Riding This Cheap Honda 400ex Until It Breaks (Riding It HARD!)

I finish up rebuilding the cheapest Honda 400ex quad and take it for a ride to see which cheap part on it fails first. #Honda, #Fail, #Cheap,
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The following video features activities performed in controlled environments by knowledgeable persons. DO NOT attempt to duplicate, re-create, or perform the same or similar activities at home, as personal injury or property damage may result. 2vintage( Joe Weber, the persons shown in this video and ANY CONTRIBUTOR, ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY such injury or damage. ALL 2vintage( Joe Weber) CONTENT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
2vintage (Joe Weber) makes no representation about the sufficiency of any safety precautions and equipment used in this video.

[@2vintage]

Check out Jason's Channel here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGSUknuNeraNhq8 He helped me test out this 400ex!

[@frostbite1293]

Does starting a 400ex without the clutch in hurt it even if its in neutral

[@shrugger1]

From what I hear it's usually the wrist pins that give out after about 10 hours. Everything else seems halfway decent with the Chinesium kits.

[@kevinAuman1]

Lol-ol-ol I'm still waiting for you to beat on it this is just everyday riding for me!

[@jasonmushmansixtyfive]

I do the way honda as proven by the brochure pic I provided.

[@michaelmays9292]

100% use mystery oil on the cylinder and crack it hard right off the bat and she is broke in ,a guy that builds race harley davidson engines told me that was the Absolute best way and every 4 stroke I build i brake in like that

[@MrTaylormadetech]

This is by far the most exciting episode on this channel... You rode the crap out of it and she held up pretty good for a bargain bin rebuild

[@grayfool]

More fun than a "will it start". We need more "will it blow up" videos. 🤩

[@Bansheenate77]

Joe, been watching since the beginning. You give me inspiration. Love the videos. Been building bikes for a long time. One thing I’ve learned about jetting is always up the main jet until it bogs before even riding the bike. Then go down one jet size at a time. Here in Cali we ride in Glamis. jetting is key. You can think your spot on with dirt tires in the street. Then put paddles on and try climbing Oldsmobile hill and you will most likely bog up the hill because your still too rich. Putting a load on the motor will truly get you spot on. Only two ways is a dyno or a steep sand dune with paddle tires. Look up Duncan Racing jetting tutorial. It’s the best one out there I have found and it teaches you how to dial in your pilot jet by adjusting your air screw to see if you’re lean or rich on your idle circuit. Keep the Videos coming!

[@James79561]

Would like to see a compression test after this .

[@brainstain22]

Good idea 💡

[@EthanAdey]

Wouldn’t matter as long as it was properly warmed up (probably not, he revs then right after starting)

[@aaronhansen8037]

That’s what I was thinking. You could tell that it was losing power

[@banana82728]

you cant do a compression test on these quads with their factory decompression cam. it wont show full psi only like 40 or something.

[@jaredhowell7536]

@@banana82728 it shows like 75

[@wesboos9174]

Not bad for a 70$ rebuild. That's how a lot of experienced riders ride them on a regular basis. I don't see it as abuse but as using the machines full potential.

[@christopherkamel9039]

I’m a new subscriber to your channel after recently getting a 400ex. This video makes me that much more happy about my new 400ex. Mine is a stock oem 2001 in yellow and it wasn’t running great when I got it but after a good tune up she’s running like new again! Keep the 400ex content coming it’s helpful and will definitely keep my attention. P.S. love the tundra!

[@James79561]

Take into consideration that when dealing with jetting some people may have drilled out the original jets. I have come across this many times . Check hole size with gage pins is the key . Good knowledge here . Use It !

[@kurtyoung6769]

When I drill out a jet I always buff off the number.

[@jameskrause8902]

@@kurtyoung6769 Why would you drill out a jet instead of buying the proper one?

[@tpghl5225]

@@jameskrause8902 it was more common back in the day I haven’t seen people drilling them out as much lately

[@georgeprochnow7330]

@@jameskrause8902 cause they trailer park fabulous....broke and disrespectful to these fine machines...

