my quad

[powermadd400ex]

well as some of you know, im building my quad up slowly but surely and i decided to make a thrad about to keep all the updates organized. so far i have:
elka triple rates
moose nerfs
moose bumper
powermadds
skids
and razrs
this quad is being put together on a 15 year old's salary so it probbly wont be done till next christmas.
my next mods im planning on are
+2 a arms
new rear shock or revalved stocker
exhaust
+2 or +4 axle
heres how the quad sat when we picked up in march
(ignore the ugly zuki)
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/chrisandtaylors400jpg3.jpg

and how it sits now
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/10-11-2008PRENTICEANDASSORTEDOTH-23.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/10-11-2008PRENTICEANDASSORTEDOTH-24.jpg



http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/10-11-2008PRENTICEANDASSORTEDOTH-25.jpg


http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/10-11-2008PRENTICEANDASSORTEDOTH-22.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/10-11-2008PRENTICEANDASSORTEDOTH-19.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/10-11-2008PRENTICEANDASSORTEDOTH-21.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/10-11-2008PRENTICEANDASSORTEDOTH-22.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/10-11-2008PRENTICEANDASSORTEDOTH-20.jpg

let me kno wat you think. im open to any suggestions :)

[Honda#4]

Looks good, Which way you gonna head with it XC/MX?

[powermadd400ex]

sorta in bewteen, since i race XC during the srping and early fall, and a small mx series in the late fall to spring.
the xc series races has such wide trails my buddys quad with +3s can make it through no problem. so +2s will be just fine i think.

I would add handlebars to the list also:D

Good Luck with it!

[brian76708]

Originally posted by DMC-4OOEX
I would add handlebars to the list also:D

Good Luck with it!

why thats a waist of money IMO i wouldn't get new handle bars unless mine where bent or i had issues with comfort.

Originally posted by brian76708
why thats a waist of money IMO i wouldn't get new handle bars unless mine where bent or i had issues with comfort.

idk.. its just a pet peeve of mine. I hate the way the stock bars look.. I cant stand them. Thats just my opinion, you may feel differently.
And no one says you have to spend big $$ on handlebars either. I find the $15 moose bars to work quite well honestly.

[powermadd400ex]

Originally posted by DMC-4OOEX
I would add handlebars to the list also:D

Good Luck with it!
i have some pro taper contours on my old bike, that im gunna put on the 400 whenever i feel like drilling the plastics. but until these bends i probally wont.

[Honda#4]

You got a good list to start off of, but start with looking into some arms then a axle and a shock revalve thats the first three things i'd do.

[kodymx13]

Originally posted by brian76708
why thats a waist of money IMO i wouldn't get new handle bars unless mine where bent or i had issues with comfort.

still use stock bars? change them to something less like a utility quad adn itll do wonders for comfort.

[powermadd400ex]

Originally posted by Honda#4
You got a good list to start off of, but start with looking into some arms then a axle and a shock revalve thats the first three things i'd do.

yep thats the plan, might put an exhaust in there somewhere too. ill probbly toy with the setting on my rear shock for awhile before i send the shock off to get revalved so its toward the end of the list.
alot of parts will be comin toward christmas hopefully. and after work fires back next summer ALOT of cash should be flowing in.
ill leave the engine basically stock for awhile since i still have warranty on it, which ends next march.

[RaginRedneck]

Trying not to steal the thread, but at the same time this question might apply to you.

I noticed you had a Elka Triple rates, but plan on getting +2 A-Arms. When you go to +2 A-Arms, don't you have to get different shocks? Or will Elka's adjust? I want to buy new shocks for mine and wider A-Arms, but I don't know if I want to drop that much cash at the same time. Trying to figure out what will work.

Thanks.

[Ruby Soho]

Originally posted by RaginRedneck
Trying not to steal the thread, but at the same time this question might apply to you.

I noticed you had a Elka Triple rates, but plan on getting +2 A-Arms. When you go to +2 A-Arms, don't you have to get different shocks? Or will Elka's adjust? I want to buy new shocks for mine and wider A-Arms, but I don't know if I want to drop that much cash at the same time. Trying to figure out what will work.

