Need advise on 400 ex parts

[Ba9801]

Hi I am new to the forum and I just got a 2007 400ex. The bike is 100% completely stock. It has about 20hrs of ride time on it. I have looked through about the first 30 pages of this forum so far and I really am now unsure what parts to get for my bike.
I am doing all trail riding. There are some creeks and alot of mud.
I have just ordered a pair of ITP Mud Lite SP 20x11x9 rear tires and a set of ITP T-9 Pro GP 9x8 3+5 rear wheels.

Here is the things I am looking for with my riding in mind.

Full Nerf Bars with Heel Guards and fat pegs.
Body Armor
Rear Swing Arm Armor
Parking brake block off plate
Clutch Lever
1500 lb Winch
Winch Bracket

Also any other Mods you think are a must with this set up

I have looked at at least 30 different part suppliers and I am looking for some input from people that have these types of things on there bikes.

I was originally going to get ProArmors parts but it looks like most of you have had problems with there stuff.

IMS-Roll looks to be a very good Nerf Bar set-up
Warn looks to have a nice little winch available.
I have also looked at some ASV F3 Levers.

Thanks alot for your help, and I will try to get some pics of her up ASAP

[UnderFire]

another thing you'll need is a good bumper for the front.

i have the ac racing propeg nerfs with built in heelguards, they're nice

warn are nice winches, but you should probably get a 2500, just to make sure

pro-armor makes the best skid plates, and ac makes a bumper with a mudguard

you should get it piped too.

just make your own winch mount, put hitch recievers in the front and back, and put the winch on a plate with a hitch on it. that way you can have it front and back.

and boy do i wish i had some ASV levers.

[Ba9801]

Here are some pics of my bike

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/IMG_0064.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/IMG_0063.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/IMG_0062.jpg

[riles88g]

you will most likly want hand grips. stock grips get very slippery when wet. mine do anyway

[BEAVER.989]

I'd skip the winch and the nerfs, personally. Your quad is light enough to lift out of any situation you might find yourself in. If not, you should have bought a 4x4. I ditched my nerfs because it's far easier to walk beside the quad while applying the throttle to get myself out of really sticky situations... I haven't missed them.

That's my two cents.

[Ba9801]

Well when riding alone I have already gotten the bike sunk once and had to call a friend to pull me out. So the winch is a definite where I ride. Yes a 4x4 would have been a better choice but I have alot more fun on the sport bikes than a 4x4. We ride usually with 2 4x4's so it is not normally a problem, but sometimes you get split up and it would be nice to know I wont be stranded.

As for the nerf's I think I would feel safer with them. Especially when hitting the jumps on the trails, All though you make a good point about being able to walk beside the bike. I will need to think about that some more.

I think I will get the Warn RT15 winch, it is reasonably priced at under $300 for the winch and mount plate. I have not found mounts for a removable system for my bike and the Warn front mount only holds the 15 series winches.

I also just ordered a XRs Only Oil Temperature Dip Stick to keep an eye on the temps with the slow trail speeds. This will give me a good idea if I will need to do the spal fan install.

As for grips I really have not had a problem with them but I do wear a nice pear of gloves when I ride.

[BEAVER.989]

Hey, I feel ya. Most of my buddies ride 4x4's, but I have so much more fun on the 4hundy... even when taking it places it shouldn't be. I leave a towstrap connected to my front bumper and when I get stuck, my buddie pulls around me, backs up and I throw the strap over his hitch... I never even have to get off the footpegs, lol.

Have fun.

