Just picked up my first 400ex. Some questions.

[B.Rich108]

I have been wanting to get a 400ex for a long time now and i finally picked one up. Its a bone stock 2007. I used to ride a lot and had a honda 4x4 but this is my first sport quad. I have a couple questions that i tried to find the answers on here but couldnt find them.
1) What would the best oil be for a stock motor?
2) I have read about the problems with the cold starting and mine is no exception. I ordered the 42 pilot jet and was wondering if it would be hard to tune it. I did read a couple threads on it and they were very good and it didnt seem too hard.
3) My rear break pads are worn out and i need new ones. My one buddy who has been riding for a long time said it would be a waste of money to buy new pads because you never use them. This sounds rediculas to me, i have always used the front and rear. We do mostly trail riding. Im not the best In the world but we do run pretty hard. Should i spend the couple bucks to get new pads or just get used to using front brakes onley?
Any input will help a lot.

[dxcody]

WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!!!!


- rotella is what alot of guys on here use, and thats what im switching to just because its alot cheaper than my quakerstate i run now.

-You should be able to throw in the new pilot jet and be good to go as far as i know, but you may want to get a second opinion on that.

- Replace the rear pads for sure. I use my backs just as much as i use my fronts. I hate how expensive brake pads are but its nice to know they are there for when you really need to slow her down.
REPLACE THEM! - my opinion:D

[B.Rich108]

I just found a thread on oil. Most guys were saying 10w40 but that was for a 416. Would that make a difference?

[dxcody]

most run 10-40 in the cooler weather so its a little easier to get warmed up.

During the summer when its really hot, most guys run 20-50 since its air cooled, it helps with keeping engine temps cooler.

[B.Rich108]

Awesome..thanks a lot man.

[dxcody]

not a problem

there is always someone patrolling around on the forums so any questions you have just type away and someone on here can give you helpful advice for just about every problem there is.

and once again,
:) Welcome to the forums!

Happy reading/posting!

[powerbomb400]

Yes replace the rear pads. Its cheaper to replace them than the rotor. Even if you don't use them grit and grime get on them and they will wear even with no use. I just found some on Rocky Mountain on closeout. They are Neutron and I've never heard of them. I normally use ECB but they were 9:50 a pair. I use Castrol myself but I have always used it and they have always said it resist thermal breakdown. I use 10w-40 in the winter and 20w-50 in the summer. Also change mine every 25 running hours in the summer and 30 in the winter. Keep the oil changed and air filter clean and it will run for many many hours. Great motors.

[CJM]

1. Oil options as follows: Shell rotella 15w-40, mobil 1 15w-50 or valvoline atv or similar 10w-40. These things like thicker oils, they also have a dry sump oil system (oil tank and oil pump) and need an oil that is compatible with a wet clutch system. This means ANY oil you buy has to be good for wet clutches, if the back of the bottle says "energy conserving" or similar you cant run it. I personally run rotella, have ran mobile 1 but at 6/qt vs 12/gal Id rather run rotella.

2. 42 pilot, should be an easy install. Look at my thread: Here (http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?threadid=463320)

3. Dont listen to your friend.. Replace the pads, I like EBC severe duty myself-last a LONG time..

[chronicsmoke]

Welcome to the site!

+1 for the new pads, sure you can ride without them, but having them will allow you to ride harder without being concerened with stopping before it's too late.

[riotact]

Look into doing the 450r brake conversion.It stops a lot better and the pads last longer too.

[B.Rich108]

Yea i figured so about the brakes. Are the 450r brakes much better? I havent read the thread on the 450r breaks yet. I saw the thread on the 450r shocks and ill be getting some in about a month or so...we were hitting some jumps and i was bottoming out.

[Drfat400ex]

You will definatly need new brake pads man, if your going real fast towards a tight corner then you sometimes have to lock up the rears and slide into it. Where did you order the 42 pilot from? I can't find anywhere to get one that size.

[riotact]

Yes they are a whole lot better then the ex setup.

[ish416]

The 450R rear brake is no better than the stock rear brake. The only thing you gain is some ground clearance.

If you are looking for a brake upgrade, go with the YFZ450 fronts.

Here (http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=437005&highlight=yfz450+front+brake) or here. (http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=470936&highlight=yfz450+front+brake)

[riotact]

Jets r us is where you can get any jet you need.

[B.Rich108]

I picked mine up from Rockymountainatvmc.com. Seems like a preety good site.

[riotact]

Brake upgrade info:http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=365496&highlight=brake+light+switch

[Drfat400ex]

Originally posted by riotact
Jets r us is where you can get any jet you need.
Thanks :)

[riotact]

No problem :cool:

[CJM]

I have zero issues with my brakes. My friend has the YFZ setup and it doesnt stop any better or worse than my setup. Changing the spindles and whatnot for 450R front brakes is not worth the cash.

What is worth the cash? Its SUPER simple. Upgrade to stainless brake lines, I have stainless front and back and it can stop on a dime. Otherwise the rest is all stock. best part, the setup was 50 bucks off ebay and just took some time to bleed them properly.

YFZ calipers and pads $125+ easy
450R setup $250
Stainless lines $50-75 bucks

[B.Rich108]

Awesome..thanks for the info guys. I will be looking into the stainless lines. They shouod look pretty good with the black plastics too :cool: