any advancements through the years?

[number12]

Hey Guys,
My son just turned 13 and is just too tall to race his 90 for the next 3 years. I would like to move him to the 200 2 stroke class- 300 4-stroke class and I feel like the 300 EX would be a nice fit, although I am open to suggestions. I have located a 1997 300EX that I am going to look at tomorrow. Here is my questions: at some point in production were there some changes made that would sway you to get a certain year model over another? For instance in 19XX, did they change the frame or something that might make you choose a bike build after that year? Thanks in advance.

[honda300EXtreme]

thbe 300 should be a good fit. its something he can grow into power wise for awhile. and there reliable

to answer your question. other than different styles of fenders in the newer years, the changes has been VERY minimal.

i would just look for what best suits you.

[number12]

Sounds good. What would you consider a good low buck suspension package or should I just leave it alone until I have $3000 to put into it? i am just wondering if stock 400EX arms and shocks would make a lot of difference for a little bit of money or not. This would be used for MX.

[smr]

very little changes through the years. The only major changes most people don't even know about. In 1996 they made the lower cases just a little thicker. The 93-95 models have a habbit of cracking the lower cases if the mounting bolts ever worked loose. You still need to look for this on any model but especaily on the 93-95 models. Just stand the quad on the grab bar and look at the front of the cases for cracks.

On the suspinson side. A 2001 raptor 660 rear shock is a great upgrade. It must be a 2001 model.

400ex front end is a great upgrade. I would sugest you use the 400ex shocks and a-arms but keep the 300ex spindles.

good luck

[Studster]

i agree for 100 to 200 bucks you can have a 400ex front end and well worth the money

[number12]

I assume that I will need the 400ex tie rods as well?? If I put stock 400 a-arms on, will it change the width? If so how much? Is that a good set up or should I try to find some +1 or +2 or +3?

Also as far as the rear, I THINK from what I have read, a 400ex as well as a 450R swingarm will work. Which would be better? Would it add any length to the stance?

Sorry for all of the questions but I am just getting started and don't know anything about these bikes.

[honda300EXtreme]

yes you will need tie rods as well.

it will extend your width about 1.5'' on each side.

a 450r swinger will work. the 400ex swinger wont. it will add about 3'' in length. but you will need to use the entire rear end off a 450r the 300ex axle and carrier will not work in that swinger. but use one from an 04-05. and you would also have to add mounting tabs on the frame for the shock linkage. and you will need a 250r shock.

[number12]

Will I need the link for the swingarm as well?

Will the 400EX front end from any year work?

[smr]

anyyear 400ex front end will work.

The swingarm swap is a good settup for a full size person. If you are building this for a kid I think he will be fine on a stock swingarm with a good shock. Holden raced XC for 3 years on a 2001 raptor shock. He actually liked it better than the rear shock on his 400ex.

[QuadCobbler]

Before you consider changing the the swinger I would look into after market used. KOQ makes a good swinger long travel and + 1 or +2. Also if you are looking at a swap from a 400ex or 450 or 250r or 350x any will work I have a 400ex swing on my 300ex with a 250r shock. ( Set The Stage user name on here) has a 250r swinger on his 300. you will need the entire rear end for the swap. on some setups the rear sproket is not aligned properly with the front so something will need shimed over. On the 400ex I used a second rear sproket for the a spacer to move the sproket over 1/4". I have heard others say this is not needed on other setups but I can only speak for the 400ex swap. The 2001 660 craptor rear shock works well but the diaframe sometimes blows and needs rebuilt. The 2001 is the only one with a remote rezi that is why it is the only one that will fit. The other years have the rezi mounted directly to the shock and hits the frame or air intake tubes attahced to the front of the air box. The 400ex front end works well as stated above. you will also need a shock relocartor if using 400ex shocks. I would suggest making your own the ones on ebay make the fron of the quad sit to high. There is smoeone on here that used stock yamaha banshee shocks instead of the relocartor and the hight looked prety good.