[Ba9801]

OK so these are all the parts I have ordered so far:
Pro Armor Full Chassis Skid Pad
ASV F3 Front Brake & Pro Clutch Kit
Pro Armor Parking Brake Block Off Plate
XRs Only Oil Temp Dipstick
ITP Mud Lite SP 20x11x9 Rear Tires
ITP T-9 PRO GP 9X8 3+5 4/110 Rear Wheels
Warn RT15 Winch

I still need to get some ideas for heels and/or nerfs, also a rear swing arm skid plate.
I will also need some advise for a front bumper that will work with the warn winch.
Thanks

[UnderFire]

http://acracing.com/itemdetails.cfm?action=feature&ID=1091&features=535

those are my nerfs, they have a built in mudguard at the heels, and the huge pegs, lots of grip. they also come in black

http://acracing.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=1575

and the matching bumper, also with mudguard.

[Ba9801]

Well The AC nerf bars do look nice. How well do they hold up and are they easy to install?
I have read many reviews and it looks as though the Pro Armor nerfs are junk, they break & crack all over.
I had considered the IMS roll ones but they are alot of money.
The Tusk bars look very nice and have good reviews. These may be a possibility.

As for a bumper I think I am going to make one myself. I have a Mig & Tig welder so I am sure I can fabricate something nice that will work with my winch.

Thanks again for you help
:)

[BakerRacing40]

DON'T STICK IT IN THE MUD!!! IT'S TOO PRETTY!! lol looks like you've made some good choices so far.. i'd say get some hand guards and nerfs you might look at rath or some other brand that would have netted heal guards, might help with mud build up. have fun and make sure you have a good helmet.. flying mud covered rock would suck..

[Ba9801]

hahahahah It does not look that pretty any more :)
I will post up some new pics later this week after I get the rest of my parts on it.

Wow the Rath Nerf/Heel bars look really nice.
:)
I really like the idea of the rear netting to keep the mud out. There design is alot like the IMS Roll Nerfs/Heels.

As for a helmet... I am getting a new one this week.

Shoei - VFX-W // Matte Black

[Eviltanker]

Good to see an other Pa 400! Where in Pa you from?
Your setup idea don't look to bad. I don't think youll need the winch though. Anyway, You will want to invest in full skids
(A-arms, Belly, Swinger) Hand guards, P-Brake block off, You won't need the clutch pack yet but I do like my ASV lever.I got nerfs with heel guards and really like them and they are holding up very well concidering the way I ride sometimes. Also a good bumper and better rims will be needed. (Pa rock can tear a set of rims up)

after protecting the quad and yourself, suspension/control should be the first thing modified...steering stabilizer(stick style if your aren't racing), rear shock revalve from gt thunder, some front shocks(450r fronts revalved or a set aftermarkets)

i did not think that the suspension needed redone until i rode on one with an aftermarket suspension...essentially the situation was two equal riders on two pretty dang close machines going over a very rough section of trail...he had the aftermarket suspension and walked away from me with little effort on his part, i was going much slower and fighting to keep my butt on the bike...

as far as the pro armor nerfs...i have had mine on for 3 years...there were on my 450r first and now on my 400ex...they were easy to install and are holding up well, most of the people that have them break are racing with them and putting them through more abuse than what you will be riding the trails...

for a swing arm skid, save some money and get the armadillo...it is just as strong as any pro armor or prm out there, just not as polished for 50 dollars less, but who cares it gets beat
up and is on the bottom of the atv anyway...
and get ready to replace your axle bearings frequently with those tires...

[Ba9801]

I did decide on the Armadillo swing arm skid pad, it looks the beefiest.
As for the shocks, I am waiting for my friend to get new shocks for his 450R then I will send his out and have them redone. :)
I also ordered the CNC Steering Stabilizer which I am sure will help alot.

I live in Trevose, PA so maybe I will see you on the trails.

Oh and why do you think I will eat up the axle bearings more with these tires, just because they are more aggressive.
I mean I don't mind doing work to the bike but should I be looking to invest in a better rear axle setup?

The Winch has already come in handy to clear some fallen trees from the trails and to pull out a stuck bike. It is light weight and a nice extra to have. When riding you don't even notice you have it.

