need advice choosing 300or400ex??

[ryncole]

Hi. I'm returning to the sport. My question is,the machine i'll pick will be for long trail rides. I'm not into jumping/racing, just long haul riding. I'm buying used. Does the 400 have anything over the 300ex for just plain riding? I'm 6,0-230lbs. My last machine was a 250x, which I liked, except I thought it lacked power. If i could get away with a 300, I would for cost reasons,and availability in my price range. What do you guys think? I've never ridden a 400, sure i'd love it, but price is a consideration here. All opinions appreciated!

thanks, Ryan

[400EX_Kid_03]

IMO- You can never sacrafice power, no matter what kind of riding your doing, b/c you know everyonce in awhile your gonna wanna drop the hammer... and your gonna appreciate the power, so I say go with the 400

[sweet300ex]

If you thought the 250x was underpowered, get the 400 because the 250 and 300 are the same except kickstart

get the 400, 300s only lead to wanting more power..

[Lil - Braff]

Go for the 400, more power.

[dpizz450]

i'd say go for the 400 because if u think the 250X lacked power the 300ex is the same engine as the 250X basically.

[dead eye 00]

i'm six-one and the 300 feels to small for me.also the 300 is pretty weak compred to a 400.

[hondaryan]

The only advantage the 300ex has over the 400ex is reverse (if you can get it into reverse). You will be disappointed if you get the 300ex, get the 400ex, the cost is not that much more.

[ReconRider25]

forget the 300 and get the 400. best choice i ever made was etting my 400.:macho

[Moded86R]

I have both.


First of all I am 6'5.165 pounds.I have been riding for 14 years.And I think I am pretty good at it.(Not trying to brag)



I have had my 300ex since my dad bought it brand new.Since then I have been through 2 pairs of OEM shocks.(I got some works now)1 swingarm.It is now apart because the axle carrier is bad.Along with a bent brake rotor.Like I said it needs tie rods.


The biggest complaint I have with my 300ex is the plastic.From the crappy handlebar cover to the cheap headlight and the design of the hood and how it mounts to the front fenders.EVERY bracket that holds the plastic on broke.And most of you are saying I wrecked it.That isn't true.I have rolled this qaud maybe 6 times the whole time we had it.Plus the factory plastic for a 300ex is going to put a BIG BIG dent in my wallet.So I am probably going with fullbore.Much simpler design and better looks.



As far as power the does exactly what it is supposed to do.It is a great trail bike.Peppy through the first 3 gears.The reverse is handy.(Once you get used to it you can use the toe of your boot to lift the reverse lever.So you don't have to take your hands off the bars.)Put it on a drag strip and prepare to be smoked by any high performance qaud.I have also had a warrior,blaster,Brand new 92 250x,And for a good trail bike the 300ex is good choice.It's not a racer though.


I wish I would have realized this when I was younger.Maybe it would be in a little better shape.



I have had my 400 for about 3 months now.So far it has been a great qaud.Many many hours on it.I ride it all the time atleast once a day.Wheelie's are effortless.So are jumps.Pretty good hill cliimbing bike.(With the right rider)Like the 300 it isn't the fastest thing on the track.But it has been dead reliable with no complaints.The Back plastic is cracked in one spot.Which kind of made me mad.(I think it was because it was sideways on a trailer and the wind did it.)The transmission is alright.Not as smooth as my 300ex or my 250r.But it is better than just about any yamaha I have riden.(haven't riden a YFZ yet though)My best freind also has an 02 400ex and I have watched it be put through many many nights of him letting girls that have no clue what there doing riding it.And letting me and other buddies ride it.So far it has been really reliable.That is why I got a 400ex.I know they are one of the most reliable bikes made.


As far as the no reverse thing it doesn't bother me.You learn to deal with.I ride in the woods where there is no trails alot and in creeks.Reverse would be handy.I wouldn't let the lack of reverse keep you away from it that is for sure.



If it was me.I would go with a 400 anyday of the week.They are extremly forgiving,Very reliable.And probably the funnest bikes to ride I have been on.You can go 1st gear through the woods.Or go 5th tapped on a wheelie.It doesn't matter the 400 does it all.