[@lucascady4992]

That's a really hard machine to break in stock form, my buddy beat his for years, changed the oil once a year, never touched the valves, the chassis and bearings went out way before the engine!!! 400EX Is a strong machine, very much like the 250X form the late 80s-early90's!

[@kylebeach2316]

Even the 250ex is a strong motor I only touched the top end and didn't touch the bottom end. But I was riding it at constant high rpms and it's hurting on power know 😂

[@sonofapollo5892]

@@kylebeach2316How long have you had it?

[@dbradford24]

For a second I thought you had drug Chuck out of retirement. Thanks for another great series.

[@Tay_2_raww]

That looks like a dream garage with all those bikes

[@jameskrause8902]

Your buddy is ripping that right into the soybeans, at least he wears proper gear for riding. Great video like always.

[@jasonmushmansixtyfive]

Can't let off for the sake of the wheelie...

[@Jtbltn]

love the videos. i’m rewatching your old 1996 suzuki rm125 rebuild videos because i’m about to rebuild mine. it’s a 1994 rm125, the guy let it sit for 2 years and had it sitting with a bad cylinder that ended up leaking antifreeze into the bottom end and rusted my crankshaft and ruined the bearings.

[@jjjuarez312]

He was pounding hard on that engine like lastnight!! Haha 😂 thoses honda engine s just don't die...

[@WreckedRevival]

Lot of buddies growing up had 300/400exs, warriors, blasters etc have just as much fun riding them now as we did back then..some good quads for sure. 🤘

[@bigcaputo09]

I'm starting to think these 400 ex quads are the best out there!! I mean Honda is the best but this old bike is the best bang for the buck!!

[@mswizzle]

400ex’s and warriors are the greatest deals money can buy

[@topdoge2632]

They probably are the best 400, after the ltz, of course.

[@Kyle_gallegher]

@@topdoge2632 400 < suzuki. But 250r quadracer

[@tpghl5225]

@@mswizzle warrior is heavy though and slower. Still bullet proof

[@BlockchainToTheFace]

@@mswizzleWarriors are trash

[@blackbirdrc8348]

Those Whitebrothers R4 pipes had the best sound. Had them on my 01 and 03 raptor 660's. Always had the best sounding thumpers in the pit. The loudest also! Remove the little spart arrestor screen and its a totally different/better sound.

[@halocdpsn]

Lol I used to have a 400ex with whitebrothers pipe it would always blow out the spark arrester lol after like a hour,it blew out 2 before I said fuck replacing it lol let it shoot flames lol

[@sushi_szn8759]

“Really gonna beat on it” proceeds to put put around the woods

[@Changesforever7878]

Well this video goes to show that you can buy cheap parts and still have fun, Now over time will they give out yes when trying to break it but good parts give out to when you're trying to break it. My point is that you don't need to break the bank to have fun, keep the videos coming

[@aaronhansen8037]

You could tell there at the end it was losing power. Do a compression check. That would be interesting. My opinion is that it may not have blown up, but a few hours of riding isn’t worth the cheap parts. You can tell it’s on its way out. At the beginning of the video when doing donuts I could see it was puffing some oil. Great video btw!

[@Robyn.....................254]

scammers

[@reggiexp69]

for real, u can hear the throttle aint that crispy fast, it still ran doh but sounded slower

[@apg9345]

I think it needs a valve adjustment

[@rogermichto6359]

honda is trash... did worst then this on my ds and never had any issues or loosing power.

[@Evan_briden]

Just got a 400ex about 2 weeks ago. Good that they are awesome quads

[@jasonmushmansixtyfive]

What a BEAST! Thanks for the test ride!

[@2vintage]

Thanks again for coming out to test drive it!

[@KenpachiZarakiX]

We need more of this! Try and break it. Could be another type of video you make. Test cheap parts, let someone else try and break it

[@jasonmushmansixtyfive]

@@KenpachiZarakiX I agree! Fun to test things to their limit if that is what you are trying to do.

