Debate: 450r or 400ex [Archive]

450rJam

12-08-2007, 02:44 PM

I have both,
400ex with filter/pipe/jetted:
runs great, super reliable, good handleing, and I can ride the trails at a slow pace or rip through them

450r w/hrc kit and rossier:
crazy power, pretty reliable (starter issues), does not like to be rode slow

you need to chose based on what you want to do with it..............
if you have to beat all your friends and plan on racing the R would fit better
if you just want to play, but have enough performance to have some serious adrinalin rush's get the ex

boosted3g

12-08-2007, 03:30 PM

for the price u end up spending on mods to make it equal u hould have just bought an r . real men ride without reverse

Sometimes its just about being a good dad. I take my boys for rides around the yard and occasionally i need to back out of the garage or just have to back up from getting too close to the cars in the driveway. I like it because its there and when im not doing the dad thing and giving 4 wheeled pony rides around the yard i want to have some run and hammer the throttle a little bit. I could have got an R or 3 of them for that matter but i dont want one. A 400ex is like having a wife and a girlfriend. You got the wife to make you supper and clean the house but you still have the girlfriend when you need her.

j450rking

12-08-2007, 04:12 PM

i would get the 450r but thats just me i relly don't think that the 400ex has that much power. if i could sell my ex and get a 450r without paying much more then i would in a second

440challenger

12-08-2007, 04:31 PM

Its really easy to say : just extended it,shocks,this that. yeah ok.

These prices are minimum.

stock 450 shocks:200
Extended arms: 300
pipe: 400
axle w/carrier : 350

then of course bars,cables,jet kit,tires,wheels,nerfs etc.

AND you still have a stock 400 motor.

thats 1250 bucks just to make the 400 somewhat decent with CHEAP parts. get the 450..been there done that. ended up with a 400 450 in the end LMAO

XXXRACER165

12-08-2007, 07:37 PM

I am NOT brand loyal at all, and if I had a choice between putting $3-4,000 into a sport quad.......it would be a 400EX. Here's the difference: Buy a 450R thats far from being a "perfect" quad and put load of money into it to make it the way you want it. Or, take a 400EX for example. The only thing thats wrong with the machine is stuff is outdated, throw a couple g's in the EX and you have a machine that can perform with stock 450's thats still stone reliable AND still come out spending less money. JMO

NJ450rider

12-08-2007, 07:44 PM

I have both. When the 450R is broken the 400ex will awlays be there for me.

my88r

12-08-2007, 07:45 PM

If it was me buying a new quad it would be a ktm 450 xc. but that is just me.

chris46250r

12-08-2007, 07:52 PM

Originally posted by my88r
If it was me buying a new quad it would be a ktm 450 xc. but that is just me.

How did that help him decide between a 400ex and a 450r?

tar

12-08-2007, 08:07 PM

This topic has come up with me many many times. I would love to have 450r power but I love my ex. I have a arms axle pipe and other little stuff and I love smoking 450r's at the track. I would rather do a sweet 416 build than get a 450 then you could be smokin the 450's in all aspects. Keep the 400 and drop some money into her.

12-08-2007, 08:13 PM

MX: 450R
XC/Trails/Playing around: 400ex

Dont get me wrong the 400ex can be used for MX but with todays world of almost all 450's at the track you dont stand too much of a chance and the stock 450r suspension is good enough for the track.

j450rking

12-09-2007, 05:17 AM

i agree with my88r you don't have to stay with honda. not that i don't like them but from what i am seeing with the ktm it's a much better machine then anything out there. they come with alot of after market stuff alreddy and the ktm engines make more power then any of the others. all i'm saying is if it's better and not too much more and you are going to get a new quad them ktm is the way to go

450rJam

12-09-2007, 06:41 AM

dont make alot of "cents" to drop enough money into a 400ex to make it compete with a STOCK 450r, as soon as the 450r gets a $300 hrc kit the 400ex still cant hang
(with equal riders, I dont need to hear how many non skilled riders joe has smoked with his 400)

figure out what YOU want to do with it....................
then pick the one that is closest to what you want

