Noob Quad Questions

Just bought my first quad - a 2004 Honda EX400.
I know approximately ~nothing~ about quads, so I have a few questions for you guys.

01 ::
Can I load it on my 2007 pre-runner with ramps - and not worry about damaging the tailgate? I got a couple of decent metal ramps with it, I just don't know if the tailgate can take it. I plan on strapping the ramps so they don't slip, but I don't want to bend the tailgate.

02 ::
I got two 2004 400 EX quads, sand tires, gas cans and a trailer for $4000 - is that a good deal? They look well maintained, clean and they start right up.

03 ::
What's a good forum for Honda quads? (has to be almost as good as Tacoma World)

04 ::
What are some good sites to buy accessories and stuff? I need everything - helmet, gloves, googles blah blah blah.

05 ::
Anyone in the Phoenix area - what is a good shop to buy stuff from? I hear Ride Now is overpriced (yeh, everyone says that right?)

 

01 ::
Can I load it on my 2007 pre-runner with ramps - and not worry about damaging the tailgate? I got a couple of decent metal ramps with it, I just don't know if the tailgate can take it. I plan on strapping the ramps so they don't slip, but I don't want to bend the tailgate.

Tailgate should be fine. There is a TSB out there for people who managed to bend theirs but I have yet to. I load a 450lb motorcycle using ramps and haven't done any damage (single ramp in the center of the tailgate, much worse situation that loading a quad).

02 ::
I got two 2004 400 EX quads, sand tires, gas cans and a trailer for $4000 - is that a good deal? They look well maintained, clean and they start right up.

I would say you did pretty f-in well!

03 ::
What's a good forum for Honda quads? (has to be almost as good as Tacoma World)

Not a clue, sorry...

04 ::
What are some good sites to buy accessories and stuff? I need everything - helmet, gloves, googles blah blah blah.

Dennis Kirk but for apparell, I'd go to a store where you can try things on. Fall is a good time to buy since most powersport shops are clearing out the summer stuff and making way for the winter (at least that's the case here) Dennis Kirk has a good selection of parts also and will send you a catalog for free.

05 ::
Anyone in the Phoenix area - what is a good shop to buy stuff from? I hear Ride Now is overpriced (yeh, everyone says that right?)

Not from that area, sorry again... good luck and enjoy!

 

Thanks Pugga!

 

1. Yes your tailgate will handle the load.

2. That is an amazing deal! Around here one bike alone goes for $4000.

3. Check out ThumperTalk.com, I'm pretty sure they have an atv section.

4. I have always used Rockymountainatv.com. I have no complaints about them.

5. Check to see if there is a cyclegear near you. There is one by my house and if I need something quick, like a chain, tire, etc., their prices are not bad, considering you don't have to wait to get it shipped and they usually keep alot of stuff in stock.

 

Ah... there is, I will check it out!

M

 

you did damn good for 4 grand. Dennis Kirk is good website if your looking for aftermarket parts,stock parts,clothing,gear,tires, they got good sales on all the time plus if you go onto their site you can ask them to send you a catalog of all their stuff. its about the size of a phone book.

 

I use atvriders.com formerly riders. I use them a lot for info on my 300.

 

You should be totally ok with the tailgate. I've loaded my 400 into my tacoma with no problems to the tailgate.

Two 400's and a trailer for $4000? I'd say that's pretty good. I paid $2200 for my one 400ex!

atvriders.com or thumpertalk.com are probably the two biggest quad forums you're gonna wanna check out.

 

1. Yes, you can load it without any issue on the tailgate. The problem with the tailgates bending was weight in the middle not on the sides. I have a Z400, LTR450 and YFZ450, no problems.

2. Great deal!

3. Don't know off hand since I have Suzuki's and Yamaha's, but I'm sure you can find 1-2 good ones. Thumpertalks atv section isn't the best.

4. I use Rockymountainatv.com for a lot of stuff, Ebay for other stuff and whatever other sites a search brings up with the cheapest prices for random things.

5. Cycle Gear has a bigger selection of riding gear than Ride Now does, but I find that using the store to check your sizes then ordering online is much cheaper.

 

you should also check out http://trackshare.com/ mostly canadian but still lots of good info

 

I would say that's a good deal considering you have several accessories with the actual quads. Those ramps, tires, and trailer add up QUICK $$ wise.

The 400 EX is a popular quad, I'm sure there are VERY informative forums out there specifically for the 400. Sorry I cannot be more direct. However, another good overall quad riding site is atvconnection.com. A lot of information on there.

I also suggest rockymountainatv.com. I've bought many things from there, and I cannot be any more impressed with their service/shipping/quality! Another website to reference (a little smaller) is Shadetreepowersports.com

 

Make sure everything is tight, make regular oil changes, if you hear a knocking in the motor get one of your buddies that knows what he's doing to take a look at your valves before it gets worst.


www.rockymountainatv.com is good, I also use www.bobscycle.com and directly on manufacturers websites when I know what gear I want (ex. oakley or spy optics for goggles, foxapperel for gear and street wear, things like that)

That's a great forum, I've been a member since the good ol' exriders.com days. It's died down a bit in the last couple years but use the search engine and you can find just about anything and everything your looking to find.

 

Your tailgate can handle it, you got a good deal, rockymountainatv.com,Motorcyclesuperstore.com,motosport.com, Check out exriders.com

 

Way far away but see answer 4

Welcome hope you enjoy your quads.