Thanks.

you need longer shocks if you go long travel, standard travel a arms the shock mount doesn't move.

[krt400ex]

Originally posted by DMC-4OOEX
idk.. its just a pet peeve of mine. I hate the way the stock bars look..


X2 i feel the exact same way

[powermadd400ex]

Originally posted by Ruby Soho
you need longer shocks if you go long travel, standard travel a arms the shock mount doesn't move.

yep as long as the extended a arms are standard travel you will be fine with standard travel shocks like my elkas.

[killer400ex]

hmm, i would focus on power, you can allwase doo without a new rear shock in my opinion, a new exhaust, re-jetting, cam-shaft stuff like that will help you in a race over a-arms and shocks

[powermadd400ex]

not with the way i ride. in XC its all about endurance and the most comfortable quad. the more you can last out the race the easier it is to win. im not to worried about internal stuff at the moment. since my warranty is still active. the most engine stuff i will do is a filter and pipe. now after warranty is gone, ill get a 416 or 426 kit. but that going to be awhile..

[Honda#4]

hmm, i would focus on power, you can allwase doo without a new rear shock in my opinion, a new exhaust, re-jetting, cam-shaft stuff like that will help you in a race over a-arms and shocks

Maybe with just a shock but i'd take modding suspension before a motor, afterall suspension will make you a faster person all over the track yes it does help having a good setup motor wise but i'd feel more comfortable as a rider knowing that my suspension can take what I dish out.

Anyways thats how I see it, I like to rely on my suspension moreso than my motor but thats just me, doesnt matter what kind of suspension you got.

[RaginRedneck]

Originally posted by Ruby Soho
you need longer shocks if you go long travel, standard travel a arms the shock mount doesn't move.


Thanks Ruby.


BTW That was supposed to read "NOT trying to steal the thread" LOL...thats what I get for typing when drunk.:D


Thanks again guys.

Originally posted by killer400ex
hmm, i would focus on power, you can allwase doo without a new rear shock in my opinion, a new exhaust, re-jetting, cam-shaft stuff like that will help you in a race over a-arms and shocks

having a good rear shock is one of the most important things. without a good rear shock the power doesnt get to the ground.

Originally posted by FoxHondaRider
having a good rear shock is one of the most important things. without a good rear shock the power doesnt get to the ground.

Yes, but the stock rear 400ex is shock isn't that bad.

[MtnEX]

Well, the stock 400EX suspension and handling is not that bad...

But it's not ideal for really hard woods riding, and certainly not race ready.

In some areas I don't think the power is good enough / quick enough and the rest is fine... but in other areas it packs enough punch to let you over-ride the suspension and wear yourself out too.

When racing it's about...

Sharp Skills
Reflexes
Stamina
Endurance

Reliability
Stability
Ergos
Tires
Suspension
Gearing


Once you get the right recipe there, and you can specifically see where you are getting beaten just from raw power... then it's time to upgrade the power... but you'll likely break something before you get to that point.



My advice to anyone on suspension is to pick up some better used 'take-offs' for cheap and take them/send them to someone who can set them up custom for you.... and having them setup to an aftermarket rear link would probably be nice too (GT Thunder, etc)

[powermadd400ex]

Originally posted by Honda#4

Anyways thats how I see it, I like to rely on my suspension moreso than my motor but thats just me

i agree 100%



Originally posted by MtnEX

When racing it's about...

Sharp Skills
Reflexes
Stamina
Endurance

Reliability
Stability
Ergos
Tires
Suspension
Gearing



you forgot the one important one
MONEY :p

[powermadd400ex]

ok im still looking for some +2 a arms, but i have a very important questions....
will 250r a arms fit my 400ex without any modifications?
thanks,
Chris

[powermadd400ex]

so i just got off the phone with riley from Ishock, i just bought the i3500 +2 A-arms kit for 223 shipped! Im so freakin STOKED to install them! :D:D:D

Originally posted by powermadd400ex
so i just got off the phone with riley from Ishock, i just bought the i3500 +2 A-arms kit for 223 shipped! Im so freakin STOKED to install them! :D:D:D

wow! thats an awesome price!!