250x_kyle

12-09-2007, 11:45 AM

Originally posted by klutch
That is the most immature idiotic line i have read in my entire life. Ok everyone if u have reverse take it off your ATV because you are not a real man. BTW 250x_kyle ummm 250x's have reverse if im not mistaken....
cry about it why dont you. ive never owned a 250x in my life just made it my user name. my first sports quad was a 400ex i picked up for 2300 that needed work. 450 in the motor later i had a strong running 400ex yes its a good quad but if i ride it it breaks all the time. my best friends r has been beat on 5 times worse and its only had a piston replaced. if you want to buy a 400ex and mod it out to run with a 450 why not just buy a 450r is it that hard to get of and turn a 400 lb machine around. 450r suspension is better than the 400 suspension. why spend 2500ish on a 400ex and throw all this money into the motor when u can pick up a 450r for 3500ish. when its lighter will easily out run a 440 with a few mods. im kicking myself in the *** for even buying a 400. should have waited 3 more months and picked up a 450. the 450r is all around a better machine. you say the 400 is more reliable but to get it to run with the 450 you have to bore wich you loser reliablitiy. i know 4 people that have 450rs and have rebuilt once and i know numberous people who have 400s and rebuilt 2 to 4 times. just my opinion there equaly reliable. i like my friends 450r on the trails better than my ex. i feel more comfident making it up long step strip job hills knowing i have the power where ive had my 400 bog tward the top.

zdowell

12-09-2007, 02:06 PM

I do own a 04 400ex right now btw... But you guys are giving me alot to think about. I need to borrow a 450r for a day a see how i like it.

250x_kyle

12-09-2007, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by zdowell
I do own a 04 400ex right now btw... But you guys are giving me alot to think about. I need to borrow a 450r for a day a see how i like it.

your 400 will be forsale the next day thats for sure.

zdowell

12-09-2007, 03:07 PM

Ive road around on them alittle and it was like I was on my old motorcycle...kinda. Those 450r's have some serious power. And it only had a pipe on it.

nick249420

12-09-2007, 04:41 PM

just my opinion

i would go with what you like i have a 04 400ex too
i love it depending on what you are racing (XC, MX)
the 400 suspension sucks period
and its also not about the rider in either race type
i raced a yfz 450 on a mx track (he is at the same skill level)
i beat him ..im faster then him (refelex, timing) its all mainly in the rider in both xc and mx i raced at the final show down i passed i dont know how many 450's
its all in what quad you like and how deep your wallet is lol
and any quad can stay nice for how ever long its the owners responsibilty you take care of it its nice ..you dont its a P.O.S

i plan on getting a 450 because i like the handling and it has a radiator
i am deff not selling the 400EX EVER

tanner 222

12-09-2007, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by 250x_kyle
cry about it why dont you. ive never owned a 250x in my life just made it my user name. my first sports quad was a 400ex i picked up for 2300 that needed work. 450 in the motor later i had a strong running 400ex yes its a good quad but if i ride it it breaks all the time. my best friends r has been beat on 5 times worse and its only had a piston replaced. if you want to buy a 400ex and mod it out to run with a 450 why not just buy a 450r is it that hard to get of and turn a 400 lb machine around. 450r suspension is better than the 400 suspension. why spend 2500ish on a 400ex and throw all this money into the motor when u can pick up a 450r for 3500ish. when its lighter will easily out run a 440 with a few mods. im kicking myself in the ***** for even buying a 400. should have waited 3 more months and picked up a 450. the 450r is all around a better machine. you say the 400 is more reliable but to get it to run with the 450 you have to bore wich you loser reliablitiy. i know 4 people that have 450rs and have rebuilt once and i know numberous people who have 400s and rebuilt 2 to 4 times. just my opinion there equaly reliable. i like my friends 450r on the trails better than my ex. i feel more comfident making it up long step strip job hills knowing i have the power where ive had my 400 bog tward the top.

100% agreed. i had a 400ex with reverse and did the same, booted myself in the *** for buying it. 5 months later I bought an LTR which is the heaviest out of all the 450s and the reverse on the 400 was absolutely useless. now if it was a utility that weighs 600-700 lbs then yes theres a point for having reverse but i mean it shouldnt be all about the reverse, it wouldnt matter what 450 you buy it is way more reliable than a 400 if you want real power.

