What to look for when you buy a used Honda 400ex. DON'T GET SCREWED!!! 

“Beer never broke my heart” lmao love luke combs

You are the reason I bought an 03 400ex. I got it from a guy in a city who only rode it on the street so the frame and struts were damn near perfect. Thank you.

On the tapping sounds, you gotta remember the 400ex is Hondas RFVC design, each valve has 2 rocker arms, a main rocker and as sub rocker, There are more contact points of cleareance which increases the sound from the valve train.

Thank you. I just bought a 400 ex. Very clean and very well maintained but the engine does make odd sounds sometimes my brother said that is how they sound. I kinda doubted him but hearing you say the same thing has put me at ease. Thank you I subscribed.

Very informative video. Thank you. I’m hoping to maybe buy one.

I just bought a 2005 Honda 400EX bc of you brother!!! I rode it all day yesterday and it flys!!! Paid $3200 because it’s mint condition. Had the original tires hardly even worn down

Needed to watch this video after I found my grandpas 05 in a tractor trailer

Thanks for making this video

Hell yeah brother loved the video great information just got myself a 02 400ex with a 250r motor in it haha.

Same I have been looking for one for a while

I got my 400 ex for free put a starter and battery in it started right up and runs and drives like a dream

Another thing to check for when buying a used 400ex is swing arm bushing and bolt this is a common wear spot and if there worn bad enough you will have to replace the swing arm also I had to replace the swing arm on mine and did one for a friend another friend got lucky and only had to replace the bolt and bushing. The bolt will wear so bad that to have to cut it where the swing arm mounts to the motor. Other than that and the rear axle carrier bearing the 400ex is an awesome quad super reliable and affordable love the low end torque they climb like a tractor

Love the luke combs in the backround

I have a 14 400x with all the goodies she’s a beast best looking 400x I’ve seen is in my garage!!

Well I'm screwed

I just bought one. but when I looked at it , the guy started it up for me, and I was like whoa, that motor sounds really noisy, he's like yep, sounds like the 400ex, and my brother too, said him and our buddy had one they tried adjusting valves to get it to sound better , but nothing they did could quiet it down. But yes Honda is a awesome machine for sure

good advice thanks

I’ve got a mint 2014 400x bone stock, I put a lexx exhaust on it and it is so reliable it is unreal, got it for $2300, can sit for a month and start right up I had to put a new battery in it cause the previous owner bought it new and his kid didn’t ride it so it just sat in a garage for like 5 years until I bought it, never thought I’d get so lucky with buying a 400x

I agree with you 100%, if it’s less than 1500 and it looks like it’s running good and not making any weird noises I’d buy it. Parts for the 400ex are cheap. I built a 440 with a stage two hot cam in all new weisco internal components except for transmission gears for less than $1200

You did a good job man I use this same guide for when I buy a 400. I also check the carrier, a arm bushings and ball joints, wheel bearings and stuff like that as well. I'll add the cost to fix the quad to the asking price to find out how much money I'm spending on it. I don't always look at what they ask for it, I look at how much money the quad will cost me by the time everything is fixed up. I use that strategy for when I buy a quad. But good vid man!

Best quad Next to the 250r is damn right lol, like how you corrected yourself

love the video! I just bought a 99 400ex for 1,000!!!! im so excited runs very good only thing is the chain is stretched and making some noise. im gonna order chain kit with gears and change that out! I have one question when you turn the handlebars have you ever had one squeaky close to the top? i have to figure that out still but all in all its nice im excited to ride!

I welded my Yamaha blaster bumper on my 400ex

Hey man appreciate video just got a 2008 trx400 seems to run great just sketched out has a aftermarket carb on it like an Amazon one because the old one was gunked from sitting. Seems to have a hard time on cold starts and warming up. Any pointers? You think I’ll be alright with this none OEM carb

Thinking bout buying a 2001 400ex $1,400 paint is faded & smokes a little, now thankz 2 ur video i think is a great deal

Smart to say not to go over 426cc ..I keep my quads mainly stock! I put an hr meter on it.. case saver..shockwears an thats bout it folks! Plenty good maintenance tho. Maxima & Bel-Ray oils only & always. OEM filters. Ride!

Got to look at the brake pads and rear carrier are big ones to look for

FYI the reason that you have all that noise from the timing chain is tensioner Honda is notorious for the automatic tensioner tends to move and sometimes kills quads because the chain will jump which is when I always get a Honda no matter it's the rocket or dirt bike or four wheeler is a manual timing chain tensioner saves me from having to rebuild the head a few weeks or a month after I start riding it I ride mine every day

What would cause damper spring side of clutch basket to rub a groove line into engine and on top of oil pump? Thanks in advance

The 400ex is a awesome machine! They are very reliable and a blast to ride . Probably one of the best machines to learn to wheelie.If you are looking to by one and not put money in it a 1500 machine is probably not the way to go.this time and age you can't expect much for 1500.

