible. That is gonna annoy a ton of people, myself included! Any thoughts?

[project400ex19]

maybe there will be an aftermarket company will make new fenders that are one layer instead of 2.

[rooney]

in my personal opinion i dont mean to be nokin ur new toy but the new 400 looke liek **** i hat the new plastic the only good thing is the seat

[Hondamaster5505]

Haha, sick.

Did you actually ride it yet?

Any difference?

And i cleaned out my mailbox so you can get back to me about the clutch

[CarGuy7a]

i do like where they put the tool kit. no more can on the left rear and lost tools when the cap flies off.

yeah i didn't think they looked that good at first either. but with your detailed pics it's growin on me.

Awesome lookin quad, but i dont see how the he#* you would cut the fenders on that thing haha.:D

Put all them parts on so we can see what it looks like man lol.

[j450rking]

wow it looks pretty good! i think there is some things they could have done to make it even better but they did a pretty good job.

[NJ450rider]

not bad at all. wonder how hard itll be to put that plastic on older 400ex's. how does the seat attach at the gastank? On the tank itself like older 400's or is the button on the plastic?

[08400EX]

Originally posted by coreymx58
Put all them parts on so we can see what it looks like man lol.

Working on it, jut got finished with all the Pro Armor stuff. Taking a coffee break before I start the next additions. Hopefully I will have eveything on it before bed time.

BTW, when you see it in person it almost already looks like the fenders are shaved. The fenders are MUCH narrower that the older style.

Concerning seat, yes it has the "button" on the tank.

I have had it flipped back for the last couple of hours and most everything looks the same with the exception of additional rubber "mud flaps" under the tank.

Rides nicer than my 05, but that is expected since it is new. They could have tweaked the shocks a little, but it is nothing as dramatic as the 450R shocks. I am taking it to my favorite riding spot tomorrow and will get a better feel for it then. I will say it feels "roomier" than my 05. I guess this is part of the new seat design and much slimmer tank. Also the new heel guards seem much roomier.

[zdowell]

if you want to shave the front end, maybe it be cool to leave like a wing on the front end. Leave the red part, and if you look at the front end picture, if you cut front the tip of the red part down that body line it might look really ****ing sweet!!! WHo is going to be the first to cut their plastics???

[08400EX]

Originally posted by zdowell
if you want to shave the front end, maybe it be cool to leave like a wing on the front end. Leave the red part, and if you look at the front end picture, if you cut front the tip of the red part down that body line it might look really ****ing sweet!!! WHo is going to be the first to cut their plastics???

Here are a few progress pics, and a few closeups of the fenders. If you look close they have creases in the fenders that would probably be a perfect spot for shaving. I am not much of a "shaver", personally I leave the shaving to my wife :-)

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1949a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1951a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1947a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1946a.JPG

[440challenger]

The seat is sweet but the plastic looks like it will take some time to get used to. Nice quad. good luck with it!

[NJ450rider]

Yeah i see what you say about it being narrower than the older fenders. It looks like the fronts only protect you when the wheels are turned. not so much straight.

Im not one for cutting fenders either. i like having something to stop the mud and dirt etc. Thats really why id like to have the new plastic for the seat! I love the seat on my 450r. if my 400ex had the same feel id be lovin it. Makes me really want to convert my 01 over the 08 style.

[Hondamaster5505]

the bumper+skidplates make ir look even more sick!

Are you gonna put the pipe from the 05 on the 08 also? that'd make a nice addition.

I cant wait to talk details about the hydralic clutch, the stock one is a little stiff on mine

[Honda#4]

Call me weird but I like it when I can remove the seat and plastics all in one, thats just more nuts and bolts to take off when the time comes for modding.

I'm lovin the bike though looks great

[Hondamaster5505]

Originally posted by Honda#4
Call me weird but I like it when I can remove the seat and plastics all in one, thats just more nuts and bolts to take off when the time comes for modding.

