Electical troubleshooting...need help

[rd2005]

:confused: Ok got this used 00 400ex about a month ago. Rode it with no issues at all then went out to start it & no go. Tries to turn over but no spark. Here's what I have done...changed the spark plug, changed the plug/coil wire, changed cdi box, tested the little black box at the clutch lever (works fine), checked the 15amp fuses, & cleaned all electrical with contact cleaner. After wiggling wires on the front just below the key switch & It did not attempt to turn over. Also tested the kill switch on the bars & it test fine even though I have to clutch it to shut the bike down. I hope someone out there can give us advice on what to do or do we need to just break down & pay a dealer to diagnose it.

Also is there a place online that shows the wiring diagram??? Thanks

[finsteratv]

check for loose/damaged wires? elecrical stuff is what really erks me sometimes....

[tri5ron]

rd2005,
This all just off the top of my head,...

Check the Green and White connector plugs, that are below the front hood/headlights, on the frame, (between the upper shock mounts). Disconnect them, clean them, inspect for any damage or corrosion, and re-connect.
Check all grounding points for debris or corrosion.
Check the Neutral saftey switch connector, (down near the gear shift lever), and wire, for any signs of damage.

You can also try disconnecting the two wires from the Clutch Perch, and placing a jumper wire to connect them together.
(be careful to make sure you have the bike in neutral before attempting to start the engine).
With these two wires connected, the engine will start with the transmission in gear,....any gear.

Let us know if any of this helps.
aside from that, I can check my factory manual for electrical trouble shooting if you need me to.

Now,... on to the more important stuff !
Tell us some more about your boy, and his riding.

As the father of a special needs child myself,
(my 11 y.o. son has Down Syndrome),
I love hearing about how our kids learn to overcome their challenges, and are successful in learning to ride.
I have a great time riding with my kids, and seeing Nickolas "solo" on his own quad is just about the COOLEST thing ever.
He may not be the fastest, or the best rider out there, but the important thing is that he IS OUT THERE, and having a ball.
That makes him a "Champion" in my book !

Here's a online magazine article you might find interesting.
hope you enjoy,...
http://www.toyhauleradventures.com/2010/08/meet-nickolas/

Now, back to our regular programming,...
Let me know if I can be of any help with your ride!

Ron

[sheweezy]

Was it running fine last time you cut it off?

[rd2005]

Electrical is not really a strong things for me either & frankly hate it. The wires are of course all wrapped in a black sheath. Have not had time to look into it further...we had a race this weekend. As far as I can see the wires look go & all ground wires gave a clean connection. I need to get a book on this thing. Can you shoot me a copy of the wiring diagram from your book???
Regards to our kids...Awesome your little guy rides & races!!! Kudos! My boy is not the fastest nor the best but just like you I am so proud of him!!! He is a very reserved rider so if he is uncomfortable he won't push it to much. Part of me is pleased with that & part of me is screaming inside "Gooooo!!!!" We tried all kinds of sports & for the most part he just did not get yhe rules & stuff. My husband had to coach football one yr just so our boy could play cause he did not understand the rules/positions & the other coaches would not play him or teach him! My boy is very gentle & has the Asburger's type of Autism. But riding his quad he just got it! Natural ride ability. So Aug of last year his father offered to take him to the local fair & let him watch MX. Our boy just came out & asked if he could ride? We were shocked & well concerned...not about his safety (he could ride) but the rules & such also how would the other kids feel & treat him. Our boy has a very depressed iq so his comprehension level is very low. We met a few parents of the other quad riders told them about his disability & they were very willing to help out any way they could. 1st race kido stopped at the yellow flag & wanted to help or at least not pass the boy having trouble w/his quad then he exited the track when the white flag came out. One of the parents got him back out on the track to finish the race. He now races & due to repetition he can race w/out issues. Now if we change routine or technical problems right before he is to leave to get on the gate that upsets him. He has has to overcome allot to race. Sorry for the long drawn out story. Oh & by the way my forum id is used by both my husband & I the wife am more more mechanically incline then he is so I do most of the questions & answering on here. Would like to chat further with you. Will pm you with contact info. Ok back to the bike, will look into what you advised & get back to you...Thanks!