12-09-2007, 06:02 PM

my 400ex doesnt have reverse and i'm 100% fine with that. Actually I like quads without reverse better, be a man...use your hand haha. 4x4's deffinately need reverse but sport quads I say get off and pick it up. Many may not agree but I like my quad simple.

zdowell

12-09-2007, 06:03 PM

Id love to keep it. One plus is that keeping it i know its history, and id save money by not switching. The parts for a 450r are so much more abundant though. idk lets keep on debating. give me some more ideas!

12-09-2007, 06:05 PM

400ex was the 1st real 4 stroke sport quad 1999 whooooo baby lol I love the 400ex. I just like the simplicity and handling

honda8&3

12-09-2007, 06:10 PM

Well zdowell what type of riding do you do most often?

450rJam

12-09-2007, 06:14 PM

I have had reverse on my old 250x, my wife has it on her 250ex and my daughter has reverse on her z250
(I play on all of them from time to time)

I didnt have reverse on the 250r, '99 400ex, or the 450r

dont care if its there or not, its a luxury that weighs with some riders more than others (usually depending on type of riding)

to me the electric start is worth more than the reverse

everyone has different priorities, thats why there are so many different style atv's

zdowell

12-09-2007, 06:15 PM

well, i ride alot of trails. I am getting more into jumps and racing though. Next year I am going to get into racing with my friends.

450rJam

12-09-2007, 06:22 PM

from what you just said, the 450r will fit the bill ALOT better

if you get the 400 you will be kicking yourself in the arse every time you come out of a corner and everytime you hit a straight

honda8&3

12-09-2007, 06:30 PM

Well 450 or not you're gonna have to update your suspension for jumps. Make the best of your current ride. I suggest building up your suspension a little bit. Start with the front. Aftermarket A-Arms and better adjustable shocks.
http://www.houser-racing.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=44F0000-1108502178
Houser Regular Travel A-Arms (+1 wide) so you can still ride trails and will still have some stability when riding MX. Then Pick Up some 450r front shocks. Get those and your stock rear shock revalved and resprung by C&DRacing. Then to widen the back a bit get an adjustable rear axle. A G-Force axle goes for around 200 dollars and can be widen to +4" and can also be shorten to -2". A Billet bearing carrier would also help. All that will run you about 1700. Which when you really think about it a you would end up doing this to a 450r anyways. So you are just going to end up spending that and the price of a bike on the 450r. The motor on the 400 can be made just a powerful as the 450. The 450's aren't race ready and need to go through just as many mods suspension wise to get them there. Keep your 400ex build it up and then see what you think. That would be what I would do if I were you. Just my .02 cents.;)

450rJam

12-09-2007, 07:27 PM

yep, you could do that...........................

you could buy a mustang gt............
or
you could also build a ford pinto up, drop in a V-8, spray it with some juice.........................

both would be quick but one would be more reliable with less work

and if you chose to unload one of them in the future...........
one of them would sell quicker and for more $$

look at the big picture

jdboy

12-10-2007, 08:47 AM

I just got through riding a 06' 450R this last weekend and all I can say is "It Rips"! The speed and power are great! With this said I'll move on with stating that I would still rather have a 400ex for mainly trail riding. Not saying you can't trail ride a 450R, but just stating that the EX is a much more forging ride. The 450R that I was riding seemed to want to be revved all the time like a 2 stroke. I loved that part but it also makes the bike harder to ride in tight trails. Another thing is the upkeep on a 450R. Keep the top end and valves in check and you'll be fine. Neglect the maintenance and you'll wind up with an expensive paper weight. On the other hand EX's are stone simple. You still have to maintain them but nothing on the order of the R's. Just my .02!

zdowell

12-10-2007, 10:50 AM

Now, one of my friends just said that he is thinking of selling his 2004 YZF 450r. He also said that he'd sell it to me for the same amount i sell the 400ex for.

dustin_j

12-10-2007, 11:37 AM

I had a 450r (HRC kit @ kenda klaw mx tires all around) that I raced 2 summers ago. Now I have a 400ex (widened out, elka fronts, mx tires, no motor work yet). I got rid of the 450 to put some cash in my wallet, since the 400 is cheaper. I love the 400ex when it's aftermarket, but in stock form the 450 is the easy choice. If you are looking to get serious in racing the 450 is for you. Stock 450r will work well in C class, but a 400 will need some mods to compete. Maybe look at the LTR450 if you're into mx? JMO

