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View Full Version : things to look for.....


katch26
08-25-2008, 09:09 AM
I am buying a 400ex for a second bike and will be picking it up today, and advice (bike specific) on things to look out for before giving it the old hard ride test?
Ruby Soho
08-25-2008, 09:15 AM
look for cracks in the frame, oil leaks, worn parts etc.. theres no real major common problems on the 400ex's, just normal wear and tear. if it has motor work, ask for receipts. if he cant provide them, i wouldn't buy it.
katch26
08-25-2008, 10:08 AM
yeah thats what I heard.....any particular place the frame like to crack?
Rkangel7
08-25-2008, 10:22 AM
As mentioned the 400ex has a reputation for being pretty much bullet proof. I would check for any abnormal wear and tear. Check for any cracks around the front shock mounts and foot pegs. These areas take the most stress. You may also want to check over the rear subframe. It does not have a removable grab bar and I've seen a few tweaked subframes. The rest would be normal used quad stuff: Bearings, chain and sprockets, filter and intake, spark plug, and if you can check the compression.
katch26
08-25-2008, 09:27 PM
well i picked it up seems to be in good shape BUT the clutch seems pretty stiff and the start button works intermittlngly. i wonder if the 2 things are related
Rkangel7
08-25-2008, 10:34 PM
Originally posted by katch26
well i picked it up seems to be in good shape BUT the clutch seems pretty stiff and the start button works intermittlngly. i wonder if the 2 things are related

What year is it?
katch26
08-26-2008, 07:38 AM
2003
Ruby Soho
08-26-2008, 07:48 AM
clutch wire is probably burned/melted between the header, or just not properly lubed.

my advice is buy a new cable and a MSR AOF lever. makes shifting so much smoother.
katch26
08-26-2008, 07:52 AM
yeah I figured the cable was probably shot and maybe binding and not allowing the clutch safety to close but it was just a stab in the dark. I have a ASV shorty lever from another bike Im going to throw in there.........dude def liked to wheelie in this thing because the "grab bar" was ground down pretty good but still straight, they must be pretty tough. Being that its not removable if you bend the grab bar you need a new subframe?
katch26
08-26-2008, 08:29 AM
also is it geared really low stock? first gear seems just about useless