Oh what do you think is better for making a front bumper, steel tube or aluminum tube. I am not overly worried about the small difference in weight as I have no plans to race. I was thinking steel tube as it may hold up a bit better in the woods than aluminum.

the spacing from one lug bar to the next will eat up your bearings...i had the maxxis sur traks on my 300ex for awhile and within 6 months of running them, i replaced the axle bearings twice, took them tires off and i hadn't needed to replace the bearings again until the bearing races on the axle finally were out of spec 4 years later...although these may be a little better than the sur traks, i still think that you might burn up bearings faster than normal...it is always better to go with a twin row bearing carrier, but not necessary...just remember that if you start going through bearings faster than normal, then it will be the tires

you wanna go with an aluminum bumper as you want the bumper to bend, not your frame...

[Ba9801]

Here are some new pics, I am still waiting for my levers, steering stabilizer and swing arm skid plate. I also fabricated my own rear brake master cylinder cover and modified my front bumper, it was just a quick job for now, I will make a nice aluminum one later, I just need to get some more aluminum stock and sheets to do it.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01192.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01193.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01194.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01195.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01196.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01197.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01198.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01199.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01200.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01201.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01207.jpg

[Ba9801]

ok I have decided on Rath Racing Nerf Bars with Heel gaurds.

I have a few other questions though.
I dont know what airbox lid to get. I will see alot of water & mud so that is a key factor in helping make this decision. I really don't want to take on water in the airbox.
There are 3 good choices:
Service Honda
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120437587702&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

EHS Racing
http://wwm.ehsracing.com/store/ProductDesc.aspx?code=1305&type=3&eq=

K&N Power Lid

I am also getting a Sparks +6 Advance key & K&N Air Filter W/Outerwears Cover

So with these mods should I order a jet kit?
And where do you think I should start with my settings. Also do you think I will need the Sparks CDI Box? The engine is otherwise completely stock and I have only removed the stock spark arrestor from the stock muffler and put an aluminum 2" power tip with stainless arrestor. Also with the +6 key do you think it will raise engine temps enough to need to do the spal fan?

I was also possibly thinking of a new front chain sprocket. I am doing all trail riding so I will never really see any top speeds.

hahaha I have only had the bike a month.

Thanks alot for all you help
:)

[BEAVER.989]

I'd keep the stock lid if I were you. I kept mine. The small difference in performance wasn't worth it for me.

As a starting point, I'd bump the main and pilot up one size each (150/40). Then play with your fuel screw until it's right.

You shouldn't need a fan unless you find yourself traveling at low speeds for a long time, then it might be worthwhile.

As for gearing down, while it sounds good in theory, didn't work for me. I found, even with the stock gearing that I was spending more time shifting than I wanted to. Going up 1 tooth on the front enabled me to hold a gear better, instead of shifting constantly.

[KevinAb]

For trail riding, consider going up an inch on the front tire size. The better for bouncing over obstacles. My buddy did, good result.

[Ba9801]

Thanks again for all the help.

I will keep the stock air box cover for now then.

The front tires sound like it could defiantly help to go up 1 inch, thanks for the idea.

I will also leave my sprocket stock for now as well. I will ride some more and then see if it I really need to make a change.


From everything I have read so far I will not need a CDI box as they dont seam to make much of a change besides removing the rev limiter.
A much better purchase would be getting a coil.

I will let you know how my jetting works out. My kit should be here in a couple days.

[tri5ron]

In case you had'nt seen them in some of the other threads, here's a couple of pics or my 400ex and wifes 250ex, all set up for trail riding. enjoy

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Fathers%20Day%202009/IMG_9854.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Fathers%20Day%202009/IMG_9885.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_9174.jpg


Here's a accessory that you might want to try and avoid, LOL!

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/Fathers%20Day%202009/IMG_9848-1.jpg

We have full skids, nerfs, handguards, racks/cargo bags/tank bags (removable), on both, and on mine I have stock piston, 450r fronts w/ triple rates, CNC stabilizer, XR'S Only temp gauge, Sparks +6 key, piped, K&N w/ outerwears, lid removed, jetted, (soon to upgrade to '04 450r carb), & I will be going to Kenda GNCC rears, stage 1 cam, and I may drop 1 tooth on the front sprocket.