[rd2005]

Originally posted by sheweezy
Was it running fine last time you cut it off?

by the way to answer the other question...yes the bike ran fine. The next day my husband went to start it & no go. There is no fire. Thanks

[rd2005]

Did everything you advised but nothing worked. Jumped the 2 wires at the clutch same result...no spark. I found the green/white wire but it goes into the cdi box with other wires. The green wire with black mark on it was everywhere I looked on the front end. All my connections are clean. The only ground wire I could find was the one on the coil/plug wire & it was sand papered clean with still no results. Can the ignition key keep it from firing??? Took pics & video of trying to start it if it would help. Did it just in case. The wires going into the engine on the left side above the shifter look good & feel like they are secure, but could see only maybe 1/4" of wire cause of a black sheathing around it. This has everyone we know stumped as well. Waiting to hear from a guy locally who might know but other than that we are at a complete standstill! :ermm:

[sheweezy]

is it visual no spark, or no fire like not igniting... and if you get me your email I could scan the wiring diagram from my service honda book and get it to ya....My best friend, practically brother has an autistic adopted sister from china, I think it is a wonderful story and your son! And would do anything I can to assist you guys. Especially being Tenn folk on top of that!

[tri5ron]

Ok, this may sound like a dumb suggestion, but trust me, EVERYONE has done it at one time or another.
or if they haven't, it's only a matter of time, and they will.

Hell, I have the tendency, to pull this Brain-fart, at least once every time we go riding.
My 9 year old daughter even tells me to check it now, LOL !

Check to verify your panic kill switch is in the center position.
(yeah yeah, I know,... "gee Ron, don't you think I already checked that ?")

Even if it LOOKS like its in the center position, try it anyway.
click it to the left and the right a few times, then click it to the center position, wiggle it in that position, and try starting it once more.

Again I say, I KNOW this sounds dumb,...

...but if there is a small piece of debris in the switch, it's possible that it is keeping the circut in a "open" (kill) position.

[rd2005]

Originally posted by sheweezy
is it visual no spark, or no fire like not igniting... and if you get me your email I could scan the wiring diagram from my service honda book and get it to ya....My best friend, practically brother has an autistic adopted sister from china, I think it is a wonderful story and your son! And would do anything I can to assist you guys. Especially being Tenn folk on top of that!

Hey noticed earlier you were from TN...so Howdy! That's so great that your friend has awesome parents that #1 adopt a child & #2 adopt a child with a disability! KUDOS TO THAT FAMILY!!!!!!

We see no spark when we put the screw driver in the plug cap & keep it very near the metal on the engine. The wiring diagram would be a great help. My email is revolutionarydesigns05@yahoo.com,

Do you race mx? We raced our first race for miniquads at the Victory Sports Muddy Creek track on Sunday. They did not offer that class till this year. Do you ever come out east to ride?

[rd2005]

Originally posted by tri5ron
Ok, this may sound like a dumb suggestion, but trust me, EVERYONE has done it at one time or another.
or if they haven't, it's only a matter of time, and they will.

Hell, I have the tendency, to pull this Brain-fart, at least once every time we go riding.
My 9 year old daughter even tells me to check it now, LOL !

Check to verify your panic kill switch is in the center position.
(yeah yeah, I know,... "gee Ron, don't you think I already checked that ?")

Even if it LOOKS like its in the center position, try it anyway.
click it to the left and the right a few times, then click it to the center position, wiggle it in that position, and try starting it once more.

Again I say, I KNOW this sounds dumb,...

...but if there is a small piece of debris in the switch, it's possible that it is keeping the circut in a "open" (kill) position.

Hey Ron no problem asking that question! LOL Actually yes I did exactly what you said to do. I even tried starting it in the other positions. I jiggled it back & forth & I recently cleaned it so I think we can take that out of the equation. But remember the kill switch never worked. We had to clutch it to kill the engine.

So is it time to break down & pay some over priced dealer to diagnose this problem??? Thanks :ermm:

[tri5ron]

give me a few minutes, and I'll use my digital camera to photoghaph the wiring diagram in my manual. It'll take me a few minutes to do the pic, do the photobucket thing, then post it up.

[tri5ron]

Originally posted by rd2005
Hey Ron no problem asking that question! LOL Actually yes I did exactly what you said to do. I even tried starting it in the other positions. I jiggled it back & forth & I recently cleaned it so I think we can take that out of the equation. But remember the kill switch never worked. We had to clutch it to kill the engine.

