Need help deciding on 400EX - Newer or older??

[platinum350]

Well I'm about to pull the trigger an hopefully pick up a quad this weekend. I'm stuck between which model 400EX to get. Here are my 3 choices:

'07 Black 400EX with full pipe, extended axle and some other goodies incl levers, tires, new chain and sprockets etc looks clean, 2 owners total. $2200 bottom dollar

'07 Black 400EX bone stock. looks clean - original owner
$2200 bottom dollar

'04 Yellow 400EX almost stock ect handlebars, comes with a set of race cut front fenders. looks clean
$1700 OBO (prob about $1400 bottom dollar)

They all look very clean. However, I'm partial to the older look - not really digging the whole alien front look of the newer models. It looks as if something is missing in the front, but I like the reverse feature.

Also, not sure how the black plastics hold up - are they hard to keep looking nice?

[powerbomb400]

The big difference is in 05 and above they have reverse. 2004 and below don't. I myself love having reverse when I need it.

[duneslider]

I haven't ever had a sport quad with reverse. I don't find a lot of times I really need reverse but that might be because I don't have it.

If it were me, for the money I would buy the newest one that has the most extras if it looks like it is in good shape and hasn't been hammered.

Although, if you can get the 04 for 1400 and it is in great shape you can add a lot of goodies for that $800 you saved.

[426kidz]

I like the older body style... Bump your price up too 3500 and you can have mine!

:D

[CJM]

Best shape one you can find. The motors are damn near the same except for the reverse setup. I dont have it and I dont mind. Sometiems ya gotta get off and pull it tho, which can suck. Youget used to it really. For me it doesnt matter really cause all the 450 quads besides kawi dont have it either.

[250ex 2010]

Ask yourself if reverse is really worth $800. To me its not but then again I dont have it. For $800 you can buy yourself quite a few goodies (slipon 450r shocks nerf bars) or save it for a rebuild when its needed. Also, buy something stock then you can mod it to your own personal preferences and you know exactly what is done to it and its less of a chance of it beeing raped before.
-Matt

[platinum350]

Thanks for the suggestions! I recently saw more pics and realized the bone stock one has been owned by a female and there is very little wear on it. Not even frame paint missing from boots. I think I'm going with that for now.

I agree Matt, I'd rather build it to my specs anyway. That 800 difference is hard to justify but I think I'll look at that first and if no happy go check out the older one after.

[RNL]

Don't the newer ones have differnet gearing?

[wickestangwv]

I would def get a newer one with reverse.

[platinum350]

Originally posted by wickestangwv
I would def get a newer one with reverse.

I think I'm going to stick with an '07, hopefully I'll have one this weekend!

[platinum350]

I noticed the warning lables have been replaced with a kit and her name. Does anyone know what's involved in putting the factory warning labels back on? I know they have rivets...

I'm assumng they need to be ordered at a dealership.

[426kidz]

for what year? i may cut my fenders soon and I could send the pieces to you so you can use them??

[platinum350]

Originally posted by 426kidz
for what year? i may cut my fenders soon and I couit ld send the pieces to you so you can use them??

That would be awesome man! It's a 2007.

Right now they're pink and say a girls name lol

[storms400ex]

the reverse comes in handy when needed, you can always put the old school plastics on it like i did to my 05

[426kidz]

Yeah, if they are the same size ill ship mine too you... let me know man

[400Trooper]

Save up a bit more money and get a 450R!!! You won't be sorry!

[platinum350]

Originally posted by 426kidz
Yeah, if they are the same size ill ship mine too you... let me know man

Cool, will do! Thanks again!

[platinum350]

Originally posted by 400Trooper
Save up a bit more money and get a 450R!!! You won't be sorry!

I have a feeling your right, I remember I wanted one bad when I had my last 400EX. I think I'll wait until I have my own garage and a place to work on her...
For now, gonna stick to old reliable 400.

[CJM]

Honestly having ridden both, I prefer the power of the 400 even stock vs the R. R is high revving and likes to be kept up, 400 is like a tractor you can walk along.

[platinum350]

Originally posted by CJM
Honestly having ridden both, I prefer the power of the 400 even stock vs the R. R is high revving and likes to be kept up, 400 is like a tractor you can walk along.

I read a lot about the 450r liking to be high revved when I researched it. That plus the additional maintenance made me stick with the 400, at least for now.

[duneslider]

The only time I wish I had a 450 is at the dunes. Every place else I don't need anything else. I am hoping a gearing change and 450r carb will make me a little happier at the dunes.

[Thumpin440ex]

I would go with the older one. Just my op as I like the looks of them better, they are a little bit faster in stock vs stock. I never *****ed about not having reverse..



John

[KKiowaTJ]

Originally posted by Thumpin440ex
I would go with the older one. Just my op as I like the looks of them better, they are a little bit faster in stock vs stock. I never *****ed about not having reverse..



John




X2

I too, IMO think they look better than the newer ones. But thats me, To each their own, Im old and still manage to yank it out. Good luck either way

[RNL]

Originally posted by duneslider
The only time I wish I had a 450 is at the dunes. Every place else I don't need anything else. I am hoping a gearing change and 450r carb will make me a little happier at the dunes.

Couldn't agree more.

[RNL]

Originally posted by Thumpin440ex
I would go with the older one. Just my op as I like the looks of them better, they are a little bit faster in stock vs stock. I never *****ed about not having reverse..