[@brianharris8441]

I can’t wait until they harvest the soy beans. The property is going to be epic👍🏾

[@callmecardo916]

Man I really wanted something to go on this but couldn't believe it held up Nice one👍🏼👍🏼

[@northofhwy8180]

There a certain drone that will follow you as you ride. I’ve seen other KZbinrs do it. That would be cool way to add more angles to your videos

[@livethecrazylife5779]

I have a xr 400r the motor the same as the ex ? It needs a top end and timing fhain

[@rowdycustoms8219]

Miss my 99' still don't remember why I sold it!! best quad I have ever owned!!

[@James79561]

Bought a Niche top kit for a ttr 125 for $27.00 new . Cant buy the stock piston for that . Have not installed yet , waiting for your results .

[@michaelevans9568]

Just make sure you check ring end gap if it's to small it will destroy piston and cylinder . I have used a few of them and that is the only thing I've seen with the kit.

[@enthuzst2858]

Looks like I'm playing atv off road fury 2 with that helmet cam!

[@jameshimself1018]

For break in periods you could give the ari henning video on it. Keep it up!

[@Eagle_RSTL]

My pops bought an 02 off the dealership floor in 02, put a ton of money into mostly handling but its got a Yoshi rs3 and custom header, and it never had any other parts changed until 2018 when I took it and put a 426 kit 11:1 with a hot cam. I'd red line it nonstop and do long wheelies and it's still chugging along. They made an unkillable machine to the "average" rider. An 02 400ex from my view with well over 1000 hours on it's second piston only supports that.

[@seanhatch4425]

Why do you look backwards every time you take off lol

[@dwightvoeks9970]

That thing rips pretty good. Sounds great too

[@tommydibella5728]

The most reliable quad ever made I've been riding mine and ripping for 19 years

[@brandtconwell1860]

@2vintage @joe this is the content we like too see plz ride hard and most importantley stay safe but ride the newest 500 like this!!!!!!

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

Now that other guy knows how to ride 😅

[@RobNC-OG]

11:30 seeing some blue smoke. On a new build that's broken-in is an odd thing. Perhaps the rings didn't seat as well as originally thought or there is some blow-by on the valve seals? Have not watched the video totally yet but making that comment now. The riding style used in video was how we rode our 3 wheelers back in the day.. LOL

[@xmephisto6x143]

Man I love these videos...thanks for the awesome entertainment!

[@Justicescales123]

This is why you buy a Honda.

[@tmljml1]

Those RFVC engines have withstood the test of time. Same engine that was in the bullet proof XR series thumpers for decades.

[@handsolo6241]

The classic shake the eff out of it till it starts technique. Well played old man. It's fine.

[@pier-lucmorin5695]

That's great content!! Let's fix this bike again!!!

[@myguitaryourface5160]

It shot a flame out the exhaust when he hit the Rev limiter lol

[@zoop77]

I have a 01 from brand new that only had 1 oil change before I put a big bore kit, full exhaust and jet kit on it… the original heads are still good in a box…. of course after crashing into trees and cops years ago the plastic needed updating but the motor never quits…. Sitting in water ect..

[@hoosierway]

Awesome content on this video. Definitely something different and exciting to view. The anticipation had me on the edge of my seat. 👍

[@georgemckinney3627]

this is a good video

[@markjamison4256]

I used to have a 300EX with a DG racing muffler loved it and always wanted the 400EX

[@btnhfool]

Adjust the valves a little tighter than spec. It's hard to properly fit the spacing tool in there.

[@ralatgonzalez]

change the pilot jet to 40 and the mixture screw to 3 turns and also put sprockets 14 / 36

[@ViktorG24]

Great video, love how you held the limiter after the bike shut off

[@thebrothers4311]

Been replacing my sons 90cc with Amazon for a while now. Knock on wood, but not too shabby

[@dingakasteve]

Good luck, I messed up and didn’t oil my air filter, ran a ton of dirt through the motor, started smoking so I just didn’t change the oil and beat the hell out of it for 6 years, still running, I keep hoping it will lock up so I have a reason to rebuild but it just keeps going.