Also, what is a 2004 YZF 450r? Did you mean 2004 YFZ 450? Not trying to be a jerk, just wondering what you meant.

zdowell

12-10-2007, 11:41 AM

my bad, screwed up. I meant YZF 450.

chevyman89

12-10-2007, 12:55 PM

that sounds like quite the deal man. If u can get that i would go with it but if your unable to get the yfz you need to think of what your going to be doing (riding).

zdowell

12-10-2007, 01:31 PM

If I dont race next year, its a mix of jumping and trail riding. Racing around tracks and trying to work up the balls and hit bigger jumps.
How reliable are yfz's?

honda8&3

12-10-2007, 01:47 PM

Well the 04 YFZ's are all right but they are noticeably slower than the 06+. Yamaha made about 80 changes to them for 06. But still that trade wouldn't be bad at all. What's done to it?

dustin_j

12-10-2007, 02:10 PM

Yfzs are very reliable if you follow proper maintenance. Some 04s and 05s had battery charging issues; you needed to have the lights on to recharge the battery. A yfz would be leaps and bounds above your ex. I rode a yfz when I had my 450r and I liked the yfz a little better.

maxfior

12-10-2007, 04:44 PM

Originally posted by zdowell
If I dont race next year, its a mix of jumping and trail riding. Racing around tracks and trying to work up the balls and hit bigger jumps.
How reliable are yfz's?

If you’re not going to race until next year, why not keep the 400EX and keep saving some bones for a 450R. Then, (depending on your cash flow) you could have both the 400EX for the trails and a nice 450R for the MX track. The longer you wait the better deals you can find, just my $0.02.
----
I too was in your same shoes and went with a 400EX since I got a great deal on it. Having said that, I would still like to have a 450R for just moto. That way I can still have the best of both worlds... ...because if you start modding one quad, you'll sacrifice something else down the line, i.e., wide a-arms for the track, now suck for trail riding. There is always going to be a compromise somewhere, you just might need to figure out what you are going to do more of. I know that people are not made of money, but I’ve seen some pretty good deals on used 450R’s…

Max

gcart2

12-10-2007, 06:14 PM

Originally posted by FoxHondaRider
MX: 450R
XC/Trails/Playing around: 400ex

Dont get me wrong the 400ex can be used for MX but with todays world of almost all 450's at the track you dont stand too much of a chance and the stock 450r suspension is good enough for the track.

id have to agree completely. i have raced a 400 and a 450 (both honda) on mx tracks. i race my 400 in open b. for ppl who dont no mx thats any bike u bring u can race. i do great on my 400, i am just as fast if not faster than the 450's however when i get on a 450 my skill is multiplied. the 450 is faster than the 400 and if taken care of just as reliable.

Drummit77

12-10-2007, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by zdowell
Here is a picture of the pile. Runs great, just thinking I want something that is faster. Before you tell me you can make it faster, I am not into working on the engine, it makes it less reliable. While throw a big bore kit in when for that same money you could sell and just buy a 450r.
http://www.exriders.com/vbb/attachment.php?s=&postid=2944562

Sounds to me like you've made up your mind so hey...go waste your money. You can 440 and cam etc. that 400 for FAR less than the difference in selling your 400 and buying the 450. BTW-the 400ex is considered the most dependable atv motor ever by ALOT of people. Even after big bore kits and other mods.

If you are still actually listening, the 400 is the better all around machine. I've had ZERO reliability issues with my 440 even though it hadn't been maintained very well before coming to me. Ran with the brand new 450Rs (ALL OF THEM!! Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki) on the track and in the woods. Straight out drag race? The 440 loses. Not huge but it loses. But it's not a drag bike is it? If you want a drag bike...go buy a Banshee. It's that simple.

As for 400 vs. 450....lap times are going to be similar on the track. Very close. The 440 is much better in the woods....the 450 tends to stall in places the 440 didn't. Sit on a 450 and spend some time on it if you can. Even though I come from dirtbikes, the 450 is just not comfortable and the seat position is just wrong for me. That's personal preference....but it's an observation you should consider. One thing that is fact...valvetrains on the 450's are a source of constant maintenance. They are very light in the front end and the throttle response is pretty jumpy on tight tracks...they can be a lot of work to ride.

