Honda Sportrax 400EX

Author's product rating:   

Comfort	Excellent
Handling	Excellent
Looks	Excellent
Features	Excellent
Fuel consumption	Excellent

Advantages:	Fun, Fun, Fun and very Fast
Disadvantages:	none

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

A couple of years ago my dad and Brother started to ride Quad Bikes. At first, they only had small slow ones to get them started. At the time hardly anywhere would allow them to ride as most track were made for Motorbikes (mx) but as Quads have become such a popular thing to have over the last few years more and more places are accepting quad riders.

Now, both my Dad and Brother are not only using their quads to ride at the weekend but are now racing them in this years Quad Race's

Here's my dad's review on the 400 EX

I have been riding with some of the world Champion Quad Racers such as Paul Winrow and John Mitchell and I am absolutely loving every minute of it. Quad racing though can be very dangerous and I myself have had a fair few accidents, resulting in me going to the Hospital but all in all Quad Racing is the best sport i've even got myself into.

What is a Quad?
=============
Ok, what is a quad you ask? A quad is also known as an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), and is an off road vehicle. Some quad bikes are used by farmers, these are known as Utility Quads.
Sports Quad / ATV's and Utility Quad's are different. Utility Quads are used by the likes of farmers to get around the farm carrying items to certain places whereas a Sports Quad is used for fun.

The Honda 400 EX
===============
This is a great piece of machineary, very fast very reliable and so much fun. Comes in a range of different colours such as Red and Yellow but new for 2006 Honda have brought out a Black one.
The Honda 400 EX is an amazingly reliable Quad, it starts first time every time and is great.

It has got a manual Clutch and is a 5- speed transmission with reverse, which I think is great, although not often needed. It has also got an O-ring style sealed chain, which is really good and also reliable. This Quad is excellent for wheelies,

Here are the specs in a better detail....I have taken these from
http://www.atvconnection.com/atvconnection/Departments/SportZone/2001-400EX.cfm

Model ~ TRX400EX
Engine Type: ~ 397cc Air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke ~ 85mm x 70mm
Carburetion ~ 35.5mm piston-valve with accelerator pump
Ignition ~ Solid-state CD with electronic advance
Starter ~ Electric
Clutch ~ Manual
Transmission ~ Five-speed
Driveline ~ O-ring-sealed chain
Suspension
Front ~ Independent double-wishbone with Showa shocks, five-position spring preload adjustability; 8.2 inches travel
Rear~ Pro-Link single Showa shock with spring preload adjustability; 9.1 inches travel
Brakes
Front ~ Dual hydraulic 174mm discs
Rear ~ Single 220mm disc
Tires
Front ~ 22 x 7-10 knobby radial
Rear ~ 20 x 10-9 knobby radial
Length ~ 72.2 inches
Width ~ 45.3 inches
Height ~ 43.7 inches
Seat Height ~ 31.9 inches
Ground Clearance ~ 4.3 inches
Wheelbase ~ 48.4 inches
Turning Radius ~ 10.5 feet
Dry Weigh ~ 374.7 pounds
Fuel Capacity ~ 2.6 gallons, including 0.4-gallon reserve
Colors ~ Red, Yellow

All the above has been taken from the web site staed above.... All the below is my own opinion

Chassis
=======
It chassis is made from very hardwearing Chrome and is very strong giving you a great ride. It is said to be very similar to the Honda 250R, but the 400 EX's frame is taller, due to the extra bit of height needed for the four-stroke power plant.
The rear swing arm are made of high tech Cast Aluminium which I would say is far better than the original as its much lighter and stronger.

Comfort of the Ride
===============
The ride of your life, its amazing. This quad will suit any person small or big. Everything you need is in perfect reach.

Handling
=======
I have rode a few Quads' now since I started a few years ago and I can honestly say that the 400EX has got a fantastic way of handling. Some quads are better on straights rather than the corners but the 400EX is great at both. One slight turn of the steering and you will glide around the corners with no trouble.

Parts and Accessories
=================
There are so many different things that you can change on this Quad to make it the perfect Racer. From the plastics, Nerf Bars, Swing Arms, Shocks, Tyres and Wheels, Light's, all most everything can be changed. I have actually just finished my Quad and it is ready for my 1st race of 20 that starts the weekend after next.

Overall Opinion
============
Over all this is one of the best made Quads/ ATV's out there today. Ok, so there are some other really really good, fast and very reliable Quad's such as the YFZ 450 which is what my son has got, and the Honda 250 which my son's friend has got but in my overall opinion I still think that nothing can compare to the Honda 400EX. Its performance is just amazing and I can proudly say that this is one of the best purchases I have made in a long time.

For more information on Quads, The 400 Ex, Prices and places to buy and ride please visit either

www.ATVWORLD.com

A place to buy new and used Quads of all kinds, also gives you all different parts and accessories that each quad takes. From Decal Stickers, Plastics, Wheels, etc etc

or

www.QuadHeaven.co.uk

Quad Heaven is a place to talk to other riders, see videos and photos of recent riders. Ask questions, see all the news and take a look at the up coming races and dates for all the Quad Races.

Thanks for taking the time to read this review. If you or anyone are in need of more details please contact us in the Guest Book.

Thank you All

Please Note: The purchase price is from a few years ago so may have gone down. There is a newer version of this Quad for 2006 so if you are interested in that one please bearing mind that the price may even be higher.