I'm quite happy with this combonation so far, it performs very well, handles NICE, and in 5 minutes the rack/bags come off for some pretty good fast riding too.

(Last week, with the bags/rack removed, I was topped out in 5th gear, on some pretty serious whoops, 18-24" tall, 8-10' apart, and it sucked them up just fine)
Oh Yeah,... and I'm certainly not a "Pro Level Rider" by ANY Means, LOL! It was DEFINATELY all about the bike, and how it is set up.

It's kind of the best of both worlds, all in a proven bullet proof machine.

Think of it as a 2WD, UTV on Steroids, with a Bad Attitude, and excellent suspension ! LOL!

BTW- I LOVE the winch on yours, I'm JEALOUS !!!

[Ba9801]

Those are some great pics. :) Both bikes look great. I am looking to possibly get a 300EX for my wife to ride with us as well. She is going to ride with us tomorrow and she will be riding my 400EX and I am riding my friends 450R. So we will see how she does.

What type of racks/bags are they, they look like they would come in very handy, right now I have just been wearing a small backpack to carry stuff on the trail. Also what type of front bumper are you running, it looks like it would work well with the winch setup I have. Also what is behind your front bumper, is that a small tool kit or storage container?

As for the winch, if you look around online you should be able to get the winch and mount bracket for around $300. It has already come in handy a couple times. It is a nice addition for trail riders. We had a trail with a fallen tree that was to large to go over so we were able to winch the tree off the trail. Obviously from your pics you are running dessert so probably not as much an issue for you, but we are running through the woods and some times there is no other option but to continue on the trail.

I had also thought about some hand guards. As for all you other mods I am pretty much on track with everything but the slip on pipe. I am still weary to put a pipe on as we are trying to not scare off the wildlife. I have been looking for quiet muffler options. Possible a Yoshimura.

Oh last question, do the A-Arm skids really seem to help? I don't know anyone that has them to get any input on how well they help protect the bike. So far I have not had really any a-arm problems.

[KevinAb]

I'd love to add a rack and bag, or at least a small one. My bro has a KFX700 and he has a small bag that slips over the front of his seat, secured around the nipple that holds the front of the seat down. It holds 4 beers. :D

you would be surprised how little the exhausts really affect the wildlife...i have seen many turkeys, turkeys with poults, bear, deer, squirrel, and even a coyote while riding with my full exhuast...at most they look up at you and then go back to doing whatever they were doing...unless you almost run them over...then the tend to run away...dang deer shouldn't have been laying in the trail...lol

[tri5ron]

Originally posted by Ba9801
Those are some great pics. :) Both bikes look great. I am looking to possibly get a 300EX for my wife to ride with us as well. She is going to ride with us tomorrow and she will be riding my 400EX and I am riding my friends 450R. So we will see how she does.

What type of racks/bags are they, they look like they would come in very handy, right now I have just been wearing a small backpack to carry stuff on the trail.
the racks were made by Quadboss. The rack itself is universal, with the mount being specific to each bike.

Also what type of front bumper are you running, it looks like it would work well with the winch setup I have. Also what is behind your front bumper, is that a small tool kit or storage container?
. [COLOR=orangered]The bumper is from a company called Motorsport, and it is what they called the Sport Model. The item behind the bumper is a extra water container for now, but it may eventually be used to carry aux. fuel


As for the winch, if you look around online you should be able to get the winch and mount bracket for around $300. It has already come in handy a couple times. It is a nice addition for trail riders. We had a trail with a fallen tree that was to large to go over so we were able to winch the tree off the trail. Obviously from your pics you are running dessert so probably not as much an issue for you, but we are running through the woods and some times there is no other option but to continue on the trail.