You're bike is probably paid for. The 450 is gonna set you back some cash outta pocket even after you sell the 400. Take a fraction of that money and do some work to your 400 and I'm betting you'll be one happy dude....with no "reliability issues" as you called them. You'll be running neck and neck with those 450's on everything but a flat out drag race against a piped/jetted bike. But it's your money and your ego. Do what ya wanna.

I've rode the TRX450R...stock and piped/jetted. It's a nice ride...but it's meant for one thing. RACING. It does that well. But it doesn't do it any better than a well built 400. Sorry....my vote goes to the 400 because of reliability and being well rounded. Don't believe me? Take the 450 out for an all weekend ride. See if you're missing that 400 then....

Chris

Chris

zdowell

12-10-2007, 07:41 PM

Hey, I am definitely considering everthing everyone is saying! What just came up though is my friend is selling his YZF 450 and he said he would sell it to me for the same price I sell mine for. Its a 2004 YZF 450 with bumper, bars, nerfs, and HMF exhaust.

Staying reliable is a BIG deal for sure, and i have considered doing like a cam to waken it up a tad. Maybe when money comes in I could send it off to do like a 416 or 426.

I really like my 400ex, its very clean, and been babied for its short life. I am pretty sure I dont want to spend $1000+ to upgrade 50cc, I could do almost a full suspension for that. But, since my buddies quad is up for sale I could upgrade for free. Drummit77 thanks for your input so far!

bcg717

12-10-2007, 07:49 PM

My roommate has a 450r and i'm not gonna lie his stock 450r spanks my 400 all day long, but i just cant get comfortable on it. It just feels so weird to me, but thats my opinion and there like *********s, everyone has one

j450rking

12-10-2007, 08:48 PM

have you ever riden a 450? if not you need to just to see how you like it

zdowell

12-10-2007, 09:03 PM

I have ridden a couple of 450's, and I am starting to lean towards keeping the 400ex. Starting to think even if I have a 450 its not going to make my skills any better. I havnt even raced and if I do get into racing I probably wont be all that serious. I wanna do some GNCC racing. Im going to go ahead and start modding this one, get some dual bead lock rims, skids, bars, kill switch, new bumper, and see how money is going and possibly either just do 450r shocks or save some money and do the whole front end(shocks and a arms)

gcart2

12-11-2007, 03:25 AM

well as far as front end i have fox shox. they r great for just about n e thing. and only 700.

chevyman89

12-11-2007, 04:39 AM

Sweet man glad u took that way thats what i am trying to do is get ex and mod it up for mx and what not.

dustin_j

12-11-2007, 07:22 AM

If you're thinking GNCC type racing then the 400ex is a good choice, especially when you're just getting started. I am way faster in the woods on my 400 than I ever was on my 450, and my 400 is +2. I see you live in dubuque, have you ever gone to any of the Iowa Harescramble Series or OMA Nationals? They are both GNCC style races that are around the midwest.

zdowell

12-11-2007, 07:57 AM

Yeah, actually back in like october I thin it was, one of my friends held a event on his land. It was a Harescramble.

12-11-2007, 03:18 PM

i have said it before...i bought the 450r thinking it was the better bike...yep, it is faster in both top speed and acceleration, but that is it...it sits too high, the handlebars didn't feel right and i could never get truly comfortable on it...in stock form...it took nearly a grand to get it to where i had my(now my wife's) 400ex. most was suspension others were other controls.

granted i had about 700 into the 400ex' suspension, but i was still not at the price of what i paid for a new 450r. the funny thing is that the best feeling bars i had on my 400ex were stock 450r bars and grips. i absolutely hated them on the 450r.

now after having all 3 shocks re-valved, fatbar handlebars, grips, and a few other odds and ends, i am now/ finally faster on the 450r than i am on the 400ex. but i bet if i had as new of tires on the ex, i would equal the 450r in speed...

Drummit77

12-11-2007, 03:30 PM

I have the 450R shocks on the front of mine and I love it. You can pick up a pair for right around $200 on ebay if you're patient. For a reasonable price you can send those and your rear off and have them revalved and dual or triple rate springs installed. I'm sure the ride quality would surpass the 450 at that point with not a lot of dough invested. I'm hoping to do that next year.