I'm lovin the bike though looks great

The seat doesnt come off with a bolt??

It comes off with a latch on the 08's. No extra nuts or bolts, probably less actually because on the 99-07 you have to bolt the seat to the fenders

[elmer91]

Originally posted by Hondamaster5505
The seat doesnt come off with a bolt??

It comes off with a latch on the 08's. No extra nuts or bolts, probably less actually because on the 99-07 you have to bolt the seat to the fenders

i think what he was meaning was taking off the back plastic mainly. before all you had was a latch, now there is bolts holding it onto the frame.

[trx400EXtreme]

looks sweet!!! all the Pro Armor stuff made it look twice as good.

NICE!!!!, what are you gonna make it for? xc or mx? that bumper looks really good on that man
:eek2:

[08400EX]

Originally posted by Hondamaster5505
the bumper+skidplates make ir look even more sick!

Are you gonna put the pipe from the 05 on the 08 also? that'd make a nice addition.

I cant wait to talk details about the hydralic clutch, the stock one is a little stiff on mine

Yes, the Big Gun is going on the 08, with a Uni Filter and K&N Powerlid. My dealer didn't have the jets I needed so I may have to wait till next week for that. I could use the DynoJet kit from the 05, but I don't care for the main jet adapter deal and I plan on leaving that in the 05.

Give me a day to play with the new toy and we will work out a deal on the Magura. The clutch pull on the 08 is perfect and I will definitely not need that.


Originally posted by coreymx58
NICE!!!!, what are you gonna make it for? xc or mx? that bumper looks really good on that man
:eek2:

I am just an old fart trail rider, just fixing it up to hit the trails in the WNC, TN, WV mountains that I have been riding in for a few decades :-)

[Ruby Soho]

looks sick!

can you remove the black fenders and take a picture?

Originally posted by Ruby Soho
looks sick!

can you remove the black fenders and take a picture?


x2

[08400EX]

Originally posted by Ruby Soho
looks sick!

can you remove the black fenders and take a picture?

Thanks!

I will probably have to remove at least one side of the plastic in the morning to finish wiring the Vapor. I will be sure and take pics of it without the plastic I remove. Not sure if I will need to remove both fenders.

Already have the Vapor mounted temporarily until my Scotts damper arrives. The neutral and reverse lights wired up easily on the Vapor Dashboard. A few other boring things like the WB footpeg extensions and silicone grips are done.

Oh, and a pic with the hood off for those that are interested.


http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1956a.JPG


http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1955a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1954a.JPG

[honda300EXtreme]

looks real good man,,, i know youve been wanting this thing for a while now,, glad ya finally got it


what do you think about the front shocks have you noticed any differences? i would just like to see them roubound a little slower

[08400EX]

Originally posted by honda300EXtreme
looks real good man,,, i know youve been wanting this thing for a while now,, glad ya finally got it

Thanks! Yeah, glad it finally got here too, and it was definitely worth the wait!


Originally posted by honda300EXtreme
what do you think about the front shocks have you noticed any differences? i would just like to see them roubound a little slower

Doing a simple bounce test comparing the 05 with the 08 it does seem to rebound a little slower, but that could be due to 2 year old used shocks vs. new ones. I will say I am eyeing a few 450R shocks on Ebay... it is just a matter of time.

[ridered92]

man that such a sick wheeler i wish it was mine i love thoses trail techs im going to get one when i get my new wheeler

[j450rking]

can't wait untill people start selling the 08 plastic on ebay so i can get some b/c i am definetly not going to pay the dealer price. and then i will have to get a tank too

[Drummit77]

Nice lookin machine! First I had seen of them so I appreciated all the quality pics. As for the seat, my sons 250ex has the same style seat and I really prefer the seat and fenders all in one piece...so much easier to deal with at maintenance time. One finger latch and half the plastics are out of the way? Man I wish all of them were like that! Personal opinion of course.