Is that brand new?!?!

lol.

[powermadd400ex]

Yep! they were overstocked. theres an ad in the classifieds section about it, that how i found em.

edit: here is the link to them
http://www.hydrodynamicsusa.com/products/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=103

[Honda#4]

Sounds great, I assume its just for arms Right? Not a bad price either what color you getting?

Originally posted by Honda#4
Sounds great, I assume its just for arms Right? Not a bad price either what color you getting?

I looked it up. Its the whole kit, which normally retails for $849

They only come in black for the $200 ones.

[powermadd400ex]

everything but brakelines, but my stock ones will work from what i was told.
Gloss black, should look good cause i wanting the red and black look.
she should finally start to look like a race quad now :)

[400ex28]

Originally posted by killer400ex
hmm, i would focus on power, you can allwase doo without a new rear shock in my opinion, a new exhaust, re-jetting, cam-shaft stuff like that will help you in a race over a-arms and shocks

^^^ lol

anyways quad looks nice.

[brian76708]

wow i think i might have to buy that. i realy only want +1 though

[powermadd400ex]

+2's look cooler :p

[hypersnyper6947]

Originally posted by powermadd400ex
+2's look cooler :p

Way cooler and they handle better

[krt400ex]

Originally posted by powermadd400ex
+2's look cooler :p


+3's look cooler still :blah:

[powermadd400ex]

Originally posted by krt400ex
+3's look cooler still :blah:

yea they do looker cool, but they also require extended brakelines, where my +2s work with stock lines, much cheaper ;)

[Honda#4]

It's a night and day difference if you go with SS lines way better feel and worth every penny.

[krt400ex]

Originally posted by Honda#4
It's a night and day difference if you go with SS lines way better feel and worth every penny. isnt that the truth. i am running moose lines on mine, and i love it.

[powermadd400ex]

welll i might get some ss lines but not now, after i get an exhaust, axle, and rear shock, i will get some. but as of now i think ill keep em stock.

man i wish the mailman would hurry up :D

[brian76708]

+2 may look cooler but i am afraid they will be to wide for some of the trail riding i do. with +2 and stock offset rims how wide is the front and how much wider do you recommend your axle should be then stock its just such a good deal its hard to pass up.

ps. Does any one else trail ride with +2 a arms and do you have any troubles sorry dont mean to steal the forum.

[powermadd400ex]

from the oustide of my rim im running at around 44, so with my stock rims and and my +2s im thinkin i'll be at 48. most of the trails, ride on are wide enough for 2 quads or more so im not worried about it.

[brian76708]

post some pics once you get them on

[powermadd400ex]

well they're here, and i must say the quality looks great! and i recevied some SS brakelines so that a huge plus! ill install them later this afternoon hopefully.

[brian76708]

good i want to see what they look like, i just might have to buy them.

[powermadd400ex]

well i got them on last night around 12:30 lmao
they look awesome! we still need to perfect the camber and toe adjustment, but for the moment we eyeballed it. we're going to buy and angle finder today to help with adjustments so i MIGHT get to ride on the new set up this weekend.

[powermadd400ex]

ok we got everything adjusted and spot on and the brakes have been bled, and i got some new front brake pads since my others were down to metal.
and im going riding for a couple hours today to test the set up, so im stoked. pics will come tonight.

[krt400ex]

yes want to see it

[Honda#4]

So how did everything turn out? Can't wait to see the pics.

[powermadd400ex]

turned out great, it handled like a dream, i was amazed at how much more stable in corners it is now. brakes feel 10x better like you guys said, much more responsive.
finally got some pictures
before the adjustments
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/HALLOWEEN2008ANDCHRISMODSONHIS40012.jpg


after

[IMG]http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/HALLOWEEN2008ANDCHRISMODSONHIS40-1.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/gh.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/GetAttachment-1.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/g-1.jpg

[brian76708]

wow looks good enjoy!!!