I had also thought about some hand guards. As for all you other mods I am pretty much on track with everything but the slip on pipe. I am still weary to put a pipe on as we are trying to not scare off the wildlife. I have been looking for quiet muffler options. Possible a Yoshimura.

Oh last question, do the A-Arm skids really seem to help? I don't know anyone that has them to get any input on how well they help protect the bike. So far I have not had really any a-arm problems. ]The a-arm skids are essential when riding rocky, rutted, erroded trails. as well as the frame skid, and ESPECIALLY the swinger skid. every gash dent and ding that rocks have put in my skids,... is a dent or gash that did not hit/bend my a-arm, rear sprocket, or rear brake disk. what would you do if you were 5 or 10 miles out from camp, or your truck, and you bend a rear rotor, or break your rear sproket on a rock? you'd be screwed right? well with good .250 skids you dont even think abot the rocks, you just smash and crash your way through them! LOL!

[Ba9801]

So my wife had a great time riding with us this weekend. She is looking forward to going with us again, looks like I will need to start shopping for a bike for here.

I am defiantly going to be looking for some type of rack and bag for the longer trail rides. The Quadboss site has a nice rack and mounts listed.


OK so what company makes a good muffler that is quiet. There is not alot of info on db ratings for each muffler. I am not looking for anything really loud but would like to take advantage of the better flow. Yoshimura says it is 96db, but no other company really gives any ratings.

[05honda400ex]

hey this is a message to Ba9801 about the first picture of first set of pictures u put on here. i was wondering were the red 400 got its graphics. i rlly like them

[KevinAb]

Originally posted by Ba9801
So my wife had a great time riding with us this weekend. She is looking forward to going with us again, looks like I will need to start shopping for a bike for here.

I am defiantly going to be looking for some type of rack and bag for the longer trail rides. The Quadboss site has a nice rack and mounts listed.


OK so what company makes a good muffler that is quiet. There is not alot of info on db ratings for each muffler. I am not looking for anything really loud but would like to take advantage of the better flow. Yoshimura says it is 96db, but no other company really gives any ratings.

Don't get an HMF. Mine's loud as hell.

[honda400ex2003]

i think that the fmf q is the quitest without an arrestor but some are around the 92 db mark with quietcores installed. steve

[honda400ex2003]

my t-4 is about 95db's too, i read some exhaust shootout a long time ago that had all of the db limits for each of the exhausts at the time. I will see if i can dig it up. steve

[honda400ex2003]

here it is. just click on the pics and you should be able to read the whole shoot out. it has the dbs on the chart with the peak hp and price and weight of each of the exhausts in the shootout. I know it is old but some of the exhausts are still around. we need to get someone to do a new one with the new exhausts around to compare them. it is too bad no one is taking the time with the 450s around now. steve

http://www.ctracing.com/PD_ct%20photos/dirt_wheels_march_2001.htm

[Ba9801]

Originally posted by 05honda400ex
hey this is a message to Ba9801 about the first picture of first set of pictures u put on here. i was wondering were the red 400 got its graphics. i rlly like them

I will find out from him next weekend when I see him.

[05honda400ex]

k sounds good

[Ba9801]

Wow so many choices.....
The FMF Q4, Big Gun EVO X, DMC Afterburner Quiet, Pro Circuit Type 496, and Yoshi RS-3 all look like they would be good for trail riding as they meet the 95db state park requirements & USFS Forestry Approved spark arrestor requirements.

Anyone have any other suggestions? I would like it to meet the 95db state park requirements & USFS Forestry Approved spark arrestor requirements so I can ride legally in the Pennsylvania State Game Lands. I am obviously not racing it so I am looking for an increase in low end & mid range.
I also want it to look good on my bike :)

Thanks alot honda400ex2003 for the dirt wheels link, it at least gave me a place to start looking. I really wish there was an easier way to find all the info for these mufflers available for these bikes. You would think as long as they have been building 400ex's there would be a much better comparison chat. I would really hate to buy one and it not work for my needs.

you cannot ride on pa state game lands at all...