However...that midsection does look much narrower on the 08. Anyone measured the width of the frame rails at the tank and under the seat yet? I'm curious about that particular area as far as swapping plastics.

Congrats and enjoy!!!

[08400EX]

Originally posted by Drummit77
Nice lookin machine! First I had seen of them so I appreciated all the quality pics.

However...that midsection does look much narrower on the 08. Anyone measured the width of the frame rails at the tank and under the seat yet? I'm curious about that particular area as far as swapping plastics.

Congrats and enjoy!!!

Thanks!!

Here is a quicko comparo pic showing the difference in seat/tank width. As far as I can tell the frame is exactly the same, all the magic is done with the tank, seat and plastic.

Plus a few more side by side pics. Not quite fair since I haven't cleaned up the 05 much from the last trip, but you get the idea.


http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1963b.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1965a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1962a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1957a.JPG

http://www.928gt.com/images/400ex/CIMG1959a.JPG

[project400ex19]

I wonder if I bought an 08 seat latch if I could maybe mount my rear fenders so they are stationary. Then I would build some supports so it doesn't look like a gray bumbo-bee trying to flop it's wings into space on the mx track.

[JfromChatt]

Lookin real good!

[ridered92]

there is such a big difference the only thing i dont like about the 08 is the head lights i dont know why i just dont. i like the pro armor bumper and the trail tech she ready for the trails huh? are you going to put nerf bars on it? and are you keeping the stock tires or changing them out?

[08400EX]

Originally posted by ridered92
there is such a big difference the only thing i dont like about the 08 is the head lights i dont know why i just dont. i like the pro armor bumper and the trail tech she ready for the trails huh? are you going to put nerf bars on it? and are you keeping the stock tires or changing them out?

The headlight is a little different, I guess sort of a 450R type headlight. One thing I did notice about the headlight while riding last night was it is twice as bright as my 05. Also since it is "tucked" under the hood there is almost no upper glare as all the light goes down on the trail.

Almost ready for the first trip. It started raining where I was going to ride so I am going tomorrow. Meanwhile I finished the Vapor wiring and programmed my shift lights, etc. Also got the Big Gun, Uni Filter, K&N Powerlid installed and jetted pretty darn close. Now that that is done along with the 13 tooth sprocket swap it is RIPPING BIG TIME!!! :-) It is amazing the difference from stock to an hour or so of power upgrades!!

Can't make up my mind about mounting the Pro Aluminum Nerfs, since I mostly trail ride I can do without them. I go and hold them in place, then I change my mind again. The WB Peg extensions work well for me so I will probably leave it at that. I will wait a while and if I don't mount them I will just sell them.

As far as tires I plan on getting another set of stock sized Razrs next week. I already bought a 23" Front / 22" Rear set mounted on some used factory wheels for some of the gnarlier trails I ride on occasion and they have worked very well. Most likely I will get a set of Hiper Tech 3s w/beadlocks for the stock sized Razrs (22/20s) for the "normal" trails. The stock tires/wheels will go into storage for whenever I sell it in the future.

Back to the garage for more fun.....

[ridered92]

i just like nerf bars but i do see what you mean all i ride is trails too i live in maine so. where do you live? its to cold here to ride now not to mention the snow! i guess it was how there were tucked under i what i dident like soon i think im going to buy a 400ex any upgrades that you feel are a must?? what have you got her to so far how fast?

[08400EX]

Understand about the nerfs, I like them too on some bikes.

I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina beside the Blue Ridge Parkway near the TN and VA borders. Lots of great places to ride! Doesn't usually get to cold for us to ride, my wife and I rode in WV during Thanksgiving in 34 degree day time weather with snow coming down :-) Lots of fun and puts the old ski jackets and gloves to good use!!

You will love the 400! Just get the normal Slip on, filter, air box mod of your choice , jet it rght and it will wake it right up!!

Haven't done a top speed run yet. Just finished the speedo part of the Vapor install and haven't tweaked the settings with my GPS. Since I dropped the front sprocket to a 13 I doubt I will be setting any land speed records... but I will get to whatever speed it does darn fast!