John

Really??? It said in print the new ones were a little faster due to a change in internal gearing. Be sweet to line up two stock ones and see.

http://www.dirtwheelsmag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=14AF5783CA624BBD924EE00C9984A092

And in a drag race the Z only beat it by a length??? I thought the Z was alot faster???

[platinum350]

Well I ended up getting the stock '07. My first impression was, it felt faster than my modded '02 400ex...but who really knows, it's been a while since I've ridden.

Anyway thanks again for the suggestions!

[RNL]

Originally posted by platinum350
Well I ended up getting the stock '07. My first impression was, it felt faster than my modded '02 400ex...but who really knows, it's been a while since I've ridden.

Anyway thanks again for the suggestions!

Awesome. How do you like it so far? any future mods planned? And as always share pics!

[KKiowaTJ]

Originally posted by platinum350
Well I ended up getting the stock '07. My first impression was, it felt faster than my modded '02 400ex...but who really knows, it's been a while since I've ridden.

Anyway thanks again for the suggestions!




Any pic's of the new beast? Im sure you whore'd it up already along with a list of mod's :devil: lol

[Thumpin440ex]

Originally posted by RNL
Really??? It said in print the new ones were a little faster due to a change in internal gearing. Be sweet to line up two stock ones and see.

http://www.dirtwheelsmag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=14AF5783CA624BBD924EE00C9984A092

And in a drag race the Z only beat it by a length??? I thought the Z was alot faster???


That article seems to have a misprint, as the 99-04 ex's came with a 15-38 set up. They did change gearing on the bikes in 05 to 14-39. This is needed because of the added gear.. Again I am pretty sure the 99-04 bikes in stock form are faster then the ones 05 up, due to the added reverse. :)

As for the OP purchase, either way you should be happy with the bike. 400's are prob one of the most maintenance free bikes every built.
John

[RNL]

Originally posted by Thumpin440ex
That article seems to have a misprint, as the 99-04 ex's came with a 15-38 set up. They did change gearing on the bikes in 05 to 14-39. This is needed because of the added gear.. Again I am pretty sure the 99-04 bikes in stock form are faster then the ones 05 up, due to the added reverse. :)

As for the OP purchase, either way you should be happy with the bike. 400's are prob one of the most maintenance free bikes every built.
John

Yup can't go wrong for sure.

[platinum350]

Well guys I eneded up with a clean '07 400EX that was female owned and barely ridden. Thanks for all your suggestions!

Here it is:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/platinum350/32EB5DDA-0D9A-4EDA-8858-5E15554F952C-27636-00001FFF8ACE2435_zps1bf08a5a.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/platinum350/812C4B8A-8964-467E-B7DF-4CDAFD390477-27636-00001FFF7F25E414_zps6f44e314.jpg

[RNL]

Very nice quad, congrats.

[platinum350]

Thanks RNL! Looking forward to adding some things to it, especially exhaust.

[KKiowaTJ]

Nice, Clean looking quad. I read the other thread, Carnage pic's? Or did it take it pretty well? Kinda chitty but ya got it out of the way. Hope it didnt hurt it too much as clean as it is.

[platinum350]

Thanks bro. This was actually afterwards...it took it VERY well, no damage at all. Probably because I padded the fall for it nicely. lol I hope your right with getting it out of the way, my friend with me said the same thing!

[250ex 2010]

Congrats man, looks like you got a very good buy. Is that the original tires even?

[Thumpin440ex]

Clean looking bike..


John

[KKiowaTJ]

Originally posted by platinum350
Thanks bro. This was actually afterwards...it took it VERY well, no damage at all. Probably because I padded the fall for it nicely. lol I hope your right with getting it out of the way, my friend with me said the same thing!


Its not if, Its when. plus dont take it or listen to people who will say take it as a "sign" not to ride, There will be that one in the family or friend. IMO it was getting back at you for lack of respect to the Honda Wing's :p

Looks like she took it real well, Good to know just in case lol. But to be safe, Get some nerf's when you can and im sure its on the list as you rode before. They save you and the quad soo much its weird and i am out of place with out them.

But glad to hear your ok and nothing hurt you cant gain back. Good luck man

[platinum350]

Originally posted by 250ex 2010
Congrats man, looks like you got a very good buy. Is that the original tires even?

Thanks man! Original everything except battery and has K&N paper filter which I should probably change to foam. Even all the parts & bolts have the factory paint markings.

Only thing I'm not too happy about is the plastics have a lot of scratches...yea I know, it's an offroad vehicle lol.

[platinum350]

Originally posted by KKiowaTJ
Its not if, Its when. plus dont take it or listen to people who will say take it as a "sign" not to ride, There will be that one in the family or friend. IMO it was getting back at you for lack of respect to the Honda Wing's :p

Looks like she took it real well, Good to know just in case lol. But to be safe, Get some nerf's when you can and im sure its on the list as you rode before. They save you and the quad soo much its weird and i am out of place with out them.

But glad to hear your ok and nothing hurt you cant gain back. Good luck man

Oh yea, you know I've heard that one already! I've been hearing that for years, at least when I used to ride. haha your probably right about it being payback!

Yea man, nerfs are on top of the list! I swear by them. I hear ya on feeling out of place w/o them. This is the first time I've owned a quad without them and need to get a pair on there ASAP!

Thanks again, I'm feeling a lot better and ready to get back out there :macho