Upgrading to a 2013 400X

[OZ-T]

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/1980JeepCJ5/1453552_249168568574845_1284256914_n_zps11ccf1c3.j pg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/1980JeepCJ5/media/1453552_249168568574845_1284256914_n_zps11ccf1c3.j pg.html)
Took me a long time to decide but am finally pulling the trigger. My 02 is getting worn out, and is probably going to start having major issues by next summer so it's time to get rid of it. Gonna miss the old bodystyle, but not having reverse. I've wanted reverse real badly lately and cannot wait to try it out. Probably will be the first thing I do when the new quad gets here.

Does anyone else here have a 2013 and want to share their reviews of it? I ordered mine yesterday and it should be here in a week. :cool:

[LxMxL97]

Did you keep your old bike?

[2001400exrida]

that thing looks nice, i like the white hood on there! just remember, they only look that good before you take them on a ride, lol.

[HondaRacing83]

My buddy has one. Ive rode it and i think its gonna take some getting used to for you coming off an 02 because at the time i had my 05 and it feels like you sit in the older ones and these ones you sit on top of and its alot stiffer seat. I just hate the stock bars though thats one thin i couldnt stand. So far he likes his cominh off a dirtbike. I just wasnt a fan of the feel

[RNL]

Nice ride. Make sure to keep us updated on how you like it and how it compares to the older one. There is always talk about the old style vs the new style, but never really a back to back comparison where someone goes from an old 400 to a brand new one. Look forward to your updates!

[HondaRacing83]

Mod this one out!

[Blodg]

Awesome, can't wait to hear how you like it. I know you will love having reverse. Some say you don't really need it on a sport quad. I have one sport quad with reverse and one witbout and the truth is that you don't really NEED it but it sure is nice at times.

[HondaRacing83]

Lol i was used to reverse on my old 400 this is gonna take some getting used to on my 450

[CJM]

Honestly I can count on both hands how many times Ive really needed reverse.

Very happy for ya!

[HondaRacing83]

When you have it you use it more often

[2001400exrida]

^yup. And when you get used to it and then get a new machine without...you miss it. the best way to put the reverse convenience is to compare it to the keyless entry in a car. Before keyless entry was around, nobody thought about. Once you have the keyless entry you will never not have it.

[OZ-T]

Did you keep your old bike?

No, it's getting traded. Can't keep both, don't have the room. Would like to, so I could mod the hell out of my 02, but just can't do it.

[OZ-T]

I've never actually owned a new machine before, what are the break in procedures?

[LxMxL97]

No, it's getting traded. Can't keep both, don't have the room. Would like to, so I could mod the hell out of my 02, but just can't do it.

You should keep them both for about a week and transfer all the goodies on to your new bike then put all the new stock parts on your old bike then sell the old one on this forum/eBay/Craigslist

[dirtyMOrider]

i have a 2013 honda 400x anything you wanna know about it id be happy to help can say i can give you a review bc its the only sport quad i have ever owned

[RNL]

i have a 2013 honda 400x anything you wanna know about it id be happy to help can say i can give you a review bc its the only sport quad i have ever owned

What are your thoughts on the 400x? Anything you really like or dislike, what kind of riding do you do?

[blacknblue#2]

I've never actually owned a new machine before, what are the break in procedures?

Ride it just like you ride your 02. For the first 15 minutes or so do a couple engine braking stops but other than that let her rip. If its gonna happen it will happen soon and my best running motors have been broke in wide open

[2001400exrida]

yup, also it's good to do a couple early oil changes and to check the valves after you get some hours on it.

[HondaRacing83]

Nah its a 400ex whoop on it nothing will happen loll

[dirtyMOrider]

i think it is amazing because of its reliability and how tough it is the down side is the reverse rev limiter is set to low its almost useless but i found that to be an easy fix also it gets hard to start if it is under 50 degrees other than that it is a great quad

[OZ-T]

i think it is amazing because of its reliability and how tough it is the down side is the reverse rev limiter is set to low its almost useless but i found that to be an easy fix also it gets hard to start if it is under 50 degrees other than that it is a great quad

How do you go about that? Rev limiters drive me crazy.