[@benschlack5814]

He said I don't if it's smoking out the pipe 😂😂😂

[@kadenNY]

“(Riding it HARD)” is crazy

[@murph2521]

26:17 them valves are starting to sound loud lol

[@damenyeager2865]

This is normal RPM range for TT racing. If you want to really test a bike go to the cinders in Flagging Arizona. 1000ft plus climbs in loose ash and cinders. Your bike will be wide open for minutes at a time climbing the hills. My 2001 400ex did it for years before q rebuild.

[@darrynruzicka2883]

Learn how to "power shift" and that means - after you launch off the start, just blip the clutch to shift never letting off the throttle, keep it pinned the whole time. If you are in a drag with someone he's going to eat your lunch if you are shifting regular. That's assuming he knows to power shift. Also, don't look back to see if you are roosting, it makes you look like a Goon Rider! Goon rider = Squid who thinks he's fast. Enjoy the content but I have to throw in my 2c once in a while. hopefully it helps you.

[@gamercroden6186]

If I get a dg slip on exhaust for my 300ex what jets would you recommend?

[@riley_swan]

Your riding experience shows! Love the 400ex's

[@abe1199]

What happen to the turbo 400

[@darrellfulks5085]

Enjoy your videos brother solid content, currently in involved in a 400ex Tear down build myself. You posted a video a while back with a clutch/ground fault issue. I am running into the same thing and need some help. I have tried every wire configuration you mentioned in your videos and the quad will not crank over with out hot wiring at the starter solenoid.

[@ronelwavo4004]

Can’t wait to see the video of the first ride across the whole entire field

[@ronelwavo4004]

What winner list

[@hydraboss1208]

Wow I have a KFX400 with an LRD exhaust and it sounds good but your fuckin wheeler sounds so good it has so much personality

[@shayneteynor2191]

That's how I ride normally.🤣

[@ryanszyminski5145]

I would prolly move the truck and trailer just incase just to be safe. Lol

[@reggiexp69]

it does sounds less alive the 2nd part the throttle seems to have a slow reaction, it still runs doh but power is down for sure...

[@ShiningRevolver]

Can’t wait till you get them beans picked should be soon we picked our farm in missouri last week

[@kaistella4907]

backfire that shooting flames out the exhaust is a rich condition (unburned fuell). popping in intake is a lean condition

[@jasonmushmansixtyfive]

When the rev limiter is engaged there is unburnt fuel in the exhaust which is what we see here.

[@AUSTIN_457]

hey Joe what camera are you using to film all this? not the gopro but the camera for still shots and when you do engine work?

[@Earth11111]

I don’t believe you’ll ride any four wheeler or dirt bike until it’ll break at all lol NOT even in another universe. This dude is the most easy going on bikes

[@slimsqde7397]

fr, he gets on it a bit but it isnt anywhere near the limits of the motor or quad, he just doesn't push it enough

[@FPVSlacker]

Looked like one of your valve cover bolts backed out

[@Fsone174]

I had a 2000 400EX that I beat within an inch of its life for seven years. It never, ever, ever failed and spent a huge amount of its time bouncing on the rev limiter. I only ever changed the fluids, plugs, filter and cleaned the carb. I regret selling it.

[@paulamaral8029]

I used to have this exhaust on my 400ex 2002 and rode like crap….my mechanic at the time could never they the jet’s right and gave up and bogged down much at full throttle….I said screw it gonna put the factory oem full exhaust back in so I bought it on eBay at the time once I did that my quad had t’s full power and rode amazing …and the jets never changed just the exhaust from white brothers back to oem made a world of a difference

[@nathanpalmer2086]

sick content Joe please ride the CR500 like that haha

[@2vintage]

We do! Next video

[@brandonnewman165]

Do you always have to start wheeler with clutch even tho it’s in neutral?

