For riders of all experience levels, the Honda 400EX is the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to ATVs. Read up on why this legendary 4-wheeler is a favorite of so many off-road enthusiasts.
400EX is one of those names that nearly everyone is familiar with, even if you’ve never owned one. Honda’s entry-level 4-wheeler has long been viewed as an affordable and enjoyable vehicle, with tons of backroad and off-road potential. Honda’s jack-of-all-trades 400EX is the perfect 4-wheeler for beginners or seasoned riders alike.
, the Honda 400EX is dear to many people because of how customizable it is. Many third-party companies offer a slew of aftermarket accessories that can be used to upgrade the 400EX, and with a powerful two-stroke engine, it’s perfect for hill-climbing.
Honda also has a reputation for producing incredibly tough and reliable ATVs, and the 400EX’s sturdy four-stroke engine has long been noted to require few repairs other than occasional maintenance. As an entry-level ATV, the Honda 400EX was also many riders’ first 4-wheeler, adding to its popularity.
In the entry-level ATV market, the 400EX is typically pitted against the Yamaha Banshee 350. Both of these vehicles offer riders an excellent balance between affordability and power—so which one should you choose? It’s best to decide between these ATVs based upon what you’re hoping to get out of your vehicle.
For power and acceleration, the more race-oriented Banshee 350 is the clear winner. It weighs less and has more horsepower, but for less-experienced, or smaller riders, this ATV can be hard to maneuver safely. The Honda 400EX, on the other hand, offers a more stable ride, albeit with less power and more of an emphasis on handling.
, the Honda 400EX has a 28 hp engine. The engine is paired with a five-speed transmission that offers drivers plenty of gearing to choose from. The 400EX also offers an electric starter, located on the handlebars—this is almost a must for new riders, as a kickstart can be intimidating. And even though the Honda 400EX isn’t as fast as the Banshee 350, it has a blazing top speed of 72 mph, which is more than enough for all but the most experienced of ATV riders.
The only downside to this vehicle? It doesn’t have a reverse gear, which means that riders who need to remove it from a gully or hillside will have to carefully push the ATV back onto the trail.
Unfortunately, the 400EX was discontinued by Honda in 2009, but considering how widely popular this ATV was, the market is still flooded with Honda 400EXs. Most used Honda 400EXs go for between $4,000-6,000, depending on their mileage, modifications, and general condition. If you’re looking to start riding ATVs, the 400EX is the perfect model to start with.
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