[dirtyMOrider]

i looked it up theres a wire from cdi box you have to cut i will look on mine and see witch wire it was

[dirtyMOrider]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tye1VP2IPqE
this is the vid i used to figure out how to take the limiter off it also makes it where the quad will start while i reverse

[OZ-T]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tye1VP2IPqE
this is the vid i used to figure out how to take the limiter off it also makes it where the quad will start while i reverse

Will definitely be doing that. Does that just eliminate the rev limiter in reverse or does it eliminate it completely?

[dirtyMOrider]

Just in reverse you have to get a new cdi box as far as i know to dump the rev limiter completely but there limiter in reverse is set so low you can't back up a small incline

[OZ-T]

Just in reverse you have to get a new cdi box as far as i know to dump the rev limiter completely but there limiter in reverse is set so low you can't back up a small incline

Yeah I just wanna eliminate the limiter in reverse, I need it for the forward gears.

[dirtyMOrider]

Thats all i did that and drop a tooth on my front sprocket bc it was to high geared it did not want to run at low speeds

[Stickman400]

As far as I know the only way to get rid of the reverse limiter is to buy an aftermarket CDI. But there was a guy on here who swapped a friends '99-'4 CDI onto hos '05 to try it and then after he swapped back his and the limiter was removed, atleast that's what he claimed. Idk if it's true or not but it's worth a shot if you have a friend with the older style since it's free and takes about 5 minutes. Also bump your pilot up to a 48 and it'll start much easier when it's colder.

[dirtyMOrider]

Stickman Ik for a fact the video i posted earlier works on the 2013 Honda 400x bc i have done it to mine there and from what i understand it will work on most Honda 400ex

[KKiowaTJ]

I still pull mine out manually, Never a problem yet.

As mentioned, Bump the pilot, Or while you are in there IMO a 155 main and a 50 pilot is perfect for stock, Too lean from the factory. To each their own though, Everyone rides different and has different set ups.

[OZ-T]

Does anyone know the top speed of these new 400s? Thought I read somewhere that they are geared higher than the first generation 400, is this true? I love going fast so wouldn't mind if they are geared higher.

[RNL]

Does anyone know the top speed of these new 400s? Thought I read somewhere that they are geared higher than the first generation 400, is this true? I love going fast so wouldn't mind if they are geared higher.

They have a lower sprocket ratio, but with different internal gear ratios as well. Honda wanted them to accelerate a bit faster but have the same top speed, which is usually 65mph.

[dirtyMOrider]

Idk how the quad is geared months older models but i dropped a tooth on mine because it was too high geared for my riding style in the trails

[OZ-T]

They have a lower sprocket ratio, but with different internal gear ratios as well. Honda wanted them to accelerate a bit faster but have the same top speed, which is usually 65mph.

So it will take off faster than my 02?

[Thumpin440ex]

Why not take the money your going to spend on a new one and build the old one back to better then stock. Just my op.


John

[OZ-T]

Why not take the money your going to spend on a new one and build the old one back to better then stock. Just my op.


John
Want reverse.

[powerbomb400]

I know some say that reverse isn't needed. But riding where we do I love it. Comes in handy.

[RNL]

So it will take off faster than my 02?

Should be slightly quicker, stock for stock. That's been my real world experience anyways.

[Honda.rider5871]

Want reverse.
Put a reverse bottem end in your current one, and fool everyone

[OZ-T]

Should be slightly quicker, stock for stock. That's been my real world experience anyways.

Cool, the faster the better!

[OZ-T]

Well, the new quad came into the dealership yesterday! Now just gotta wait for Monday so they assemble it and I can pick it up. Going to be the longest weekend ever!!