Assembling and dis-assembling an engine on the 400EX is NOT difficult. With pretty standard hand tools and a factory manual anyone with some degree of mechanical aptitude can remove the head and jug to be sent off for machine work and reassemble the parts when they return. Read the steps involved carefully and several times for a few days before diving in, have a friend that's knowledgeable assist, keep the bolts sorted in baggies that are labeled with permanent marker and if you have to take a few digital pics. Double and triple check yourself before moving on and keep the manual open and go ONE STEP AT A TIME.

For around $1000 you can make that 400 into everything you ever wanted it to be. Put that same $1000 into the 450 and you really aren't getting much of an improvement. That said--

If you truly like the feel of the 450 and your buddy's has been well taken care of, then by all means...go for it. I'm personally not a fan of the way they feel or the throttle response. BUT, I ride trails and light moto. I'm also very used to the feel and the response of the 440 I've got.

I guess my point is this: If you like the feel of the 400, but want more power and better suspension, the bike is a fine platform for becoming something much better than it is in stock form. If you feel comfortable with the 450 and that it suits your riding style, then it's logical to dump the 400 and move to a different ride. I suppose I take this all kinda personal because the big rave is the 450's and everything else is crap...it's just not true. It's a HUGE pet peev of mine. ALOT of people are getting wrapped up in the newer is better frame of mind and it's just bandwagon for the most part. I've got friends that ride 450's and they beat me in the long straights and drags....but in the woods and track I'm right there with them. Most people on quads aren't running in straight lines so the point of flat out acceleration is lost on me I guess.

zdowell

12-11-2007, 07:31 PM

The reason for my debate is, if you start with a bike that is under powered and even if you bore and stroke the 400ex you get to where the 450r is. Now with a 400ex you just spent probably the same what a 450r cost. Now I am no professional racer so I don't care to much that im starting already at a disadvantage at least when it comes to cc's.

When ever I read someones reason for keeping the 400ex and they say you can do whatever to it and make it just as fast or they race better than there friends that are on 450's. But if you look at racers like in GNCC im not positive but aren't those all at least 450's???

Im probably going to stick with the 400ex at least for awhile and try and buy things that if I change my mind in the spring/or find a good deal on a 450 I will be able.

zdowell

12-12-2007, 12:56 PM

Here is an example of why to consider going from a 400ex to a 450r!

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1042972_vmrbw/quad%20i%20want.jpg (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1042972_vmrbw)

This quad is AWSOME and he only wants 5800 for that price. Its just hard I mean compare the 2 pictures which would you rather have!

bcg717

12-12-2007, 01:15 PM

Those pics arent fair untill you throw in a sweet ex to match that r

gcart2

12-12-2007, 01:29 PM

. if you want 1 get it. also u r in the 400ex secton and everyone's gonna say 400 over 450. go to the 450 section and they will list all the bad things about the 400. go on with oyur bad self and get you thet 450:p lol i love my 400 and they will always be great bikes but lets face it.. the motor was built to trail ride.

zdowell

12-12-2007, 01:39 PM

actually gcart2 I did and they do say get the 450r. I have to say though, I am very happy with how the 400ex has treated me. THis is my 2nd one and they are awesome to ride, and very reliable. But dollar for dollar if I want to get into racing I think it will make more sense for me to get a 450r. Parts cost the same roughly, and lets say I do all the same mods, suspension and a arms the whole 9 yards. The 450r will still be faster at least in the straights, lets not get into turns and stuff.

honda8&3

12-12-2007, 03:26 PM

Originally posted by bcg717
Those pics arent fair untill you throw in a sweet ex to match that r

Totally agree! That EX has a ton of potential! Heck for under 3500 I'll bet you could make your ex ride just as nice and almost just as quick as that 450r;)

honda8&3

12-12-2007, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by zdowell
actually gcart2 I did and they do say get the 450r. I have to say though, I am very happy with how the 400ex has treated me. THis is my 2nd one and they are awesome to ride, and very reliable. But dollar for dollar if I want to get into racing I think it will make more sense for me to get a 450r. Parts cost the same roughly, and lets say I do all the same mods, suspension and a arms the whole 9 yards. The 450r will still be faster at least in the straights, lets not get into turns and stuff.