So is it time to break down & pay some over priced dealer to diagnose this problem??? Thanks :ermm: NOOoooooo !, it's not THAT time YET !!! LOL! Give me a minute here, I'll be back in a few...

[tri5ron]

Sorry it took me a little longer. I was talking to my wife about your son and his racing.

anyway, I hope you can see someting of usefulness in these pics...

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_2966.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_2968.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_2972.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_2975.jpg

[slightlybent47]

Check all connectors, and check the tether switch!

[xcracer416]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
Check all connectors, and check the tether switch!

i would disconnect the tether to geet it out of the mix. i would then get a ohm meter and check your stator output.

[sheweezy]

Yeah they are an absolutely amazing family...they have actually adopted four children from china, three having cleft lip and one having autism, and they have also adopted two more boys from ethiopia, as well as taking custody of a boy of a really troubled single mother who is entering the military to try to make some changes. They also have three kids of their own and would still do anything in the world for anybody. I would do anything I could for them. True American Heroes IMHO.

Well actually I am just going to start getting on some mx tracks this year..i've rode a few local ones around west tennessee but have mostly trail rode and rode some hare scrambles courses. Maybe I can make it up to East Tenn sometime this year!

Noticed Ron posted photos of wiring diagram. If you have a test light or volt meter, your last resort would be to just start at the problem being no spark from the plug and go back the harness until you can find some voltage.

The only problem i've witnessed when not being able to find a solution after checking all things ron and others have listed was having a sheered woodruff key in the crankshaft that grabs the flywheel. But I was experiencing a few other symptons before my bike began to fail to start.

[rd2005]

Originally posted by xcracer416
i would disconnect the tether to geet it out of the mix. i would then get a ohm meter and check your stator output.

When you say disconnect the tether are you talking about a racing style kill switch??? We don't have that. Our 400ex has the key you turn, press the start button, & remember the kill swith never worked at least not when we got it about a month ago. We have to let the clutch out in gear with the brakes on to kill the engine. Is there a way to take the kill switch complety out of all this? If so how???

I ordered a book yesterday & hope it will be here by Friday. What should the ohms be for the stator? That has been a problem not knowing when we test the parts what the ohms should be.

I am really getting frustrated & to be honest. I can only work a short time on it now. I just am not making any progress. I am not educated enough with the electrical side of things to go much further. I am hoping the book will help clear this up.
Ron thanks so much for the pictures of the manual! It has help me understand a little more than I did. By the way I will get back to your pm soon. We have been super busy.
Thanks All!

[thmike]

I was having a similar problem on my wires 400ex a week ago but i actually had a wire melt inside of the wiring harness. IT got hot enough for me to find it but i know that it could happen and you may not be able to find it onless you go threw the whole harness.

I ended up buying a wiring harness and switch off ebay for less then 100 bucks and it fixed the problem. All i had to do was unplug old harness and plug in the new/used one. I would really recommend going that route to save the trouble shooting.

[rd2005]

Originally posted by thmike
I was having a similar problem on my wires 400ex a week ago but i actually had a wire melt inside of the wiring harness. IT got hot enough for me to find it but i know that it could happen and you may not be able to find it onless you go threw the whole harness.

I ended up buying a wiring harness and switch off ebay for less then 100 bucks and it fixed the problem. All i had to do was unplug old harness and plug in the new/used one. I would really recommend going that route to save the trouble shooting.

I wondered about replacing the entire wiring harness as well. Been watching a few on ebay too. I have purchased $122.00 in parts as of right now & none have solved my problem. I really don't want to buy anymore parts not knowing which way to go. The manual should be here today & I plan on reading it from front to back ASAP!!! It may come down to removing all the electrical tape & black sheathing on the harness to find it! Thanks for the tip & will keep it in mind as we continue to look for the issue! :)

[rd2005]

Hey, Just wanted to post an update on the electrical issue...Here it is pictured below. It was the stator. What happened was 2 of the bolts that hold the flywheel loosened & ate at the stator. Does anyone know if it's ok to use some lock tight on those bolts?http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/EMT_DIVER/DSC05644.jpg http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/EMT_DIVER/DSC05643.jpg

[tri5ron]

Well DANG ! that sucks !
Yes, it would be fine to use locktite on those bolts.
(although the manual does not specifically call out to use it, therefore, I'd probably just use blue loctite on those 3 bolts)

Here's the info straight from the Honda Factory Manual...