[dirtyMOrider]

You'll love the quad man that really sucks you have to wait a weekend know it there but its just at the dealership

[KKiowaTJ]

For the coin you just spent, Plus it came in yesterday, Id be at the stealership right now telling them to put the fawker together now. No way in hell would I wait a weekend for them to 'assemble' it when they had it yesterday and it only takes a couple hours tops.
That and if you do have to wait, Make them throw in some parts or swag, Anything to offset them being lazy asses and you having to wait for no reason. There is more than one Honda shop and im pretty sure another shop would stay after hours for the sale.

[RNL]

Post some pics of that thing when you pick it up!

[dirtyMOrider]

Kkiowatj is right mine had to be assembled when i bought it and they didn't take much longer than the time it toke to do paperwork to get mine

[MtnEX]

I have ridden both and wish I could give some better of a review between them than I can.

They seem similar to me, but the 2012 had a GT Thunder link and my old one does not. That may be why I did not notice much of a difference on seat height.

I like the new plastics and seat fine. The 2012 to me is a good looking bike in a different way than my old one. But when it comes to working on the quad... gosh I prefer the old plastics a lot more. But only for that reason.

Reverse is very nice to have. Given the choice I'll take reverse over not having it.

[RNL]

It's Monday, bet someones having a good day!

[2001400exrida]

seriously, i remember the day i rolled my 07 off the lot brand new. Rode that machine for 2 years and absolutely loved it. Many people say they like the older ones without reverse better, but I honestly loved my 07. Maybe after 07 is when they went through big changes? I would take my 07 over any of the older models any day, that thing just felt reliable and rock solid.

[OZ-T]

seriously, i remember the day i rolled my 07 off the lot brand new. Rode that machine for 2 years and absolutely loved it. Many people say they like the older ones without reverse better, but I honestly loved my 07. Maybe after 07 is when they went through big changes? I would take my 07 over any of the older models any day, that thing just felt reliable and rock solid.

Think the only thing that's changed is the plastics. Still has the same exact engine it had in 99. I am so excited about reverse I can hardly stand it! But, I liked the old look better, but this new look is growing on me..I will be riding it tomorrow!!

[kt1148]

seriously, i remember the day i rolled my 07 off the lot brand new. Rode that machine for 2 years and absolutely loved it. Many people say they like the older ones without reverse better, but I honestly loved my 07. Maybe after 07 is when they went through big changes? I would take my 07 over any of the older models any day, that thing just felt reliable and rock solid.
x2^ Watched mine being uncrated and prepped 4yrs ago. My brother had a new 2001 & I would much rather have reverse.

[MtnEX]

Think the only thing that's changed is the plastics. Still has the same exact engine it had in 99. I am so excited about reverse I can hardly stand it! But, I liked the old look better, but this new look is growing on me..I will be riding it tomorrow!!

The looks do big time grow on you over time. At first I did not like them at all. Then the white/black started looking good. Then a dude did an all black one that was sweet. Then my buddy got a 12 which had the red outer fenders and that I really liked. Now the 13 I really like because it is all red. I do think a black hood would look better though. But then I have been looking at them with black hoods a long time now, so... lol

[dirtyMOrider]

Think the only thing that's changed is the plastics. Still has the same exact engine it had in 99. I am so excited about reverse I can hardly stand it! But, I liked the old look better, but this new look is growing on me..I will be riding it tomorrow!!

My buddy i ride with has owned several 400ex he claims after riding mine that it is the exact same he says it is even balanced the same as the older ones and there the best wheelie riding bikes he's ever had thats how opiton after 15 years of rideing

[CJM]

The gearing is slightly different and the bottomend not only has reverse but the internal trans gearing is slightly different. I much prefer the older ones, I like the trans gearing better.

[OZ-T]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UzNBJKJV4A
Spent some good time on my 02 today and took this last vid with the GoPro before the sun went down. Going to miss her no matter what though, I've had so much fun and learned so much riding her. Tomorrow I will hopefully have a vid of taking the 2013 for the very first ride.

[2001400exrida]

I much prefer the older ones, I like the trans gearing better.