Ya but are you going to race full time and be very serious about it? If your only racing to have fun and aren't going to race a full season then it ain't worth it IMO. The 400ex may be a little bit under powered but you can always build it up to be just as powerful as a 450! Like I said before keep your 400ex and beef it up a bit. Bore it and do a full suspension. It'll be great for a half time racer and better if you like to ride trails too;)

12-12-2007, 04:32 PM

yeah the 450r is full time racer 400ex can be everything when done right

450rJam

12-12-2007, 05:02 PM

if you want a 4X4 ute you could start with a 400ex and cut the frame change the arms, add a trans axle etc. etc. etc.

but why ?

just buy the atv that is closest to where you want it to start with

just 4 years ago the 400's where the badest 4 stroke sport quads being produced, now the 450's have taken it to another level

which level you want ?

gcart2

12-12-2007, 05:47 PM

i agree man. dont get me wrong tho im not a 400 h8r, shoot i love mine but i no the 450 is a better bike in the long run. the 400 (in the long run) is going to be stroked bored etc.. the 450 has as much if not more power than a built 400. and thats stock. if ur gonna race or ride "hard" then id stay upgrade. if your a weekend warrior stick withg 400cc's. remember these are all opinions, dont jump on me if something i say yuou dont agree with.. i h8 that crap.

Drummit77

12-14-2007, 09:59 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by zdowell
Here is an example of why to consider going from a 400ex to a 450r!

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/thumbs/large/1042972_vmrbw/quad%20i%20want.jpg (http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/view/full/1042972_vmrbw)

This quad is AWSOME and he only wants 5800 for that price. Its just hard I mean compare the 2 pictures which would you rather have! [/QUOTE

Yeah...it's a nice lookin bike. Depending on the work that's been done to it I'm pretty sure it's a good deal on a good machine. As far as looks go, my 440 looks pretty tight too. I mean....yeah a stock 400 is pretty much a jellybean lookin thing, but I've got Honda Of Troy graphics and a gripper seat, nerfs, razrs all the way around, ITP baja's in the front...it's got some age, but she still gets attention all the time. I'm sayin that you can dress the poor ugly beasties up a bit and make em look nice.
If you like the feel of the 450 then go get one. By all means, ride the bike you like. I'm not a 440 Nazi or anything...I just hate to see people buy into the 450 hype and realize that it's not the machine for what they ride. I want to give you some points to ponder and help you make an informed decision. BTW--one thing I will give major props to the 450 on....KICK START!! I WISH I HAD A KICKSTART ON MY 440! At least as a backup.

Drummit77

12-14-2007, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by 450rJam
if you want a 4X4 ute you could start with a 400ex and cut the frame change the arms, add a trans axle etc. etc. etc.

but why ?

just buy the atv that is closest to where you want it to start with

just 4 years ago the 400's where the badest 4 stroke sport quads being produced, now the 450's have taken it to another level

which level you want ?

While I see your point, you're getting a bit carried away. The 400 and 450 are both sport quads. It's apples to apples that way. 4x4 ute to 450 or 400 is apples and anvils. Not even close.

If he likes the bike and he's going out fullbore and all he wants to do is moto, then the 450 is the place to start...I'll agree there. If he wants to moto here and there and save a few bucks, dumping money into the 400 is a viable option. You can make the 400 competitive for less than the cost of buying a 450....and you've got a bike that is alot happier on trails and harescrambles.

It's a tough call but I prefer the flexibility and the feel of the 440. Personal preference...it's well suited to what I do and I feel comfortable with the machine. That's what you need to base your decision on.

Drummit77

12-14-2007, 10:23 AM

Originally posted by zdowell
actually gcart2 I did and they do say get the 450r. I have to say though, I am very happy with how the 400ex has treated me. THis is my 2nd one and they are awesome to ride, and very reliable. But dollar for dollar if I want to get into racing I think it will make more sense for me to get a 450r. Parts cost the same roughly, and lets say I do all the same mods, suspension and a arms the whole 9 yards. The 450r will still be faster at least in the straights, lets not get into turns and stuff.