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_2984.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_2989.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_2988.jpg



http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_3001.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_2999.jpg



http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_3003.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/03%20400ex/IMG_3004.jpg

[rd2005]

Wow Ron Thanks for all the pics! You're Awesome! By the way I do have a manual now...Thank Gosh! It came in handy today. You're pics & descriptions are a little better than mine. I'm using a clymer service manual.
The bolts I was referring to are the 6 bolts holding the flywheel to the engine...Can I use lock tight on those? Two of those 6 bolts ate the stator. When I tried to tighten them down they don't seem to snug which makes me think some type of silicone/lock tight/ special glue needs to be used. Sorry to ask such a dumb question but when I put this thing back together I want to make sure it's done right.

[tri5ron]

lots of used stators available on ebay...
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253 A1%257C72%253A4726&rt=nc&_nkw=400ex+stator&_dmpt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=15&_sc=1

But,... if you are going to buy a new stator from the "Stealership", you might want to consider getting a new aftermarket one from Ricky Stator that puts out a Whopping 200watts !...
(stock oem stator is 147 watts)

http://www.rickystator.com/catalog/honda-trx400ex-stator-assembly-p-102.html

This would support any electrical, or lighting upgrade you could want.
(imagine a set of 55w HID's in place of the stock headlights),
Those suckers would shoot a flame-thrower beam that would be incredible! Heck, you could probably roast a hotdog at 25 yards ! LOL!

[tri5ron]

ok, hang on a minute, and I'll look up those bolts and specs. I'm assuming you got the Clymers manual, rather than the Honda Factory Manual ?

[rd2005]

Originally posted by tri5ron
ok, hang on a minute, and I'll look up those bolts and specs. I'm assuming you got the Clymers manual, rather than the Honda Factory Manual ?

Yeah I just edited my last msg. I am using a Clymer manual.


Originally posted by tri5ronThose suckers would shoot a flame-thrower beam that would be incredible! Heck, you could probably roast a hotdog at 25 yards ! LOL!
Holy Crap Ron LMAO!!!!!

Figured I would just put a replacement OEM part in. I don't think we will be roasting hotdogs on the mx track! :D

[rd2005]

Originally posted by tri5ron
lots of used stators available on ebay...
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253 A1%257C72%253A4726&rt=nc&_nkw=400ex+stator&_dmpt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=15&_sc=1

But,... if you are going to buy a new stator from the "Stealership", you might want to consider getting a new aftermarket one from Ricky Stator that puts out a Whopping 200watts !...
(stock oem stator is 147 watts)

http://www.rickystator.com/catalog/honda-trx400ex-stator-assembly-p-102.html

This would support any electrical, or lighting upgrade you could want.
(imagine a set of 55w HID's in place of the stock headlights),
Those suckers would shoot a flame-thrower beam that would be incredible! Heck, you could probably roast a hotdog at 25 yards ! LOL!


I have been watching this one...ebay item # 330541918169

[tri5ron]

OK, YES,...
the Factory manual specifically calls out to use loctite on those 6 bolts, and to torque them to 22lbf-ft.

Does your manual have the specific step by step procedure for checking the service limit of the Starter clutch outer, Sprag clutch, and Starter driven gear assembly?

(these are the parts on the backside of the flywheel), and there IS actually a called out "Service Limit".

You want to make sure they are good before you re-assemble.

Does your Clymer manual have the specific step by step procedure for this ???

[rd2005]

Originally posted by tri5ron
OK, YES,...
the Factory manual specifically calls out to use loctite on those 6 bolts, and to torque them to 22lbf-ft.

Does your manual have the specific step by step procedure for checking the service limit of the Starter clutch outer, Sprag clutch, and Starter driven gear assembly?

(these are the parts on the backside of the flywheel), and there IS actually a called out "Service Limit".

You want to make sure they are good before you re-assemble.

Does your Clymer manual have the specific step by step procedure for this ???

Thanks for the confirmation on those 6 bolts.
I think my book has the proper step procedures but I have to be honest...I am entering an unknown territory! I have no clue about the stuff you mentioned! Another dumb question what is a called out "Service Limit"?

We checked with the local Honda dealership they said it would cost $253.00 for a new stator & a rebuilt one for $158.00...OUCH!