Just curious to know what you like about it better, can you notice the trans gearing difference, is it taller or shorter or what's the feel? How much time do you have on the newer ones vs the older ones? I think i was sold on my 2007 just because it was so clean and had reverse. I traded it for a yfz about 2 years ago and have since built the 2001 426 which is now my new favorite 400ex simply because of the mods that i've done to it.

here's my 01 right after i put the 426 and stage 2 cam in it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYVZnUMz7-g

here's me on the 07 rockin a wheelie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wRAAtU-t-E

[CJM]

Soon as you post up some pictures of your 400ex w/450r swingarm, GT Thunder/Jet shock setup and your name on a sheet of paper in the pic Ill dignify your questions with answers.

[RNL]

I'm curious too CJM, what did you like better about the older ones? I thought the newer one I rode had more grunt to it than my 2003 I had at the time.

[RNL]

Just curious to know what you like about it better, can you notice the trans gearing difference, is it taller or shorter or what's the feel? How much time do you have on the newer ones vs the older ones? I think i was sold on my 2007 just because it was so clean and had reverse. I traded it for a yfz about 2 years ago and have since built the 2001 426 which is now my new favorite 400ex simply because of the mods that i've done to it.

here's my 01 right after i put the 426 and stage 2 cam in it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYVZnUMz7-g

here's me on the 07 rockin a wheelie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wRAAtU-t-E

Wow, I didn't know you posted here. I subscribed to your channel a couple years back, your riding vids were great. Exactly my type of rides, and my type of terrain. Do you still have your 07?

[CJM]

I'm curious too CJM, what did you like better about the older ones? I thought the newer one I rode had more grunt to it than my 2003 I had at the time.

The gearing is better in the older ones, newer ones are geared down a tooth and lack topend slightly. 15/38 and then in 05 it went to 14/39

[RNL]

The gearing is better in the older ones, newer ones are geared down a tooth and lack topend slightly. 15/38 and then in 05 it went to 14/39

Yup, thats why I liked them better. Felt like they accelerated harder and pulled corner to corner better. I never see top end where I ride, hell I barely get to 4th gear.

[CJM]

Yup, thats why I liked them better. Felt like they accelerated harder and pulled corner to corner better. I never see top end where I ride, hell I barely get to 4th gear.

For that type of riding your good. Where I am many times I keep trying to shift to the imaginary 6th gear lol.

[dirtyMOrider]

The gearing is better in the older ones, newer ones are geared down a tooth and lack topend slightly. 15/38 and then in 05 it went to 14/39

Are you talking the front and rear sprocket ratios?

[CJM]

Are you talking the front and rear sprocket ratios?
Yes. But the trans internal gear ratios are also slightly different as well b/c of the reverse.

[RNL]

A lot of guys that ride here in Michigan even drop the front sprocket a tooth when riding the state trails on the older Ex's. And it works really well, pulls like a mule through the corners.

[CJM]

A lot of guys that ride here in Michigan even drop the front sprocket a tooth when riding the state trails on the older Ex's. And it works really well, pulls like a mule through the corners.

If it suits the riding conditions then its what ya need, ya know? Once I had mine all done up I had too much torque if anything, I dropped the rear sprocket to a 36T and coulda probably done a 16T front. Biggest gain was swapping to the 04-05 450r carb, next biggest was the 11:1 piston.

[dirtyMOrider]

Okay i do know that 14/39 is the gearing on the 2013 i dropped mine to a 13/39 bc in the trails we ride i was constantly shifting bc of the tight trails the lower ratio allows me to come out of the corner faster i guess that is why out of the guys i ride with i have the smallest bike cc wise but yet in the tight trials they can't keep up untill they get a good open stretch

[CJM]

Okay i do know that 14/39 is the gearing on the 2013 i dropped mine to a 13/39 bc in the trails we ride i was constantly shifting bc of the tight trails the lower ratio allows me to come out of the corner faster i guess that is why out of the guys i ride with i have the smallest bike cc wise but yet in the tight trials they can't keep up untill they get a good open stretch

Smaller
-rear sprocket=speed
-front sprocket=torque

Larger
-rear sprocket=torque
-front sprocket=speed

When I had my EX I used to be in 3rd if not 4th alot and just play around with shifting the gears. Never bothered me really. We have very wide open expanses however as well as trails where I usually ride.

[KKiowaTJ]

Soon as you post up some pictures of your 400ex w/450r swingarm, GT Thunder/Jet shock setup and your name on a sheet of paper in the pic Ill dignify your questions with answers.

X2, I want to win a spare air filter!

[2001400exrida]

Wow, I didn't know you posted here. I subscribed to your channel a couple years back, your riding vids were great. Exactly my type of rides, and my type of terrain. Do you still have your 07?

got rid of the 07, still have the 01 one though. I really got into flat track racing recently and so i haven't shot many videos as of late. The gopro is outdated so I'm hoping to upgrade to a hero 3 sometime this winter. I'm planning to post some good trail rides and some racing action this season though, you really can't put a value on the gopro's they provide endless entertainment and also can help you become a better racer by reviewing the tracks and races.

As for dropping a tooth in the front, it's much more needed on the older ones, that's the first thing i do with an older 400ex that i own is drop the front sprocket down a tooth. the 15 is too tall unless you need the top end. I'm a trail rider on my 400 though so i need useable power without having to clutch and shift all day.

the best power gain i got from my 400's has always been the hotcams. It's night and day when you swap the cam, the 400 stock cam is a dog! My 426 will hang with a mild 450, but when i put my newly built 450 to it, something tells me the 426 is gonna feel like a dog again, ol.

[dirtyMOrider]

I've only had my quad a little under a year now so Im not a great at taking sharp turns or showing off heck most the time i do good to stay on the dang thing i run 3rd gear most of the time 4th and 5th is when we hit open areas but we ride mostly at finger lakes state park witch is a old strip mine that has lakes with thick wooded trials running though the park most

[OZ-T]

Well, it was late, but I got it today! Didn't get on it until about 5 in the afternoon and the sun was setting so don't have any pics or GoPro vids to show just yet. Idk why, but it seems smaller to me than my old one and I feel much higher off the ground. I already hate the seat, most uncomfortable seat I've ever rode on haha.

[chronicsmoke]

Nice!

Maybe it's just Honda's new styling. We have a 1998 recon and a 2009 recon and the '09 feels so small compared to the '98. But the frames are the same on them so it's just the way the plastics and seat are made.

[RNL]

Well, it was late, but I got it today! Didn't get on it until about 5 in the afternoon and the sun was setting so don't have any pics or GoPro vids to show just yet. Idk why, but it seems smaller to me than my old one and I feel much higher off the ground. I already hate the seat, most uncomfortable seat I've ever rode on haha.

Less plastic, no big fenders, makes it feel smaller than it is. I think the seat on my YFZ has it beat for worst seat though haha.

[dirtyMOrider]

Who needs a seat anyway lol

[2001400exrida]

I think the seat on my YFZ has it beat for worst seat though haha.

stock yfz seats suck! I'm too cheap to upgrade mine, but it's definitely the least comfortable. on the yfz's you feel like you're sitting on them instead of in them like the honda's feel.

[RNL]

Kind of a strange coincidence, but after I got off this thread yesterday I closed my laptop and went to bed. I sleep during the day because I work third shift. Just started to close my eyes and hear this loud noise. Get up and look out the window and there's a quad and a snowmobile ditch banging down the back dirt road I live on. Sled looked like a new Ski Doo etec, it had a can and was loud. The quad was..................a new style 400 ex. It was black and red, and had a pipe and was loud. I mean it was fracking loud, like an HMF with no insert loud. I heard them go by a few times later on to. I liked the look of it from a distance, if I didn't know what it was I would have thought it was a race quad based on looks alone. I do like the new plastics.

[RNL]

stock yfz seats suck! I'm too cheap to upgrade mine, but it's definitely the least comfortable. on the yfz's you feel like you're sitting on them instead of in them like the honda's feel.

