Changes for 09's?

[TheNewn]

I looked a bit on Honda's site, any significant changes to the lineup? I see the Rancher got Power stearing, the rincon did not, and its still not IRS.

Didn't notice anything huge for the 400EX. Except the dropped the E in the name...

[powermadd400ex]

disapointing huh? :mad:

[Yippie-Ki-Yay]

Dropping that un needed "e" will make the all new 400x lighter, faster, and even MORE unbeatable!

Hondas going to have to step thier game up...im sooo dissapointed...if i got a new atv, i HIGHLY doubt it would be a honda...

[hypersnyper6947]

If i got a new atv it would be a 450r or a yfz or a raptor 700. I always called them a 400 x just because ex spells x and it sounded better anyway. They need to give it fuel injection, and liquid cooling would be nice.

[quad handler]

The only change I see thats needed is front shocks, otherwise, if it aint broke, don't fix it... I have countless hours on my 06, and my only problem is water in the carrier smoked my bearings.. Not bad concidering my buddys with YFZ'S and Cam Ams (Cough) are constantly wrenching, yes they are long legged, but mine starts and goes when I need it to..I hope they never change the 400..

[Wheelie]

The only changes needed on a 400ex, IMO are 450R front brakes, a larger oil cooler and/or fan, and better front shocks from the factory.

Other than that, the 400ex is a damn good machine the way it comes from the showroom. As stated before, don't fix what ain't broke--the ex is bulletproof and very reliable.

[mattn03]

I wonder why they dropped the "E"?

[smorris1]

yeah i wonder too. I thought the "E" was for electric start and the 09 still has electric start.

[Snipe]

Prob only reason is to appear cooler as a name can make or break anything. Would you go out and buy a honda 400 Fairy? lmao Probably changed to make it appeal more to the younger crowd the ppl who want or buy these quads.

[Yippie-Ki-Yay]

I hate the saying "if it aint broke dont fix it"
I say "if it aint broke, make it better"

[TheNewn]

I completely know what you mean. If it ain't broke don't fix it? that means companies shouldn't improve their products after they get them 'working'? Huh...

[hypersnyper6947]

Not that its broke but it sure is behind

[scuzz]

Originally posted by hypersnyper6947
Not that its broke but it sure is behind


Actually I think it's right where it should be. Having owned a 400EX, I think that for the targeted area that it's in it's perfect. I NEVER had any issues with mine the would make me want water cooling or anything like that. It NEVER ran hot and I never had to worry about the oil cooler messing up like I would on a water cooled quad.

It's not the most powerful machine, and I was Ok with that, I was happier not having to wrench on it constantly. It just wasn't meant for me, seeing as I'm 6'6" it looked like a kiddie quad with me on it. Once my oldest son has the experience, you can bet that will be what I get him to trail ride with me on.

It's a tried and tested combination. I don't think it's a race quad like the 450r would be, I think it's a relianble entry level 400 that won't let you down.

[TheNewn]

Now that i think about it more closely, i believe it only needs 2 things.

A removable grab bar, and adjustable front suspension similar to the Z400. I think if it had those two simple things it would be right where it should be.

I had the choice to sell either my 250R or my 400EX, and i still have my 400EX...if that tells you anything..

[SPDSNYPR]

I liked the new seat on the '08 compared to the '07, but there was nothing interesting about the '09. I wish they would have put better shocks on it.

I still think the motor is fine the way it is. It's a trail quad - and a very good one at that. EFI and water cooling don't matter to me. They just make it more complex maintanence-wise.