[ridered92]

yeah if i get a 400ex first thing i will do is get every thing you listed plus a trail tech because i like them then after riding all summer will come the fst 465 big bore kit and cam the she will really move. must be nice being able to ride all year round

[Hondamaster5505]

hey, the black hipers with red rings would look sick on your bike!

If you ever decide to sell the stock front tires let me know. That my dad would get me because he said he would a long time ago but hasnt yet.

I could just picture black and red hipers on there:devil:

[elmer91]

Originally posted by Hondamaster5505
hey, the black hipers with red rings would look sick on your bike!

If you ever decide to sell the stock front tires let me know. That my dad would get me because he said he would a long time ago but hasnt yet.

I could just picture black and red hipers on there:devil:

if you find a pic of hipers, at the same angle as one of his pics, i could try to do it in photoshop, just to see what it would look like. i think it would be cool too.

[Hondamaster5505]

try this: http://i14.ebayimg.com/02/i/01/5e/68/97_1_b.JPG

[Drummit77]

Those would be soooooo tight on the bike.


As far as midsection measurements...I think you're right. It's all in the tank and seat shape. Hoave you spent any time on the TRX450R? Wonder how close the seating position is to that? Honestly, I didn't much care for it on the 450 I rode...I felt more comfortable on the 440....but I've got a big ole ***** and didn't spend a whole lot of time on the 450. :) Felt like the seat was too far forward for me...almost like it was trying really hard to be a dirtbike....too hard.

About nerfs....I really love em on the trail....especially with heel guards. Not sure how aggressive you get on trails (we tend to haul the mail since we don't have much in the way common sense!) but my nets have saved my ankles a few times. Personal preference though.

Later taters!

Chris

[08400EX]

Originally posted by elmer91
if you find a pic of hipers, at the same angle as one of his pics, i could try to do it in photoshop, just to see what it would look like. i think it would be cool too.

That would be great if you could do that. Ironically I was going to ask someone if they could do that earlier and forgot.

If you do it, as a personal faver do one version with black rings because that is what I am getting. I have a feeling the red rings will fade over time and with scratches not look so good. Of course I could be wrong. Personally I wish they would offer the beadlock rings in silver, that I would go for.

Just got back from another ride around the property, I can't help but stop and take a ride every 30 minutes or so after I finish another project :-)

Thanks again to everyone for your feedback and support!

[Hondamaster5505]

are these better? http://www.mxmidwest.com/products/hiper_wheel_plug.jpg

[elmer91]

here ya go. angle was a little off for the front tire. but you will get the idea.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb80/elmer091/CIMG1941acopy.jpg

[NJ450rider]

I have hipers with red rings on my 450r. What i do is buy a new set of rings once a year. They do get a lil beat up really no matter what color ring you have. They dont fade at all. I think that either way all black or black/red its gonna look unreal. I have all black hipers on my yellow 01 400ex.

Can you remove the black front fenders and take a pic for me?

[08400EX]

Originally posted by coreymx58
Can you remove the black front fenders and take a pic for me?

I will try to do that later.

Right now it is all packaged up waiting for the rain to slow down a little so I can go riding!!

Originally posted by 08400EX
I will try to do that later.

Right now it is all packaged up waiting for the rain to slow down a little so I can go riding!!

thanx ;)

[jrafter]

does it look like the rear carrier got beefed up

[ridered92]

hey where did you get thoses awsome covers?

[08400EX]

Originally posted by ridered92
hey where did you get thoses awsome covers?

Those are Factory Honda Covers, but they are only availble in Canada.

Check this thread for more details and better pics:

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=325823

[nick249420]

i didnt read all the post so hopefully no one has asked but will the 08 plastics fit older modles sush as a 2004

[08400EX]

Originally posted by nick249420
i didnt read all the post so hopefully no one has asked but will the 08 plastics fit older modles sush as a 2004

I haven't done a complete benchmark between my 08 and 05 but at a glance you will also need most or all of the metal support rods. Everyone I have noticed so far is different.

