400ex Sub-Frame mods?

[trailrider894]

I am wondering if anyone has ever lowered there sub-frame and what would be the benefits?

[JOHNDOE83]

If you relocate the battery to the airbox or the front of the atv then you can cut away the extra crap and take weight off and make it look better.

Some people even mod there subframes to use 450 quad or CRF seats for a sleeker and lighter seat.

some people build their own.

[trx400Rider]

Id like to see a detailed write up with pictures on how to install an aftermarket aluminum Grab Bar.
I really want to do that to my 400ex, but have no clue where to start.

[CJM]

Originally posted by trx400Rider
Id like to see a detailed write up with pictures on how to install an aftermarket aluminum Grab Bar.
I really want to do that to my 400ex, but have no clue where to start.

Not to hard really, buy a 250r or 450r grab bar, lop off the welded grab bar on the ex, make brackets and your good to go.

[trx400Rider]

Would the 450r or 250r grab bar be wide enough to go on the outside of the sub fram? Maybe I can just cut the stock steel one off and use 4 U clamps to secure it.

[CJM]

Originally posted by trx400Rider
Would the 450r or 250r grab bar be wide enough to go on the outside of the sub fram? Maybe I can just cut the stock steel one off and use 4 U clamps to secure it.

Thats what the grab bars you find for the EX already do. PRM ATV makes them iirc, they basically use some u bolts and clamp on.

You wouldnt even have to cut the end off to put the grab bar on if your u bolting it on.

[trailrider894]

This thread got way off topic... my question is not about relocation or lightenting. Its about the benefits of a lowered subframe???????????????? :huh

[CJM]

Sorry bud, back to the topic!!! :cool:

[trailrider894]

Originally posted by CJM
Sorry bud, back to the topic!!! :cool:

No problem with you helping the kid. lol

[trx400Rider]

Are you wanting to lower the seat height? Cuz I dont see no benefits from lowering the grab bar height. Cou;d be I guess, but I doubt it.

[10sball]

lowering the seat would be the point of lowering the subframe... In scientific terms it should help because you are lowering your center of gravity which is always good.. but that's usually more of an issue in the corners when you are most likely off the seat anyway so idk how much it would help.

[trailrider894]

Originally posted by 10sball
lowering the seat would be the point of lowering the subframe... In scientific terms it should help because you are lowering your center of gravity which is always good.. but that's usually more of an issue in the corners when you are most likely off the seat anyway so idk how much it would help.

Thanks for the answer... sounds like a useless mod to me.

[10sball]

haha yeah, must be some interest though, houser makes a subframe for the 450 that lowers the seat 3/4 of an inch and there's a few threads on DIY lowering the subframe on trx450r.org. just one of those things you'd have to try for yourself i guess

[IMSROLL450R]

Walsh makes an insanely priced lowering kit for the 450r that supposed to be super helpful with handling. Might be able to research that....

For me, the lower the bike feels the more comfortable I am...

[mattl31]

Mine isn't lowered, but it is modded. Grab bar is a PRM off of a ATC 250r

Mocked up

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/29207/2007437410103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2007437410103197556jxftdx)

http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/23181/2843110700103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2843110700103197556etVVLK)

Brackets added on left side

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/47411/2020527290103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2020527290103197556HmfAXu)

After powder, you can see that all the battery mounting tabs and holes are shaved

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/25910/2870993370103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2870993370103197556KeTXFH)

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/29519/2722927160103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2722927160103197556yZAVUs)

Only had to add one bracket on the right side, the front mount shares the factory exhaust mount

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/30359/2291602410103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2291602410103197556Ejlgzw)

If you have any questions just ask!

[trailrider894]

Originally posted by mattl31
Mine isn't lowered, but it is modded. Grab bar is a PRM off of a ATC 250r

Mocked up

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/29207/2007437410103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2007437410103197556jxftdx)

http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/23181/2843110700103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2843110700103197556etVVLK)

Brackets added on left side

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/47411/2020527290103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2020527290103197556HmfAXu)

After powder, you can see that all the battery mounting tabs and holes are shaved

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/25910/2870993370103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2870993370103197556KeTXFH)

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/29519/2722927160103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2722927160103197556yZAVUs)

Only had to add one bracket on the right side, the front mount shares the factory exhaust mount

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/30359/2291602410103197556S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2291602410103197556Ejlgzw)

If you have any questions just ask!


good post, i am gonna relocate my battery to the air box, after i make a custom box. I'll do more re-search on lowering the subframe let you guys know whats up.