[tri5ron]

Originally posted by rd2005
Thanks for the confirmation on those 6 bolts.
I think my book has the proper step procedures but I have to be honest...I am entering an unknown territory! I have no clue about the stuff you mentioned! Another dumb question what is a called out "Service Limit"? A Service Limit is the amount of acceptable wear on any given mechanical part.

Just like doing the brakes on your car.
You normally just need to replace the pads/shoes, when you install new brakes.
but you also resurface, (turn down on a lathe), the rotors/drums.
If the rotors/drums have grooves that are too deep, and resurfaceing them results in them becoming too thin,...
then they are called "beyond the acceptable Service Limit".

that is when the shop tells you that you also need to replace the rotors, (that's the "Disc" part of "Disk Brakes'), or the "Drums".

hopefully I wrote that, so that it makes sense. ???

Anyway, any mechanical part, that touches, contacts, rubs,... another mechanical part,....
normally has a "Service Limit".

just like when your rings are worn out, and you need to bore out the cylinder to a "oversize".
I.E.- .010 over,... .020 over,... etc.

on edit reguarding the stator,-
haha, yeah,... that's one of the reasons I mentioned the Ricky Stator, and why the dealerships are more commonly reffered to as a "STEALER-ship" !
some things you just don't buy from the Stealership! :D

[tri5ron]

Also worthy of note-
If you have removed the flywheel from the crankshaft, it is VERY important to properly torque the flywheel bolt to 94 ft-lbs., using a proper torque wrench, and proper torqueing method.

BUT,... Before you do that,
and since you are already there ANYWAY,.....

I highly recommend getting a Curtis Sparks +6 Ignition Advance Key.
http://www.alwaysopenmall.com/layouts/02/unsecure/item.asp?SiteID=223&DepartmentID=85&CategoryID=949&GroupID=7033&ItemID=31633&StartNum=1&Sort=&ShowPics=0&ListByCode=1&Brand=&GenderAgeGroupID=0&MaxPrice=&SearchString=&ItemCode=&IsOnlyOnSale=0&FromHomePage=0&FromFamily=0&ProductFamilyID=0&RelatedItemID=0

These are as simple as it gets to install. you are litterly only 1 bolt away from doing it right now.
They really "wake-up" a basically stock 400ex engine with greatly improved throttle responce.
They do not necessarily increase the HP by any significant measures, and equally, they do not adversely affect the proven reliability of the 400ex.

What they DO, do,... is cause the ignition to fire 6 degrees earlier in the combustion stroke, and thereby make the throttle much more responsive, and eliminate that momentary "Bog", when first cracking the throttle open.
(The stock ignition timing, on the 400EX, is horribly retarded from the factory).
This fixes that issue, with no adverse effects, on a stock bore/compression 400EX engine.

If you have increased the compression ratio to OVER 10.5:1, then the Sparks Advance Key is not advised, but one of the other members here known as "Wheelie", makes a +3 degree key, and has had impressive results with the higher compression engines.

so there,...
have I got your head spinning in a Confussed blur yet ??? LOL!

[rd2005]

I have not removed the flywheel but I will. I am going to go ahead & get the curtis sparks +6 Key. Thanks for explaining the Service Limit. Just have to look at the inside of this thing with a friend who knows more about the mechanic side than me. But I will be right there learning & taking it all in. The bike is pretty much stock. I went ahead & bought a used stator off ebay today so I hope to get it by mid week. Thanks for all the help on this issue. I probably will be back on here asking more questions. It's not over yet! LOL

[tri5ron]

no problem, glad I could help.
here's a How To I did on the Sparks key a while back.
Alot of the members here have said it helped them with the installation.

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=349499&highlight=sparks+advance


You might find these interesting too....

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=314423&perpage=13&highlight=carb&pagenumber=1

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=409169

[tri5ron]

btw,
Is your son still running the stock 400ex FRONT shocks ?
if so, that is Hands Down, the #1 performance and handleing improvement to do to any 400EX.

[rd2005]

Originally posted by tri5ron
btw,
Is your son still running the stock 400ex FRONT shocks ?
if so, that is Hands Down, the #1 performance and handleing improvement to do to any 400EX.

