Blaster 200 vs. 400ex maintenance costs..

[FatherQuad]

Hi everyone, I'm fairly new to quads and need some advice from you guys to get me started. Also, I'm sorry if you've all seen something similar to this, I'm just having trouble figuring out what quad is best for me and am having issues finding such specific information.

For the past month or so, I've been torn between two very different quads. This being the honda 400ex and yamaha blaster 200. First of all, I do not see myself modding either of these. I just want something I can have fun on, and really don't need any extras except for maybe a skidplate. I do realize the speed and size difference between the two, and the fact that one is two a stroke and the other is a four stroke.

Just to give an idea of what sorts of things I'd be doing with this quad. I have nine acres of land, few short trails, and primarily flat land.

How much would the cost of maintaining a 400ex compare to maintaining a yamaha blaster? I mean this with oil changes and gas mileage. I know two strokes are notorious for sucking more gas but it seems to me with the smaller engine and lighter weight that the blaster would be comparable to a 400ex, but not sure on that(and my riding style also plays a big factor I suppose). I also realize that two strokes need rebuilds periodically but as long as I keep everything properly cared for this process won't be needed as often. I'm just afraid if I get a blaster, I'll need more oil and more gas than if I had a 400ex, but I really don't know, will it really be that substantial? In the long run which is going to cost me more?

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thank you

 

[brandoz28]

something to keep in mind that these are big mechanical toys, and they WILL break if you ride them hard, regardless of what you get, it's the nature of the beast. The 2 strokes will generally be cheaper/easier to work on. so that's something to keep in mind.

I believe the oil change intervals are fairly similar, so that should wash out. getting good 2 stroke oil isn't cheap, but it does pay off in longevity.


I am personally a lot more comfortable on a 2 stroke than a 4 stroke. there's nothing quite like getting "into the pipe" on a 2 smoker. I would try to ride both and then make a decision based on what you like.


that's my .02.

 

[MaddMatt]

Agreed, I have owned a 300ex ( not a 400 but close) always been a 4 stroke kinda guy... untill I actually rode the blaster.
for a while. Its pretty much torque vs horsepower, I,ve also discovered that 2 stroke parts cost a little less especially bolt ons

 

[brandoz28]

did you like your 300ex?

putting a pipe and doing a few other cheap/free things on a blaster can make it into a pretty killer little machine for not much money

 

[FatherQuad]

Thanks for the replies! I personally am leaning towards the blaster for size and it being 2 stroke. I'll try riding both if I can. My decision is primarily based on my pennypinching-ness, lol, which is why mpg is fairly important. I won't be riding it hard though, I'll be pretty mellow most of the time...although that can all change once I have it

 

[brandoz28]

if you're putting around mostly, I would lean towards 4 stroke. if you aren't going to keep a 2 stroke in the pipe you'll run into plug fowling issues

 

[DirtDiggler]

It sounds like the 4 stroke will best suit your needs . 2 strokes don't like to " put " around . They make their power at higher rpm and you can quickly overheat and kill a 2 stroke just slowly riding around . The 400 requires no fuel mixing , it's air cooled and has a oil cooler , so changing the oil at factory intervals is sufficient . If you aren't looking to start modding the quad you get , then the 400 is the better choice as well . The blaster in stock form has a short wheel base and has a narrow track . It's very tippy and makes cornering somewhat " interesting " . sh*t you buy a blaster , and your on this site? You'll find yourself with the sickness real quick !!!!!!!

 

[Paulie B]

The 400ex is a great bike thanks to the 2 stroke it borrowed it's frame geometry from.
It's made to last.
They are about equal as long as you never drop a valve then the 400ex will cost alot more.
The blaster for me would get the nod because your guaranteed to never drop a valve or break a timing chain.
It's 2 stroke powerband makes it sportier and more fun to ride.
You can put a pipe and a big bore kit on it, double the stock power and it's still just as reliable.
The 400ex will only get less reliable as you try to make it more like a 450.
Adding parts and motor work for the 400ex will cost more for less of a hp return.

 

[blasterdemon7]

From what I've read on what he wants and how he rides, I would have to say the 400 sounds like it will better fit what he wants. The blaster is a better quad for speed but for just mild trail ridding , the 400 may work better.

 

[MaddMatt]

The 300ex was a descent quad,no questions asked, only 2 repairs of 3 years of hard riding ...but still nowhere near as much fun as the blastey imo

 

[brandoz28]

The 300ex was a descent quad,no questions asked, only 2 repairs of 3 years of hard riding ...but still nowhere near as much fun as the blastey imo

i've been thinking about trying to find a roller for my extra blaster motor....

 

[bigwill]

I have to say the 400ex is better out of the box than the blaster. If you honeslty never plan on modding than I would go with the 400ex.

 

[FatherQuad]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I guess the 400ex will take the cake. I still would like to get a blaster at some point, though, because they are such neat inexpensive quads. It'd be nice having both of them.

Thanks again!

 

[XxblasterboyxX]

i have had both, and have to say the only thing that broke on me on 400 was the bearing carrier thats it. My blaster had tons of carb problems but thats just because i dont know how to work on a carb and tune it.
All in all i would say for your situation to get a 400ex. you wont regret it.

 

[MaddMatt]

i've been thinking about trying to find a roller for my extra blaster motor....

yes yes 400ex look and feel with blaster power....freakin sweeeetI:I

 

[96MXBlaster]

SUZUKI LTZ 400!!!!! hahah honda 400 would prolly be better for you like orginally said. 2 smokers rnt made to just fart around.

 

[bigwill]

yes yes 400ex look and feel with blaster power....freakin sweeeetI:I

I believe dustin wimmer rode a bike setup exactly like this back when he was still comming up through the ranks.