[@kaylabentley-rd1qd]

i had one for over 15 year never changed the oil or the plug ran hard as possible always. the quad was toast but the engine never skipped a beat or lost power. ive never had any other engine like it lol

[@earl6969]

Ripping around like Christmas morning

[@stevegiroux239]

Hey I like all your videos you explain in detail and your work is excellent thank you for sharing I learn from you

[@dontfwkracker]

Im to lazy to watch it but did you buy an exhaust on that or did you do something to the exhaust to make it louder

[@benny8300]

Those beans should be harvested anytime I hope

[@peteraitken6494]

Great content joe all,in all those cheap parts are doing real good just goes to show you eh great video mate look forward to the cr 500 🔧🔧🔧👍👌

[@donnieandrews2763]

Can't kill a good ol honda👍🏻

[@daantuin3351]

That thing still goes fast fast tough, don't need no expensive parts

[@miller2167]

Bro i had a 2003 400ex wit a white brothers R4 slip on and man it sounded TOOO GOOOD ended up selling it cuz i blowed it up twice i liked it bht it just couldnt handle my style of riding

[@larrywarner9314]

Those cylinders are ok but use a good quality piston and ring kit they'll run for a long time

[@crazyliam5496]

Wow I’m early! Love the vids man been here sense day 1

[@spazzyy8735]

love your vids man

[@asher2281]

Great video it looks like the top head bolt on clutch side isn't in all the way

[@framfull]

That was pretty normal for a 4wheeler.

[@chasekeck1426]

Hey I was going to buy that lexivon socket kit how do you like it do you recommend

[@No.acount6]

Honda 400ex quands we're built very strong that's the quad 💪

[@rgarizonahomestead2729]

honda makes great bikes even with aftermarket parts thanks for sharing and have a great weekend

[@c_capp2015]

Awesome video. I just picked up a crf450x for the trails for pretty cheap but it’s hard to start and a little smoky, seems to run fine otherwise. should i start with checking the valves etc or just go straight to compression/leak down test? i would take the bike to you in a heartbeat but unfortunately im too far

[@bigf.4470]

Check The Valves, from my knowledge Honda’s 450s need constant and consistent valve checks

[@BackwoodBassHunter]

yup valves need to. be checked like every 10 hours or something crazy. LOL its a high performance engine MAN!

[@tylerbourne2769]

What would you have to say is your favorite exhaust

[@MAD450r2]

find some used +2 a-arms for the front and used trx 450r shocks to keep with the lowest price stuff. bet youll not believe how good that 400ex handles at 49 to 50 inches wide.can wait on the rear or just get spaces for the rear. I bet if you widen this one as I stated above it beats your built motor around your feild.

[@fright_nike09]

Hey I know you had multiple 400ex I just got a 2001 400ex and it started once and ran for about 2 minutes then wouldn’t start it would try i cleaned the carb just waiting to put it in thought I’d ask before I put it back in

[@taegancrv5767]

You should really make this a real project anf ofcourse it wont die its a honda it wont break easily . It would just lose power anyway keep up the good work and maybe throw on a turbo and do a compresson test please

[@jasonmushmansixtyfive]

Flame out the exhaust @ 29:33 :D

[@maxracingteam23]

I saw that too 🤣🤣

[@kurtyoung6769]

Ride it some more and do a video of you tearing it down for inspection and then rebuild it again with good parts.

[@levigrafton6854]

0:10 i did that exact thing on my raptor 660, instead of the wheelie, i rolled it lmfao

[@tayloratwell4205]

I think you would be misleading some of your viewers saying those cheap Chinese parts are fine... should probably reiterate and say spend 70 bucks on a top end, expect to get 70 dollars worth of ride time, realistically might be < 25hrs. When someone utilizes OEM factory parts and does a quality rebuild you probably could expect much more ie: > 200 hrs or much more for a 400EX which is very tame. Should of put an hour meter on it, and let your friend continually ride it 🤣