Major difference 450R/400EX

[Lowcountrydave]

What makes the 450R that much faster than the 400EX power wise?

Larger carb is obvious

Larger engine displacement also obvious

what about gearing front/rear 450R? 400EX?

What about transmission gearing?


Anything else?


Dave

[400exrider707]

The entire design of the motor is just made for racing. The 400ex is just a mild motor compared. It's not just engine size, it's EVERYTHING.

You're comparing a 400cc oil cooled trail motor to a 450cc liquid cooled race motor. Everything about these motors are different except they're both single cylinder, both 4 valve heads, and both single overhead cams. Both are also 5 speed transmissions, but that's an after thought compared to the motor itself.

[kawiefan]

The 400 is a very reliable quad that is good for everything. Low maintmance (sp). It has diff. transmission gear ratios than the R.

450r. like stated above its ment for racing. needs really good upkeep. less weight

[xsr_racing28c]

If I'm not mistaken I would say that nothing is shared other than maybe the brakes.... 450r is a hell of an upgrade!

[Flyin-Low]

Originally posted by xsr_racing28c
If I'm not mistaken I would say that nothing is shared other than maybe the brakes.... 450r is a hell of an upgrade!

Loads of things are shared, and the brakes aren't one of them. But there is NO comparison between the 400 and 450 engines.

[Lowcountrydave]

I appreciate the info ya'll. It makes me realize I made the right choice when I puchased my 06 400EX. I've always wanted a four wheeler when I was little, but never had one untill I bought mine two years ago. I wasn't even up to date on what models were out there. I walked in to the Honda shop and said I wanted something fast. Price wise the 400 was more in my range for the monthly payment. Sounds like the upkeep is easier and more dependable also I live in the trails; with occasional tracks.


Thanks again

Dave

[Flyin-Low]

Originally posted by Lowcountrydave
I appreciate the info ya'll. It makes me realize I made the right choice when I puchased my 06 400EX. I've always wanted a four wheeler when I was little, but never had one untill I bought mine two years ago. I wasn't even up to date on what models were out there. I walked in to the Honda shop and said I wanted something fast. Price wise the 400 was more in my range for the monthly payment. Sounds like the upkeep is easier and more dependable also I live in the trails; with occasional tracks.


Thanks again

Dave


Lol, if you were looking for something fast you bought the wrong one. The 450 engine isn't as unreliable as everyone makes it out to be.. No trouble with mine at around 300 hours (knock on wood). Just gotta change your oil and keep the filters clean!

Ride a 450 and the 400 will seem slow.

[Lowcountrydave]

The 400 scares me at times, or maybe its the speed I take it through the trails. I probably wouldn't be here talking to you if I owned a 450R, hehe. I'm sure I will want to "enhance the power" in time. But for now It works for me.

***Just curious*** If I modded the 400 what kit would I need to do to compare to a 450R power/speed? 416,426,440?


Dave

[flyin#5]

depends on how everything is setup. you could make any of those keep up with and beat a 450. Easiest would be the 440.

[wilkin250r]

There are lots of things that affect power beyond simple displacement and carb size.

The shape and size of the ports, the size of the valves, the weight of the piston, the shape of the combustion chamber, the crankshaft and rotating mass, the bore/stroke relationship, ect ect. Most of these factors are different in the 450, designed to produce more power.

I wouldn't really say the 450r is "unreliable", but it's certainly not as reliable as the 400EX. Squeezing more horsepower out of the engine will almost always reduce the life expectancy.


As for upgrading a 400EX to beat a 450R, you are still looking at the variety of factors to build power, it's more than just displacement. A simple 440 bore alone probably won't do it, but a 416 with ported head, oversized valves, larger carb, aggressive cam, and high-rev CDI just might do it, even though the displacement is smaller.

[XXXRACER165]

If you wanna beat a '04-'05 450R with a pipe, jet, and filter. Deff go with the 440. But if ur running a '06 and up HRC 450R or one with high compression ur not going to win.

[bwamos]

Originally posted by Flyin-Low
Lol, if you were looking for something fast you bought the wrong one. The 450 engine isn't as unreliable as everyone makes it out to be.. No trouble with mine at around 300 hours (knock on wood). Just gotta change your oil and keep the filters clean!

Ride a 450 and the 400 will seem slow.

400 is plenty fast for the tight trails. You rarely get to tap into the power of the 450r in the woods.

Besides he was looking for reliablility, price, and decent power. The 400ex has all of that and more.

Excelent first quad to boot.

I personally think he made the correct choice.

[reptikes]

Originally posted by bwamos
400 is plenty fast for the tight trails. You rarely get to tap into the power of the 450r in the woods.

Besides he was looking for reliablility, price, and decent power. The 400ex has all of that and more.

Excelent first quad to boot.

I personally think he made the correct choice.

I second that! I ride a 450r (mainly trails and hillclimbs with a jump here or there), and my buddy has a 400ex (416 kit) and in those tight trails we ride i can run faster and more controlled on his 416ex. Unless your gonna race i think the 400ex with some mods is all you need.