New 400ex... general maintanance to keep it sparkley fresh

Okay, Im picking up my 400ex tomorrow from Honda. Id like to know what kind of up-keep you guys generally do when you return from the trails. Im also going to get a manual for it so I dont have to bug ya'll everytime you turn around.

What type of maintanance do I need to do when I get back from riding? Thanks guys.

All I do is wash it down with soapy water and use those Armor All wipes and wipe it down to make it nice and shiny and to keep mud and dirt from sticking in the future.

Yea true, but surely some things need to be greased and maintained. How about the chain and air filter and other parts?

[RideRed04]

Go to your local walmart and buy some simple green. It is in the automotive section. when you wash the quad, spray it down with water, and then go over it with the simple green. Spray that off with water, and your bike is sparkly new. About every other time wipe the fenders down with some mop&glo. For general maintainence, first break it in. To it in properly, the best way to do it I have found is to drive for 10 min, staying under 1/2 throttle. let it cool compleatly down. Repeat for 20 min, letting it cool again afterwards. Repeat for 30, and let cool. Finish off the tank going under 3/4 throttle. Change the oil to mobil one synthetic 15W50, and fill your tank. You now have properly worn in rings, and every thing is fitting right. Take it easy for the next tank of gas, varying the throttle alot (dont hold it at one rpm for a long time). Now it will be good. As far as preventive maintanence, change your oil, clean the quad (very important, a dirty quad isnt good to work on), clean AND OIL your air filter, and check nuts, bolts, and tire pressure. After it is broken in, you will probably need to adjust the valves, so if you trust yourself, do it, otherwise bring it to your most trusted dealer.

OOPS!!! I guess I forgot about prolly the most important thing, the chain, I just use WD-40 while the chain is still wet, 'cuz that dissperces water, so you could also use RUBBING alcohol. The kind you drink don't work too good Then I use the Honda Lube

Hey man thanks. I really want to ride this weekend, but now I know I need some prep and some breaking in before I conquer the world Saturday. This means that tonight and tomorrow night I'll be breaking it in so on Saturday I can just have fun. I cant waite! Thanks for the help. If you think of anything else, just let me know.

Wear a helmet and other proper riding gear,, and ride smart,,,,,,comprende'

yeeeeaa... Ive got "some" gear already that I had when riding my trx300, but I want more more more. The dealership mounted some DG nerfs and an AC front bumper for 180.00. I figured that was a good enough deal. I reeeeealy need the nerfs most of all. All I really need now is some good boots. I have a decent helmant and gloves already. Since Christmas is coming up, I'll ask Santa for a cool Shirt and pants set. I like Fox, but I know there are plenty of opinions on appearal.

[DEAL]

the one thing i must tell people over and over is to WASH their machines.
I had a 300 4x4 that i didn't really take very good care of and not washing it very often made those "little jobs" even harder.
Keep the chain adjusted and lubed, clean the air filter, change the oil and filter ever few ride trips.
Also when riding around rocks watch your rims mine like to dent easily compared to the rims on your trx300 and they will eventually crack after repeated dings.
A manual clutch takes a little getting used to and so does the light front end so try not to push your skills too far until you get completely used to your machine.
Congrats on the new ride I'm sure you'll have hours of fun.

[JabberJaw]

I have to tell you, the water & Wisk solution works great... but I use Summer's Eve to keep my bike fresh and clean.