What are the differences in the various years 400EX

[ibAdam]

I'm getting closer to finding a good used 400EX. A question I can't seem to find a answer to is what are the changes Honda has done throughout the years to the 400EX. Can anyone provide a timeline (ie. something like; first built the 400EX in 1997, no changes till 01 when they upgrade the carb and subframe, etc.......)? I'm looking to see if there is a reason I should go with a certain year or year range over another year.

[Hondadudeehhhh]

well they havent really changed at all except for 2005 they got a make over.

But just get the newest one you find. Prices wont be too different from a 99' or 01'. Id pic up a 2002, they may be a few hundred more (if that) but the newer the better

[FMFWarrior21]

I heard the first EX's had problems with swingers busting or cracking from hard riding but I think thats the only problem ive ever heard of.

[ibAdam]

Originally posted by FMFWarrior21
I heard the first EX's had problems with swingers busting or cracking from hard riding but I think thats the only problem ive ever heard of.

What is the first EX's? I don't know when the 400EX was made. So far I've heard people say there are 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05 year 400EX. So no 98's or older? If so the 99-04 are the same? Thanks for your input guys.

[jesshamner]

They're all the same from 99-04. The only difference was the graphics and seat cover. The 05 has the 450r style plastics w/ reverse. Other than those, its the same as the previous years. Oh you won't find a yellow 99, 00, 01. I think 02 was the first year for yellow but it could have been 01.

[Tommy 17]

heres a few differnces...


99 1st year

00 new carb boot (old ones cracked easy)

01 1st year yellow, called sportrax, new vent sytem on the carb, cover on the battery, reshaped the rear fender a tiny bit


basically they all are the same... theres very very few differnces between them... any year except the new 05 is goin to be pretty much exactly the same...

[spud400ex]

the '04 has a 38mm carb. before that they had 35.5mm

[Sportrax10]

Originally posted by spud400ex
the '04 has a 38mm carb. before that they had 35.5mm

I believe that was a mistake on the Honda website...

[nosliw]

05's have different tranny ratios and a lower sprocket up front

[badass250r]

99-04 no reverse 05 reverse