Truer words never spoken, and I hate how low the handlebars are...ugh. Never rode a TRZX450R, but yes you do fell like your on top of the YFZ.

[OZ-T]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6RxolEigDw
Finally, a video of some action!

[RNL]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6RxolEigDw
Finally, a video of some action!

Very nice, so you liking it?

[OZ-T]

Very nice, so you liking it?

Oh yeah!

[OZ-T]

Here are a few pics I snapped this morning. Sucks that it's the middle of winter, I really wanna go blast some trails on this thing! Will have to eagerly wait til about late May early June though before any of that happens. Gives me plenty of time to get it good and broke in.
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/1980JeepCJ5/1526520_254068794751489_1070506176_n_zps14940c1a.j pg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/1980JeepCJ5/media/1526520_254068794751489_1070506176_n_zps14940c1a.j pg.html)
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/1980JeepCJ5/1513336_254068824751486_1585528340_n_zpsb16b8963.j pg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/1980JeepCJ5/media/1513336_254068824751486_1585528340_n_zpsb16b8963.j pg.html)
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/1980JeepCJ5/1476253_254068774751491_1326479370_n_zps7b0338e1.j pg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/1980JeepCJ5/media/1476253_254068774751491_1326479370_n_zps7b0338e1.j pg.html)
At first, I hated this new look, but it's starting to grow on me more and more. I love how snarly they look. Just can't help but feel this one sits up higher than my 02, it sure feels a lot more tippy anyway. Is the track any narrower on these than the old ones?

[Blodg]

The width dimensions are the same. I wonder if the suspension could have sagged some on your older one making this one actually sit a little taller?

Did it come with a mirror? How would the mirror be usable with all the bouncing around? I couldn't imagine trying to look at a mirror while riding mine, besides I need to focus on the obstacles ahead!

Looks nice, I like the looks of the new ones but I don't like the stiffer seat.

[2001400exrida]

judging from the license plate he has on the back i'm guessing the mirror is for on road use, which won't involve much bouncing around. If that's the case let me just say how jealous I am that you can ride that on the road in your state!

[KKiowaTJ]

Man, They cut the seat down to not chit. Glad im happy with my 00'.

I don't know why a mirror would be needed, I can ride my quad around town on city roads and the highway throughout my county. No tag, Lid, etc is needed but common sense. But I cant say it wouldn't be nice to have when on the highway or passing and lane splitting from slow *** people out for a drive. In the woods, It wouldn't make it past the trail head.

[chronicsmoke]

Nice, I like the new look tbh

[2001400exrida]

Man, They cut the seat down to not chit. Glad im happy with my 00'.

I don't know why a mirror would be needed, I can ride my quad around town on city roads and the highway throughout my county. No tag, Lid, etc is needed but common sense. But I cant say it wouldn't be nice to have when on the highway or passing and lane splitting from slow *** people out for a drive. In the woods, It wouldn't make it past the trail head.

many states allow quads to be licensed an insured for street use, legally! Generally speaking you would need a mirror to do this. A mirror is used to see vehicles behind you, it does serve a purpose, lol. Also, speaking of common sense.....if you're on the highway passing and lane splitting people then you need a wakeup call. It's crap like that, that literally ruins the name of atv riders and racers all over. It's the same way in the motorcycle community when i see jackwagons putting other peoples lives in danger i have nothing good to say about that type of activity. Sorry if i sound like a father figure attacking you but the last thing our community needs is another dead kid or innocent bystander getting hurt because they thought running down a highway without a helmet or license or insurance....splitting lanes was cool.

[OZ-T]

The width dimensions are the same. I wonder if the suspension could have sagged some on your older one making this one actually sit a little taller?

Did it come with a mirror? How would the mirror be usable with all the bouncing around? I couldn't imagine trying to look at a mirror while riding mine, besides I need to focus on the obstacles ahead!

Looks nice, I like the looks of the new ones but I don't like the stiffer seat.
Yeah, I orded it with the street legal kit which included mirror, license plate mount and light, and a horn. It is very handy to be able to ride on the streets, but is hard on tires. But with snow on the ground thats hardly a problem now.