I payed 1900 for a 06 400 ex runs like a top it’s been rebuilt but it’s runs great and it came with an aftermarket HMF can’t complain about it

Loved the part where you pushed started it 💪🏽🦍💯

Thanks a lot

Im looking into buying a new quad and i have my eye on a 2005 trx450r, do you think thats a good quad or should i go with a 400?

I just bought one for 500 rejetted the carb and it idles fine now no smoke just working one brakes now

Just bought a 2012 trx 400x. Picking it up tomo. Going to send it

@BrewerOffroad So I got a trx250x last year and I'm not the biggest fan of the power. I have always wanted a 400ex but my parents say no. But I can handle it they just seem scared off anything over 250 for some odd reason. Any tips for me to maybe convince them?

I subbed, you know your stuff man, one question I have though, I’ve adjust the valves on my 99’ 400, and checked everything which came to be fine, is it still normal to have the top end tick? I’ve heard of many people having it and saying it’s normal, but I figured I would ask anyways, thanks!

Im looking at 400s but most of them have a engine that came out and was put back into the bike. Should I be interested in them or stay away from them?

I grew up with honda in the family too! I'm lookin to get a 400ex but I might have to sell my xr400 in order to do it... Not sure I'm ready to do that lol

So i just got a 2007 400ex. Put a new starter clutch on took it for a lap around the yard and it just cut out and wont fire back up and im not getting power to my coil. If anyone can help let me know

I kinda miss my 400, sold it and got a Raptor 700 from a family friend

I got a yellow 01 bugeye Mint Condition original tires original front brakes original chain sprockets everything's original except for the bars I put on in the front bumper can I put a set of headers in a white Brothers slide on

Have you ever seen a 400ex that takes 2.5 quarts for a oil change? I know the book says like 1.97 but mine registers low when I put in 2 quarts. When I add .5 more it shows perfect on the dipstick. Have you seen something like this before? And do you have an email where we can directly ask you questions?

Hi i just baught a 2012 trx 400x in mint condition close to my city in germany. The bike is super rare here as it was never offered here officially on the market. Can you recommend widened a arms, wheel spacers for the back for a budget offroad build? No parts in Europe... best rgds

What’d you do to widen it out? Thinking about selling my ktm and buying a fun quad.

i found one on marketplace for 3000 lowballed to 2500, when he sent a video if him revving it white smoke came out, not sure if it was because he revved it cold what do you think everything else looks good

Just purchased a 400ex 05 A arm snapped (just bought) Quad was rolled and hasnt rode it for 3 months Quad turned over for a second but look like it has potential got for 14 any thing you would recommend? A couple after market parts came with the bike.

Thanks for the Byers tips, looking to get a 400ex or Trx 450R to get some more power and speed than my 2001 Yamaha 350 warrior that I have now.

So your telling me that obvious ticking noise from 18:25 on is normal for a 400? I’ve heard mixed things, timing chain, chain tensioner, valves, piston slap. This sounds very similar to mine. Help.

I've got a 2014 Honda trx 400x bought new and I had the motor built by ct racing and its been nothing but reliable and I don't think I'm ever gonna sell it

Any chance you're related to Ben Roethlisberger? You look like a slightly smaller version of him. Great video, thanks!

Hey I got a question I'm looking into a 2012 400EX and it runs good starts up pretty good runs strong but it won't move could it be the clutch is burnt and it's not letting it engage

Came back after a year of looking at this video, proud to say I'm now 16 and have a great job! Got a nice stack of cash saved up and am now actively looking for a 400ex. Found a 2014 for 2800 OBO and wasn't sure whether or not to bite. He claims that there haven't been many issues, but its hard to tell. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

The reason the battery drains and has a hard time starting is the high compression piston. I had to change my starter clutch after a while.

Hey man i found one but i have a few qestion’s for you, could you text me about it? Its a 2002 400ex apparently its on a new rebuild but its mostly stock it has a k and n air cleaner and it has sticking on left fender and no plastic foot rest would it be worth 2400? Im going to look at it tmrw would appreciate your oppion

I need help assembling the relay selinoid I can’t get the lights or neutral lights to come on or starter button to work any help

I have the same pro taper handle bars, where is your ignition located so that you can have the clamped bar on there?

I want a 400 ex but in 2023 it’s kinda tough to find a good ons

If it has engine modifications…. DO NOT GET IT. I learned the hard way sadly😂

Would you buy a non-runnng 07 400ex for $700? It turns over but doesn't crank. It has compression and good spark, im told.

Alot to help you with here bud. First. Check where the front sprocket is. Remove the factory case saver. If it slings a chain it will crack the case there. That will also give you an idea of how it was taken care of at the sametime. The tick- isnt timing chain. Its half the auto decompression mechanism other half is the secondary rocker arms in the valve cover. (Normal sound)The oil leak- put copper spray on the valve cover gasket. Problem solved. You checked the oil completely wrong. Check the manual. You have the oil way over full if it reads half without running the quad. It should read full after quad has warmed up at idle without throttle blipping. I missed alot of things you said that was wrong. Not bashing you in anyway here. Just passing on info. Take care! Ride red!