Oh no! He rides his own 90cc Apex mini quad. There's no way he could shift. The 400ex is for mom & dad. We got it to ride together & to help little man with his racing technique by showing him. What just killed us was we brought the thing home, rode the bike for several days after work (all excited) & then it quit. Hubby & I hadn't rode or raced an ATV since 1998. Everyday we go into the garage & just look at it cause we had no idea what was wrong with it. Pitifull situation...LOL!!!

[tri5ron]

AAHhhhhhhh, NOOOoooowww, I'm on the same page,(or lap haha), with you.
All the MORE reason to upgrade a few items.
Since both you and your husband have racing backgrounds, then you quite literally NEED to upgrade the front shocks.

The 400EX is a "Bullet-proof " machine. Time tested and Proven.
It has a great track record and long history of being one of the most reliable Quads ever built.
It handles Good, and has a very broad Appeal.
It has the largest availability of aftermarket, high performance, upgrades and ad-on's parts , of ANY other Quad ever built.
When Honda built the 400EX, they hit just about everything Right on the nose,........
.........EXCEPT,... for the Front Shocks.

Bottom line is, That's where Honda quite literally,
"Dropped The Ball."
The Front shocks, on the 400EX, are JUNK, for anything other than a leisurely cruise. period.

Having a racing background, you will easily understand the term "Pogo-Sticks",... and That is exactally what we refer to the front shocks as being.
Quite ironically, the REAR Shock, is actually a pretty decent shock, of perfectally acceptable Quality, and Adjustability.

The most popular OEM type shock to use, (and the best bang for your buck) as a replacement, is the Honda 450R shock.
It CAN be considered by some, as a bit stiff, when used on stock length 400EX a-arms,
but it is STILL a 500.325 & 7/8 % improvement over the stock OEM 400EX front shock,
AND,
is easily, and Expotentially improved,
with a set of Good aftermarket springs.
(Mine have the Works brand triple rate springs).

Here's a scenario that describes it pretty well.

Your coming around that last turn, and youv'e got the best line.
Your hooking up good, and accelerating hard. The jump is just ahead,... you bang another gear, ... and screw everything it's got into the throttle.
You bend your knees and lean back a bit, as it launches off the topside,.... WHOOSH ! YOUR FLYING THORUGH THE AIR,...

in just a second,
you are going to be re-entering orbit, and you are going to need to execute a perfect landing,.
because on the other side of the flight, is a hairpin,...
(and just to make this story mory interesting, let's say it's off-camber too, lol).

as your temporary "Aircraft" is about to touch down, you start to think about the impact and recoil, of coming back to earth.
you have a choice.

Landing can be a... "Boing-boing- boing",
or,
it can be a nice soft, "Kkuuussshhhh".

Which would YOU prefer ???

Shall we now consider the fact, that just beyond the hairpin, is a long set of "Badboy Whoops" ???

Nahh, I don't think we need to,.....
You get the picture, :D


The bottom line is, on ANY 400EX,
The VERY FIRST THING THAT SHOULD EVER BE DONE TO IT,
is to change out the front shocks. The stockers are Pathetic at best.

At my last count, there is only 14,945,9044,57345,734565,0000002 Threads,
reguarding which is the best shock to install.
But without a doubt, the 450r shock, is one of the BEST choices for the budget minded.

So like I said,
The 400EX is a SOLID MACHINE.
Undoubtedly one of the finest Quads ever built.
(why ELSE would there only be 278 ZILLION of them sold ?)

the only two things **wrong** with it, from the showroom floor,
is the Front Shocks, and the retarded Ignition timing.
Everything else after that, is just Gravy.
(and yeah,... I like lots and Lots of GRAVY ! :D :D :D )

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


btw- here's a pic of my boy Nickolas, on his Kymco Mongoose 90. Thought you might enjoy...
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/El%20Mirage%20Sept%202010/IMG_2381.jpg

[rd2005]

Great picture of your son Nickolas!!! He looks very much at home on his quad! :D On your quad is that a water bottle attached to the inside of your front bumper???