[RNL]

How does it feel motor wise compared to your old one? Same?

[KKiowaTJ]

many states allow quads to be licensed an insured for street use, legally! Generally speaking you would need a mirror to do this. A mirror is used to see vehicles behind you, it does serve a purpose, lol. Also, speaking of common sense.....if you're on the highway passing and lane splitting people then you need a wakeup call. It's crap like that, that literally ruins the name of atv riders and racers all over. It's the same way in the motorcycle community when i see jackwagons putting other peoples lives in danger i have nothing good to say about that type of activity. Sorry if i sound like a father figure attacking you but the last thing our community needs is another dead kid or innocent bystander getting hurt because they thought running down a highway without a helmet or license or insurance....splitting lanes was cool.



LMFAO, I know what im doing on two or four wheels, Going on 27 years now. Plus the fact, Coming from you, Id say im mild to what you have done for the ATV community. Talk about someone who needs a wakeup call, Its you.

Never ride with out a lid, Just mentioned its not needed. Nor is a flag, Plate, Horn, Lights etc because we put it in our town laws, What we can and cant do. Even though a mirror is good to have, I never use one, I look over my shoulder and always know whats behind me and how close. I have never trusted a mirror when you can look down and see for yourself.

I have a bike license along with more insurance than I need. Others are not in danger if the keep the slow *** pace they are driving and if there was, Its my fault unless they hit their brakes or swerve and that's called 'failure to maintain control', Even if I cause it, Their fault.
If you think that's bad, You should see what SxS's do on highways. They don't lift and pass in the ditches or anyway possible to beat the competition.

But when I mean 'lane splitting', Its usually people who can see us in the rear view and flag us around and they ride the shoulder. II used to pass on the shoulders, But it could cause a problem either loose gravel or roost in their windshield.
If they don't like it, They don't need to visit the area. I live here and own my chit, All of it. Plus the cops are fine with it because they too ride and live in our community.

[OZ-T]

How does it feel motor wise compared to your old one? Same?

Yeah, exact same. Haven't really been able to open it up because it's in the process of being broke in.

[Blodg]

OZ-T, don't be afraid to open that thing up during break in. You want to do some full throttle bursts and de-accelerations. You dont want to baby it during break-in.

[MtnEX]

Sweet... got some snow to play in too!

I really like the all red. I like those and the 12's and the white ones. Still don't care for the first ones that came with the black outer fenders much.

[OZ-T]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5ur3P3mg1I
Running through some deep powder!

[RNL]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5ur3P3mg1I
Running through some deep powder!

Nice!

[OZ-T]

So I think there is something already wrong with it. It is using oil, even more then my old one did. Is this just part of the break in period? I changed it once since I've had it but sure that has nothing to do with it. What could it be?

[CJM]

Strange. Did you break it in properly? By properly I mean taking it for a good ride and riding like you stole it? Maybe you didnt seat the rings? Does it smoke?

Id measure how much comes out when you change the oil, 2qts and your fine-less and you got issues.

[HondaRacing83]

My buddy got a 2013 400 identical to yours put a pipe and filter on it didnt jet it so its lean as hell and we ysed to go on like 6 hour rides twice in a weekend we rode ALOT and we just now got around to changing it sunday it was milky black im like ahh the joys of having a 400ex lol.

[OZ-T]

Strange. Did you break it in properly? By properly I mean taking it for a good ride and riding like you stole it? Maybe you didnt seat the rings? Does it smoke?

Id measure how much comes out when you change the oil, 2qts and your fine-less and you got issues.

Rode it pretty easy for the first couple days but the past few I been riding it hard.

[2001400exrida]

There are several schools of thought about break in and it is a very debatable topic. THe main thing is not to let the machine idle for long periods of time during the first couple startups. I'm sure this is not the reason you have problems. Seeing that you bought a brand new quad did it come with a warranty? If you think it's using oil try to get some work done under warranty.