I've had my 07 400ex now for a year. Bought it muddy as could be in stock form. After a year I am changing the chain due to some rust, new tires, and I burnt up the clutch myself doing stupid stuff. Overall just see if it works before you buy it

I can’t find a 2007 Honda 250 ex any help on where I can find one in ky

I got screwed, changing clutch and gasket today, top end shortly.

Hey man loved the video man. Looking for a quad seen a few of these in the 3k range seems like good shape. Is there a better quad out there for that price range? I'm a smaller guy 5'7 165 just want something with good power and speed

why do you not screw the oil stick on to check the oil

I was looking at on that has a new top end a piston hes asking 2500 for it is that a good price it a 05

They should make the 400EX, 250R, and 700XX again.

Great video what tires are you running

I skimmed through the video real quick and may have missed it but I didn't hear anything about axle bearings ive had a a lot of quads of all brands but every 400ex I've had needed axle bearings when I got them ive only had 5 of them but it seems to be a typical problem and with that being said I think its the only problem ive had with any of them

Any help on why my bike idol high when my choke on and. Cut off when I cut the choke can’t find the idol screw

Have u ever changed gears out? I have a 01 400ex and my 5th gear doesnt work i dont know if its just 4 grs or wat. I just started riding /workin on my own stuff

I just paid $1,500 for mine so happy live it little rattle little tick but runs great lol

Wish it was a way me and you could talk, just brought a 400ex and I have some questions on it

I've been riding for a few years now have only ever laid 2 of my bikes down but never my quad lol js

What about a 2007 400ex runs great but road I. Snow and has rust? Alot of surface rust... on frame and axles.. oil leak around output shaft I'm hoping seal can be replaced without splitting case but not sure.. any help would be greatly appreciated. God bless.

what kind of new "cool" wheels can you put on a 400ex?

Hey man what are good extended a arms and axel to get for the 400 ex any info is appreciated thanks man

What about a 2007 450er good plastic with valve done . How much would you say ball park.

Hey man would you recommend buying a 14 Honda 400ex but seller says needs new push start ??

What does it mean if the quad cranks up but won’t start I need help plz

I’m looking to trade my 07rmz250 I’m currently looking at a 07 trx400 ex would it be a good deal

Does this also apply to the 400 trx

A year later and the market has really changed. I'm in Atlanta. The most of these honda 400's are going for around $3k.

I'm in California, these 400 quads are going for $3800+, no matter the year. All other brands too! I want to ride, but not at those inflated prices.

I wanna get brand new tires but I don't know exactly what size tires to get because the dude I bought it from had huge tires in the back and small tires on the front. I just wanna ask what size tires should I get for my 400?

Checking the oil the quad should have been brought up to operating temp, Then let set for a min then check it

I’ve got a 2000 400ex it’ll start up right away every time but when I put it into second or third gear it bogs out and will turn off. Once the bike if off and I put into neutral it’ll fire right up and idle fine but once I start riding it does the same thing

What tires do you run I need to buy some new ones for my 2006 400ex and i have a 440 big bore kit with a Bill's pipe exhaust and i need to jet the carb any suggestions

Anyone know where I can get new a-arms for front upper and lower both sides. Everywhere I’m looking they are 400 bucks. Also is this the best option to fix loose/broken ball joints?

i love my 400s BUT the honda z50 is the best thing they ever made, actually a statistical fact, the z50 is the highest selling longest lasting dirtbike in history lol

So I need help on this I’m about to buy a 2007 400ex for 1200 do you think something is wrong with it?

I just found one for 800 cosmetics suck but supposed to be mechanicaly sound

If anybody can help me that'd be great. I recently bought a 99 Trx400ex but the headlights were unplugged & most likely for a reason. Well, I want to plug them back up and figure that out but there is NOWHERE for it to plug into. My mind is blown. Ive looked all around my wire harness, its just not there.

Quick question on the engine "ticking" you talk about near 10:40. Mine has the SAME exact sound. I am assuming this is just normal? I've seen all sorts of stuff online about a busted timing chain tensioner/busted vales/etc. Mine doesn't sound bad necessarily, just a little loud. I've listened to factory new 400xs and they sound identical. Appreciate the advice!

What kind of jets did you use for the pipe?

I love the 400EXs from 99 to 07. Once they did that next plastic change in 08 they ruined it, ugly as hell. I bought a 2006 new back in 2006, few years later I sold it. Boy did I end up regretting it. Several years ago I found a unmolested stock 2005 and grabbed it.

Yeah I’m about to get a 400

just bought a 2013 400x for 2800 nice quad