[honda400ex2003]

hey no prob bro, i wish they would do a new one with the new exhausts. i think that the q would be the quietest of the group but i am just going off of what i have heard from past reading and stuff. the 496 would probably be next, afterburner, rs-3 with a core, then the evo x but i have not the slightest clue. i am just going on gut feeling there. lol. steve

[buster024]

I have a full Yoshi RS-3 system, and it's worked out very well for me. I ended up pulling the spark arrestor out for some mx riding, and haven't yet put it back in, so right now it's loud as heck, but it was very reasonable with the arrestor in. Performance wise, it is a nice pipe that will give you some pickup. For overall quality, Curtis Sparks & HMF are your best bets, but HMF's are LOUD. I'm not certain where Sparks fall on a decibel meter. Check out Sparks. You won't be dissapointed for sure.

[Ba9801]

Originally posted by speedyquad
you cannot ride on pa state game lands at all...
Sorry I meant Approved State Forest Lands
My Friend has a hunting cabin in Center County and there are legal atv trails there but you must meet all the state park requirements.
Here is a quick list of legal atv trails in PA
http://www.shanepotter.com/atv.htm
and here is the info for the trails in center county
http://www.ssrt.org/rules.htm


Thanks alot for the exhaust info. I will try to do a bit more research on them.

[Ba9801]

Originally posted by Ba9801
I will find out from him next weekend when I see him.

http://www.dmpcovers.com/shop/categorias.asp?id=30

[Ba9801]

Originally posted by 05honda400ex
hey this is a message to Ba9801 about the first picture of first set of pictures u put on here. i was wondering were the red 400 got its graphics. i rlly like them
http://www.dmpcovers.com/shop/categorias.asp?id=30

[dalejiw25]

Y'all need some Renthal bars you'll end up gettin hurt with that stock crap. J.M.O.

[Ba9801]

New Pics
:)

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01298.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01299.jpg
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg138/ba9801/2007%20Honda%20TRX%20400EX/DSC01300.jpg

[Ba9801]

I was wondering what people are using for 2 way radios. My wife will be riding with me soon and I would like to be able to talk to her so she will know what to expect on the trail ahead. She has only been out riding a quad 2 times and still has not gotten out of 2nd gear. But she is very determined to learn how to ride. I figure With some 2 ways I would be able to help her along. Any suggestions for a good 2 way system and helmet mounts.
Thanks

[tri5ron]

Originally posted by Ba9801
I was wondering what people are using for 2 way radios. My wife will be riding with me soon and I would like to be able to talk to her so she will know what to expect on the trail ahead. She has only been out riding a quad 2 times and still has not gotten out of 2nd gear. But she is very determined to learn how to ride. I figure With some 2 ways I would be able to help her along. Any suggestions for a good 2 way system and helmet mounts.
Thanks here is a link to a recent discussion we had...
hope it helps to answer your question.
http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=403122&highlight=radios

[jayrodau]

How hard was it to install those ASV clutch/brake levers???

Did you use the stock lever mounting brackets? From what I have seen the kits come with new brackets....correct?

[Ba9801]

The brake lever goes right on the factory perch. The clutch lever you use the perch that comes with it. You will need to remove your parking brake and you will need to jump your clutch safety switch wiring. It was very simple to install. I used a small jumper wire to connect the 2 clutch safety wires and then I just taped up the harness. I already had my complete parking brake assembly removed but that is simple as well, just remove the complete cable from the bike and get yourself a blockoff plate for the rear caliper to remove the parking brake linkage. The block off plates are only like $10.00. The only other problem I had was the clutch perch did not clamp down on my bars tight enough so I used a file on the flats of the perch and ground it down a little bit so it would clamp a bit tighter. All said and done it still only took me maybe 45 minutes with hand tools. The levers are fantastic though. I really like the way they feel.