[BlasterEaten250]

very nice

[Honda#4]

Looks great, sounds like a brand new machine.

[powermadd400ex]

Originally posted by Honda#4
Looks great, sounds like a brand new machine.

Thanks guys, yea thats what I told my dad :p
I'll either get an exhaust or steering stabilizer next..any suggestions?

[Honda#4]

Depends on where you want your money, i'd say get a stabilizer for a few reasons. One, sense you got suspension now a stabilizer will futher help your steering ability and you will have less fatigue on your hands which will make you a faster rider more than a exhaust would. Two, its alot cheaper and its a great upgrade to have along with suspension.

An exhaust will just let your motor breathe more and give it more snap, idk if you have a stock motor or not but with a stock motor it wouldnt be much maybe enough to enjoy for a while but then it might feel boring.

Either way the choice is yours, stabilizer i'd go with a rebuildable Gibson, exhaust maybe HMF,Sparks,Yoshi depends if you can find one cheap enough, or if you have the funds.

[powermadd400ex]

Originally posted by Honda#4
Depends on where you want your money, i'd say get a stabilizer for a few reasons. One, sense you got suspension now a stabilizer will futher help your steering ability and you will have less fatigue on your hands which will make you a faster rider more than a exhaust would. Two, its alot cheaper and its a great upgrade to have along with suspension.

An exhaust will just let your motor breathe more and give it more snap, idk if you have a stock motor or not but with a stock motor it wouldnt be much maybe enough to enjoy for a while but then it might feel boring.

Either way the choice is yours, stabilizer i'd go with a rebuildable Gibson, exhaust maybe HMF,Sparks,Yoshi depends if you can find one cheap enough, or if you have the funds.

yea thats what i was thinking. my quads motor is stock btw.im probally going to get a stabililzer to help with comfort, id rather ride longer with less fatigue then have a nice exhaust. maybe ill buy a stablilzer and have my pops buy an exhuast for me for christmas :D

[Honda#4]

Sounds good, either way you'll end up getting it at some point.

[powermadd400ex]

well i finally piped it,
found a jardine RT-4 slip on for 85 bucks on ebay awhile back and snatched it. it sounds sick :D

only mods ill be doing to it now will be
jets
uni air filter
and MAYBE a steering stabilizer. but after that im saving for a 450.
heres a cell phone pic of the pipe.

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/powermadd400ex/exhaust.jpg

[tx07400ex]

I have a question to all you guys who run the +1s and 2s, I ride in the woods, very muddy, how much more mud if any of you ride in the mud hits you in the upper body/face with the wider arms, and if i did decide to go wider what would be some good ones to get without having a forward offset as well, if i go forward it wont fit in my truck anymore(for that matter i think when i get new tires it might not fit anymore)

Your 400's gone a long way chris:cool:

[powermadd400ex]

i didnt notice much more, but my fenders are NOT cut so.
HydroDynamics is what i run and they are +2+0
others are houser, laeger(i think, not 100%sure). and thats all i can think of that sell +2+0 :ermm:
when you say it wont fit in your truck, do you mean you cant close the tailgate? my buddy has an avalanche and he cant get his z400 all the way in the bed to close the tailgate. so he uses 2 or 3 tie downs and straps the quad in that way. works great and never failed him. so that could be an alternate so you can buy your +2+1's. just a suggestion.

[powermadd400ex]

Originally posted by DMC-4OOEX
Your 400's gone a long way chris:cool:

thanks buddy, im mighty proud of her :D

[tx07400ex]

yeah i had a single cab it had like a foot to spare but i wrecked it, when i was looking at new ones i took an avalanche for a weekend test drive and my 400 wouldnt fit part of the reason i didnt get it, my crew cab gmc with stock suspension and tires with probably 30-50% tread left it has roughly 1/2 inch of clearance with the gate closed, which i love because i dont have to tie it down for short trips

[powermadd400ex]

i hear ya, i use my bed extender to get my quad to fit in my f150 short bed but if i use my dads chevy 1500 i have plenty room to close the tailgate.