400 EX vs 300

[oldyeller]

My son has outgrown the 2001 EX 300 that we had and I am looking to get him something bigger..We ride mainly open trails and cottage roads with a few tight rocky trails thrown in but not that often...His biggest complaint was that the 300 was always screaming in high gear...Will a 400 have significantly faster top speed and acceleration?..Also how do the two compare for ride and handling?

[TheAwesomehonda]

Well i'd say drive one if you can and that should tell you. Yes i think it would be a huge improvement all around over a 300ex.

[oldyeller]

I live in the city so any sort of a test drive other than a quick blast up the street is not likely to happen....That is why I am hoping to get some advice from guys with experience with these bikes..

[JOHNDOE83]

300ex and 400ex shouldnt even be a discussion of which one is better.

The 400ex is by far the best "factory" sport quad out there, it will be a huge improvement over the 300ex.

[oldyeller]

Originally posted by JOHNDOE83
300ex and 400ex shouldnt even be a discussion of which one is better.

The 400ex is by far the best "factory" sport quad out there, it will be a huge improvement over the 300ex. Can you be more specific?

[JOHNDOE83]

Frame geometry, speed, suspension and suspension travel, horse power, overall looks and a huge aftermarket supply of parts.

The 400ex compares to the 450r and doesnt fall far behind it either.

Also the 400ex forums have way more info then the 300ex forums do.....:D .

Thats just off the top of my head.

[CJM]

A 300ex is slow, period.

I have a highly modified 400, my friend has a very worked 450r, another friend has a worked 400 and another friend has a totally stock 400. The guy with the stock 400 has no issues keeping up with us.

[Drfat400ex]

Hey it's this guy! I do belive you sent me an email about this my friend! And really stock 400 vs slightly modded geared higher 300ex is like hardly any differance, trust me, I've had both at the same time, 4km/h difference in top speed, and honestly my 300ex had more torque than my stock 400, but the 400 is alot more comfortable to ride, and you can ride faster on trails, the suspension is also a lot better.

[oldyeller]

Ha ha this is too funny..Yes it is the same guy who emailed you...I have sold our 300 so it is time to decide what to replace it with....I am leaning towards a Suzuki LTZ 400 but wanted to double check the performance of the honda as there are many more for sale and cheaper as well..

[JOHNDOE83]

Im not talkin trash on z400's, but I see alot of broke down Z's for sale all the time.

I hear they are great but have alot of lil problem's with motor reliability, I dont have any solid evidence, just what Ive been told.

[CJM]

Im not sure if its the Z isnt very reliable or what, but out of the many people I come across riding at my huge sandpit I see VERY few z/kfx/dvx 400 quads. The swingarms suck on them and break really easy that I do know.

[oldyeller]

I actually owned a 2004 DVX and raced it briefly..It was a very reliable bike but I bought it brand new and only owned it for a couple of years...I like the extra features of these bikes but have to admit when buying a used bike that will be 7 or 8 years old I am concerned about their longevity compared to the simple air cooled honda..

[TacicalRedneck]

For joy riding i prefered the 300ex, it was a real cruiser! I really liked it's "scream" with my HMF! Best sound ever!!

Now i have a 400 the power differance was pretty noticable, the 400 is way longer! Almost to the point i have to stoop over to ride comfortable on the trails. Now when i'm riding hard now, it feels comfortable...

300: pretty nice!

400: fast... pretty nice... I like it... :) :D


Go for it! But sit on it for a while... see how it feels... pull in the clutch... Stand up...

:ermm:

[Drfat400ex]

Originally posted by oldyeller
Ha ha this is too funny..Yes it is the same guy who emailed you...I have sold our 300 so it is time to decide what to replace it with....I am leaning towards a Suzuki LTZ 400 but wanted to double check the performance of the honda as there are many more for sale and cheaper as well.. How in the... Myn has been for sale for 3 months! Did ya give it away? Please PM me on how much you sold it for and condition etc idk why I can't get myn to sell.

[HondaRacing83]

I had a raptor 250 before my 400ex. I upgraded because it was physically to small. The raptors power was decent and i could throw it around. When i got my 400 I thought it was a complete powerhouse and a couple ton tank to jump but now i can throw it around as crazy and the powers just right. In the woods i can keep up with any 450. You dont need all the power of a 450 in the woods