My 440 eats 450s alive in the "turns and stuff". She jumps and lands every bit as nice. Whoops are fine too. Now in fairness that's factory a-arms on every machine and 450 shocks on the 440. Stretch the arms and do some revalving on the 450 and things could change....but I can make those same tweaks to a 440 for the same price or less so who knows. That's what I mean by 450 hype vs. fact. For a few bones the 450 shocks fix the 400 suspension. From there you're spending the same money in upgrades on both bikes.

BigFish

12-14-2007, 05:02 PM

I've had numerous 400s and have a 450 now. As far as which one to get, you need to get some seat time on both and make your decision. As for me, the 450 took alot of getting used to (I still think the 400 is way more comfortable). If I was just wanting a casual trail ride, I would take a bone stock 400, but for mx I'd go w/ a 450. Motorwise... A built 450 will not be touched by a built 400, I don't care what's done to it...

Here's my last 400...

BigFish

12-14-2007, 05:04 PM

my 450 (not a looker like the 400, but pretty much can out perform the 400 in every way but comfort)...

zdowell

12-14-2007, 05:30 PM

This is such a hard one to debate. I guess what im afraid of is, buying all this chit for my 400ex spending over $2000 which be easy to do with axle, a arms, and suspension. If I buy all that stuff, and I do get into racing, im going to be a under dog. I will always be under powered. And I know your argument to this will be to do a 440 kit. Well, if you say do a 440, the the guy on the 450 does a 520 kit. Mod for mod, the 450 will always be on top. This is what goes through my head and makes this a hard decision!!!

12-14-2007, 05:36 PM

Originally posted by BigFish
I've had numerous 400s and have a 450 now. As far as which one to get, you need to get some seat time on both and make your decision. As for me, the 450 took alot of getting used to (I still think the 400 is way more comfortable). If I was just wanting a casual trail ride, I would take a bone stock 400, but for mx I'd go w/ a 450. Motorwise... A built 450 will not be touched by a built 400, I don't care what's done to it...

Here's my last 400...

Still the best 400ex I have seen IMO and i mean the best

quadracer30

12-15-2007, 09:24 AM

I know that it is a very hard decision. I had to make it myself. Do what I did and keep the 400 until you decide if you will even stick with mx at all. I decided that I wanted to race mostly mx so I did buy a 450, but I would still proudly ride a 400 if that was what I had. If all I rode was trails and playing around, I would have kept the 400 in a heartbeat. My 400 was plenty competitive racing but I wanted to take it to the next level. Keep the 400 until you decide to stick with racing or not.

Drummit77

12-17-2007, 09:07 AM

When dealing with mods in racing you have to consider what class you'll run in.

I don't race so I don't know for certain...help me out here...but don't they run a 400-450 class? I know in bikes they run an open class for guys that want to run 450+and you can run anything you want...is that true for quads?

Surely to God they wouldn't allow 520 strokers to slide down to compete against 400-450s would they? If that's the case then I don't see how you're going to be competitive without spending the money for a 450 AND dumping a ton of cash into it.

Again....if you like everything about the 450 and you're getting a good deal on it stop waffling and go for it.

dustin_j

12-17-2007, 10:02 AM

I raced C class at Hawkeye Downs (Cedar Rapids, IA) 2 summers ago (2006). Up front there was a yfz, my HRC 450r, and a 440ex w/fox front end. We beat plenty of built yfzs and 450rs. That same year in A class there were like 4 yfzs, aKFX400 that'd run 3-5 place, and a 400ex that finished towards the back of the pack, but not by much. It sounds like the consensus, and I agree, is if you want to be serious about racing get the 450. However, it sounds like you like your 400, since you still have it; if that's so then ride it. Get some mods as you go and practice, you'll be able to compete in C and B classes.

I think most tracks have production classes that limit displacement to 450cc, as well as the open classes.

Blown 331

12-17-2007, 10:35 AM

I have an EX now and if you have the money to spend sell it and get the R. Money is the only reason I ride the EX. Don't get me wrong I love it but it has no potential compared to the R. I bought an 03 400EX new in 03, sold it in 03 for a 3k loss to by the R when then came out, great move. I sold the 04 R to buy the much improved 06 but bought a Harley instead. So now I have the EX cause I got an 03 with tons of upgrades for $1500.

My opinion only but I feel that a 450R with HRC kit and full exhaust will destroy any 400EX in a drag race, that's right ANY!!

Don't hate, I ride a 400EX and I love it.