Honda 400ex, 250R, 300ex, 450r

Honda has had a reputation for good quality , rugged durable vehicles. This is what the Honda has brought to the table. throughout the decades time and time again. The highlight of performance and probably the only machine that will withstand the test of time is Honda's 80's model the 250r. This machine was the envy of all riders. The 250r was a four wheeler with a two cycle motor that screamed throughout the power band. Out the crate 80mph stock this machine was fastest production quad for years. The square tubing frame and suttle dislikes very strong over come by power mill. Even today retail value has been maintained, expect to pay 3-4 thousand dollars for a quality machine.

I we progress in years with the sport quads Honda revert back mainly to the four cycle engine. Why would they do this when the 250r was such a hit. The one thing the R lacked was torgue. Yes torque, take off power due to two cycle engine was limited. Hole shots make famous by torgue started winning short races. Yence the reattemp to relive the 250r was the 300ex. This was a slap in the face in one sense. Since 80 mph was achieve which out ran the rating of soft ply tires and the technology of the time Honda was forced to slow it down a little hence the 300ex which did not really complement the 250r since most held to the old machine which where far superior to the new model both had the same frame structure.

The 300ex's disappointment lead to the production of the 400ex which was the first attempt to out step the bounds. Lengthening and deemed this machine a competitor which kick ass on the whole shots due to 400CC 4 cycle thumper. Out of the crate the 400ex ranged from 65 to 70 mph giving older 250r rides the extra bump to flip some green backs and upgrade. Modifications hit the market making the 400ex the quad to MOD. California based companies started popping up all over offering big bore kits. Punching the 400 out 60 lead to the 460 which ate competition on and off the track. Mods to the 400ex will live the test time, expect to see 400ex's become inexpensive because the machines you see today will be passed down to generations of eager quad enthusiasts.

When no one thought the reign of the 400ex would end Honda simply out did themselves again producing the 450r. Finally a out of the crate 80 mph stock sport quad. built behind some of the 400ex quads dimensions. The 450r was and is known for speed , agility and pure gas burning fun. Down side was most of the 450r's where finicky with jetting which unpopularized them in the trail riding circles , some say the quad was still ingesting fumes of other competitors. As the 450r came out the market peaked, multiple manufacturers cornered the quad market and raced to gain supremacy. Still the 450r pushed forward gain respect in faith full Honda owners and pro riders.

Soon after the peak of the sport quad era the market crashed shaming prices which lazed competitor manufactoring. Now many makes can be bought new for under five thousand dollars. Machines made for pure sport declined and the workhorse 4x4 gained interest among consumers. Enduro quads started appearing , my philosophy is - if I wanted to drive a jeep I would have bought a Jeep. Fast 4x4 appeared across the nation winning the dual purpose utility division. Is this the end of the sport quad , No - just a time to capitalized by buying a quality sport quad.

When rumors of Honda's independent 650 it gossip circles it was too late for people to run to the toy shops. Everyone had what they wanted and where hesitant to pick up the bill. The need for speed started to back down a bit. I personally have not rode the 650ex but plan to deliver a review in the near future.

Remember to keep the chains lubed and you are not riding unless you have a hand clutch.