[KKiowaTJ]

I always let a fresh motor idle for 15 mins and sit for 30, Idle again and sit. Change the oil/filter, Then go out to break it in. Under load, Is where you don't want to let it sit at any certain rpm very long until broke. Run it through the gears hard, Then run it through again taking your time.
As mentioned there are a million ways to break it in. But you have to account for the tight tolerances in the new/fresh motor and parts wearing in and seating correctly. You could have very well lost oil to that, Hit the rev limiter, Anything is possible in the first 10 hours. If it don't sit right with ya, Take it back to the shop, Its new and on them to figure it out. Don't wait too long though, Then they will put you off until there is no warranty and you pay again.

[dirtyMOrider]

The quad is gonna use a oil at first bc the motor is gonna soak up some oil bc believe it or not the metal well soak up more oil than most think

[DragonGunner]

So I think there is something already wrong with it. It is using oil, even more then my old one did. Is this just part of the break in period? I changed it once since I've had it but sure that has nothing to do with it. What could it be?


OK...you did a oil change.....then warmed it up...maybe even rode it....then waited around 4 min. and then checked the dip stick on level ground, and remembered where it was on the stick. Then later you warmed it up and maybe even rode it, let it set for around 4 min. and then checked and it was way down. Is this the way you did it.....? Because if you checked right after you shut it off before the oil has time to fill the tank you won't get a accurate reading, it will look low or out of oil.

[DragonGunner]

My buddy got a 2013 400 identical to yours put a pipe and filter on it didnt jet it so its lean as hell and we ysed to go on like 6 hour rides twice in a weekend we rode ALOT and we just now got around to changing it sunday it was milky black im like ahh the joys of having a 400ex lol.


If it looked milky then then by what I call and have seen "milky" then you got water in the engine that contaminated the oil. I submerged my EX once and got this once.

[OZ-T]

OK...you did a oil change.....then warmed it up...maybe even rode it....then waited around 4 min. and then checked the dip stick on level ground, and remembered where it was on the stick. Then later you warmed it up and maybe even rode it, let it set for around 4 min. and then checked and it was way down. Is this the way you did it.....? Because if you checked right after you shut it off before the oil has time to fill the tank you won't get a accurate reading, it will look low or out of oil.

I checked it after it had been sitting overnight.

[DragonGunner]

I checked it after it had been sitting overnight.

So you checked it cold, before starting. If so that is not the correct way to do it.

[Stickman400]

Yea, you need to check it while it's warm. I always let mine idle for 5 minutes, then sit for 3. Then check and add oil if needed (per the owners manual). On level ground of course.

[Blodg]

So did you figure out if this thing was using more oil than it should? Just curious. Also I see there are different advice on the proper method to check the oil level, I think I will start another thread just on that topic.

[2001400exrida]

So did you figure out if this thing was using more oil than it should? Just curious. Also I see there are different advice on the proper method to check the oil level, I think I will start another thread just on that topic.


very true but on a 400ex with an oil tank there is very little room for error. The main thing is to be consistent about your oil checks if you want to see if you're loosing oil. basically just make sure you check it in the same sequence, whether you check it cold or whether you fire it up and let it idle for 5 minutes then sit for 3 then check it. don't do it cold one time and warm the next time or you'll obviously have different readings.

[OZ-T]

It actually did quit using, was, like someone mentioned, probably just part of the break in as the new engine was soaking up oil. I still check it every time before I ride and it never moves of the stick. I recently changed it to synthetic and the transmission is much happier shifting. Love this quad, dying for summer trail riding to get here!!
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/1980JeepCJ5/clean_honda_400ex_by_colleen4evr-d77j9e6_zps36038688.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/1980JeepCJ5/media/clean_honda_400ex_by_colleen4evr-d77j9e6_zps36038688.jpg.html)
Here is a pic of it I snapped awhile back after a visit to the car wash, only stayed clean for about a day. Hard to keep anything clean here in the winter.

[OZ-T]

We went out and played on the quads some today and I finally remembered to bring the GP along. Glad I did, we had a fun ride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOI1pcZMcjQ