New to the forum, and have a couple of questions...

[jamoka3]

Well, here you go im new to the whole sport quad thing, and im looking at buying a used 2004 400ex with about 24 hours on it, stock yellow plastics and its in decent shape.
the questions i have tho, are what should i look for when test driving it, and whats common on the 400ex to having problems?

also does the 2004 model have reverse?
and whats the first common upgrades beginners do to the 400ex?

thanks ahead of time and sorry i know these question have been asked at some point, i just cant find them when i searched!
thats why i posted.:devil:

[my88r]

Good move on buying a 400ex. just make sure all bearings are tight. rear axle bearings. ask what compression the motor has. also make sure it has a clear title. as for reverse i don't think the 04s do. but who needs reverse.

:D



for upgrades-
pipe, maybe no air box lid, filter. then you need a rejet.

[trx400EXtreme]

thers really not alot of common problems with 400ex's. they're VERY strocg quads. the only thing i would look for is cracks in the frame... especially by the top shock mounts. no the 2004 model doesn't have reverse. only 2005 and up do. for the first mods i would work on getting at leat a sli; on pipe and a filter, then start doing some suspension upgrades. hope this helps.

[jamoka3]

Sweet thanks for the quick replys also is there a diy section that shows how to changed the oil and filter on the 400ex?
how offten is it recommeded and whats the best weight of oil and type?

[Cool Guy07400EX]

Here is a link on how to change the oil and I beleive there is something in there about the filter too. I run 10-40 in the summer and 10-30 in the winter. You can also run synthetic oil which helps cool keep the engine cooler but it's kind of pricey. :blah:

[brian76708]

don't use synthetic oil it makes your trans slip

[Cool Guy07400EX]

Originally posted by brian76708
don't use synthetic oil it makes your trans slip

I've never used synthetic so I didn't know that I thought it was just a better oil...:ermm:

[Ntensweapon]

You can use synthetic oil with no ill effects. It just has to be wet clutch compatible. Do not use normal car oils.

I'd say th eonly common problem the ex has is the cam chain. but at 24 hrs you should be okay for a while. Ask if the valves have been adjusted lately. But like someone said they are very solid and reliable quads.

[UNBROKEN]

^ you use 10w30 in the winter and 10w40 in the summer :confused: and synthetic oil like amsoil mcf 10w40 or mcv 20w50 are okay becuz there desined to be used in WET CLUCH aplications therefore u will not get any cluch slip ... , and if ure using 10w30 in the summer thats way to light of weight oil for high temetures in a very hot running aircooled motor :eek2:

[Cool Guy07400EX]

Originally posted by UNBROKEN
^ you use 10w30 in the winter and 10w40 in the summer :confused:

Whoops my bad!! haha sorry I switched those around by accident...yeah don't worry i dont use 10w30 in the summer...well looks like I'm goin to bed a little earlier tonight:D

I'll fix it:)

[UNBROKEN]

^ im going to make the swich to amsoil mcv 20w50 synthetic when my motor breaks in u live in arizona i cant beleve u run only 10w40 non syn

[Cool Guy07400EX]

I was told to use 10w40 and it doesn't run too hot plus I haven't even seen any higher ones at the shop..

[Ruby Soho]

Originally posted by Ntensweapon
You can use synthetic oil with no ill effects. It just has to be wet clutch compatible. Do not use normal car oils.

I'd say th eonly common problem the ex has is the cam chain. but at 24 hrs you should be okay for a while. Ask if the valves have been adjusted lately. But like someone said they are very solid and reliable quads.

my cam chain is the stock 99 and it has TONS of hours on it, its fine.

but i guess if you maintain things properly theyll last

and in a 400ex, regular maintenance will make it last forever

[tri5ron]

The very first thing you should spend some money on is a
Factory Maintaince Manual.

After that, first mod is usually a P/B Blockoff, and clutch perch.

Thats usually when the A.A.D.S. kicks in, and you rapidly go to terminally infected.
it's a slippery slope, that only gains momentum as you go.

We'll be expecting your attendance, at the next group support meeting...