Hey Thanks for all the advice & help on our issue & the other useful tips. We plan on changing out the shocks very soon. You have a great way of explaining things & being entertaining in the process!
We got our 400EX running but now have a blown gasket, so we'll get her up & running soon.
Just thought I would attach 2 pics of our son Chris. He never is very photogenic when it's time to race. He gets really nervous & pretty serious when he's on the gate. This was his first race in the Mega Series at Muddy Creek Raceway in Blountville TN. They just added a youth production class this year, so this was a first for all of our little quad riders! <p><a href="http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/EMT_DIVER/?action=view&amp;current=DSC05500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/EMT_DIVER/DSC05500.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><p>This pic was at our local practice/race track (I-81 Motorsports Park in Greeneville TN). He loves riding there & we try to get him out there at least twice a week.
<a href="http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/EMT_DIVER/?action=view&amp;current=3-17-11I-81frontjump.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/EMT_DIVER/3-17-11I-81frontjump.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><p>Again Thanks for all your help & I plan on contacting that guy about the article.

[sheweezy]

your sons bike looks excellent, glad to hear you guys got the 400 running...what ended up being the issue?

[rd2005]

Originally posted by sheweezy
your sons bike looks excellent, glad to hear you guys got the 400 running...what ended up being the issue?

Thanks for the comment on little man's bike. We have worked hard to get it tweaked & to make it as comfortable for him. He thinks it looks cool & awesome so I guess we did our job! LOL

The issue with our bike was the stator. 2 Bolts had not been lock tightened into the flywheel & ate at the protective coating until it damaged the wires. We now have a blown cylinder head gasket. But we were able to get it running for a few minutes. We think it can be fixed pretty easy. I would like to ride it sometime this year! LOL

[sheweezy]

Yeah, as long as he is happy and having a good time that is the key...

And yeah, I feel your pain, trying to finish my rebuild right now, and if my parts don't get sent to another state, then my starter button isn't wanting to work...haha has been always something...

I guess I should have paid attention to the post and I could have just read that haha sorry about that...

Ya'll have some pretty nice looking tracks up your way it seems from the couple of photos. Might have to get some information from ya when it warms up a little. Me and couple of my buddies might have to make a couple trips and try em out....

[dariusld]

So cute seeing proud papas showing off their boys. Here is my not so little one.

[rd2005]

Originally posted by dariusld
So cute seeing proud papas showing off their boys. Here is my not so little one.

Wow, Now that is awsome...but as a parent that would scare the CRAP out of me! Don't think my heart could take that! Got Air???

I love where this forum is going!!!! Keep it up!:D :D :D

[dariusld]

Originally posted by rd2005
but as a parent that would scare the CRAP out of me! Don't think my heart could take that! Got Air???



He has got hurt a couple of times. But its so cool when they take it like men:) "Dad I think we have to go to the emergency room"

[rd2005]

Originally posted by sheweezy
Yeah, as long as he is happy and having a good time that is the key...

And yeah, I feel your pain, trying to finish my rebuild right now, and if my parts don't get sent to another state, then my starter button isn't wanting to work...haha has been always something...

I guess I should have paid attention to the post and I could have just read that haha sorry about that...

Ya'll have some pretty nice looking tracks up your way it seems from the couple of photos. Might have to get some information from ya when it warms up a little. Me and couple of my buddies might have to make a couple trips and try em out....
Oooh yea our son is having fun & I love to watch him race! Rather do that than anything! Regarding mechanical issues, that's sooo true...it's always something!
We are lucky to have several tracks within a 30 minute drive from our place. Just shoot me a pm if you need info & i'll be glad to let you know what's around here. By the way the I-81 track has trails of all sorts, a flat dirt track, & a MX track open 7 days a week. Here's the link
http://www.i81motorsportspark.com/main.htm
This link shows you the local MX series available by Victory Sports.
Will be glad to help find you some place to ride! :D

By the way are mom's allowed to fix bikes & brag about their kids on here??? LOL ;D
Both my husband & I use this user name but I am on here 10x's more than he is cause I am a little more mechanically inclined than he is & I do most of the reading & research! Besides he can't be at all the races & I have to know how to fix most little issues in a hurry at the track. So sometimes it's up to me to be Mrs. Fix-it!
Like I said...I love where this forum is going!!!! Keep it up! :D :D :D

[rd2005]

Originally posted by dariusld
He has got hurt a couple of times. But its so cool when they take it like men:) "Dad I think we have to go to the emergency room"

LOL! How old is he???

[sheweezy]

My hat is definitely tipped to you, in so many ways!

And yeah I am about to take a look now. Expect a PM here in the next month or so from me haha Would love to see what your side of the state has to offer haha, our area is getting sad with all the tracks getting washed away, taken over by weeds, or flattened.