this is strictly under the radar from the source *****. the 2005 400ex hasn't been released yet cuz it's undergoing some big changes. what i heard so far (from a honda rep) is that the 05 model is going to strongly resemble the TRX450R, it'll have reverse, and quite possibly have a thoroughly redesigned chassis. no motor work was mentioned, but i was lucky to get that much info out of him. look for it to be released to the public at the honda convention the first week of september.

BUT I AIN'T ONE TO GOSSIP SO YOU AIN'T HEARD IT FROM ME!

 

well thanks for the info, but I'm still skeptical...why would they change the frame that was almost the best thing of the whole quad It handled great...with longer a-arms


thanks though

 

my only thing is why redesign a quad that has a brother so close in the 450.. im surprised they dont just scrap it

 

...makes perfect sense if you think about it. you now have a perfect trailsport quad and a perfect race quad. even in 04 i would personally take the 400ex over the 450R just because the 450R is more than i'd need and it doesn't have electric start.
now with reverse, the 400ex is that much sweeter. think about the CRF250R and the CRF250X, it's the same thing. you have a race bike and an enduro/trail bike. and they sell neck and neck...i know..i sell them.
why sell a 300ex when you have the 400ex? or the 250ex for that matter. because now you have something for EVERYONE.

and mxquadracer...the 400ex changes to the chassis were something that my rep said he "heard about", though he himself even said that it'll prolly be a mostly cosmetic makeover with suspension and mild changes. we'll know in a couple of weeks. they're also redesigning the recon 250, foreman 450, & rubicon 500.