Wow its ashame to get it dirty. I think if I were you I would run the 05 in the mud and the 08 on dry land or not at all becuase its so nice! lol

[08400EX]

Originally posted by RoadRidin450r
Wow its ashame to get it dirty. I think if I were you I would run the 05 in the mud and the 08 on dry land or not at all becuase its so nice! lol

No, the 08 will look good dirty :-) Besides, the 05 is for sale and should be gone soon.

But as with all my previous bikes/atvs it will get pressure washed after each trip and cleaned to like new again. Just a habit I have had for decades.

Compared to my cleaning procedure for my utility ATVs , the EX's are a piece of cake to clean...

[blue_ex_rider]

I have never seen one of those vapor that you are running on there. What all info does those things give. And were can you purchase and what is the price on them. I really luike the looks off them and wouldnt mind putting one on my bike. Also was it pretty easy to install. But your looks great as well did you get to ride it much this weekend.

[oleboy87]

dang you really get into cleaning! but im the same way... after every ride i get on it with a tooth brush and take it down to frame and engine

Originally posted by oleboy87
dang you really get into cleaning! but im the same way... after every ride i get on it with a tooth brush and take it down to frame and engine

haha same, not always a tooth brush but i clean my quad so good and after i clean and wax it it looks like a out of the factory 2004

[08400EX]

Originally posted by blue_ex_rider
I have never seen one of those vapor that you are running on there. What all info does those things give. And were can you purchase and what is the price on them. I really luike the looks off them and wouldnt mind putting one on my bike. Also was it pretty easy to install. But your looks great as well did you get to ride it much this weekend.

The Vapor I have (with the optional Indicator Light Dash) gives Speed, Mileage (trip and overall) , hour meter(trip and overall), RPM in digital and bar graph, shift lights (2 levels), engine or oil temp, engine/oil temp high + danger warning lights, neutral, reverse,and high beam indicator lights, and other things I can't remember. Cost is around $107-114 for the 400EX complete kit. The optional Indicator Dash with mount is $35-39. Installation is very easy, usually less than an hour for eveything. It usually takes me the longest to figure out the neatest way to run and hide the few wires needed.

Details can be found at www.trailtech.net Great company and nice as heck people to deal with.

Got to ride a little in between heavy rain. there is nothing like a brand new 400EX, tight and SMOOTH!!

[blue_ex_rider]

Well all I do is pretty much drag race with my ex. So I believe the shift lights and the telling me the RPMs would be the best thing for me. that way i could get down the exact times I would need to shift at.

[08400EX]

Originally posted by FoxHondaRider
haha same, not always a tooth brush but i clean my quad so good and after i clean and wax it it looks like a out of the factory 2004

Yeah, I have always found my bikes run smoother, cooler and more reliable when they are cleaned properly. In decades of trail riding I have never had any of the 20 or so air cooled Hondas I have owned to ever miss a beat and/or leave me stranded. I atribute part of this to proper maint. and cleaning, the rest was/is probably luck :-)

[08400EX]

Originally posted by blue_ex_rider
Well all I do is pretty much drag race with my ex. So I believe the shift lights and the telling me the RPMs would be the best thing for me. that way i could get down the exact times I would need to shift at.

I have been using and dealing with Trail Tech for many years.

Here is a little tip for you. If you hold out they will soon be releasing a standalone Tach with shift lights. It will be very cost effective, last I heard it was going to be around $25-30 and should also have the nice bar graph display.

[blue_ex_rider]

Do you have any timeline on when they could be avaliable. That would be great for me

[08400EX]

I would guess this spring.

Here is a pic of how I mounted just the Vapor (no indicator dash) on my wife's 07 250EX. I moved the key down to the right and mounted the Vapor where the key used to be.