@@Garage2Trailjust moved from the city to rural Kentucky myself and let me say, I am blessed to live practically right next to trails. Just picked up an 86 xr250 and I have been making very good use of it. Plus if I really wanted to I can ride it on the road here since the police don’t care about OHV’s on the road.
@@Garage2Trail I have a 99 that I plated in Virginia, I also have a 22 crf450rx and I very much prefer my 400 on the trail. low end grunt and chug all day. On those new high compression bikes the flameout is no joke! Say I have the same model as you and wondering if you know where to get a real good tank decal.
Absolutely love my 99, it’s a tractor. Been flogging it thru the Arizona desert for years, has never let me down. But at almost 60 with a pacemaker, kinda thinking of an electric start bike.
I think it’s one of the best dirt bikes ever made. Perfect sweet spot of tried and true simple tech that can still perform well. Under stressed motors that last forever. I always like to remark that this bike is still on its original top end from the factory.
@@Garage2Trail Absolutely! I’m kind of leaning toward just replacing the motor with one from a quad with electric start. Been riding since the 70s and you’re hard pressed to find a stronger more reliable bike that handles as well. I’ve got the weight down on it and it’s also set up to be street legal.
Being a 400 owner, I had to see this. I’m feeling a little jealous of those trails more than anything. Great job. There are definitely pros and cons to this old Thumper. I raced mine for the first time last year and struggled with arm pump and fatigue but loved the low-end torque it provided. I’ll never get rid of mine but not totally sure I’m racing it again. Love your videos man. 👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks Chris! Yeah I’ll never sell it. It’s my favorite bike regardless of the weight. All it ever needs is basic maintenance and it never stops. I forgot to mention that this bike is still on the original top end.
I’m 22 I bought a 96 XR400R 3 years ago , I got similar mods, I’m running the large acerbis 21 L tank, greatest bike ever made. I’ll never buy a new bike only problem I got is with all the weight in the Canadian swamps she sinks
Now thats a trail. I see alot of videos with guys on dirt roads calling it trail riding. Thats a real trail, lots of trees to navigate, and places where you have to have good timing.
Yes I tohave a 400 best all around bike made for me personally, I have a USD front end makuni pumper carb 440 top end w a stage 3 cam.it is a wonderful bike had 20 years now ,also a 2020 yz450 f ,thank you for taking us on the ride ,you ride well you had fun so did i.
Nice videos! I stopped ridding years ago but one day I'll pick up a plated enduro. Too much development and trespassing that killed the riding south of Pittsburgh. Cool to see guys around me still at it.
Thanks! The north has seen a lot of development too but luckily I think this loop will be safe. It’s basically land locked surrounded by housing developments.
Great video! I have a 2001 XR400 that I’ve owned since 2005 best trail bike I have ever owned. Keep an eye on the lower portion of the frame they tend to rot from the inside, if you plan to keep it forever you may want to drill a couple small holes in each lower rail and spray some cavity wax inside from time to time.
Good to know about the bibs, thank you! And about the frame rot…this bike had it and my buddy was able to fix it. Had to cut out a lot of bad tubing on the lower side. He welded in new stuff and it’s been holding up great over the last couple years now.
Do you have a video on suspension and tuning for the 400? I have one new to me and trying to figure out the perfect setup but struggling with suspension and jetting. Woukd love to see a mods list and tuning video on this. Great bike!
Hello! This is the closest thing to a mod list video for this bike… Honda XR400: Gordon’s mods, frame repair, starting procedure and ride along th-cam.com/video/lkeYYvXmLRw/w-d-xo.html I made it early on but it’s still basically the same bike. I’m running the Mikuni pumper carb which was a pretty good jump in throttle response and overall performance. Suspension is stock up front and I’ve messed with the clickers a while back to slow down the rebound speed if I remember correctly. The shock was revalved for my ride weight a couple years ago but that’s it. I’m about 185lbs. Hope that helps!
Thanks! They don’t make them like this anymore unfortunately. They’d sell a gazillion of them if they did. Same motor and just an updated chassis would be amazing. This is still an amazing bike in its current form though.
You mentioned your Beta. I’ve been in the market for a new(er), more modern (and lighter) trail bike but I am really stumped. I have a friend I ride with who rides Hard Enduro on a Sherco and he’s always trying to talk me into a 2-stroke but I’ve always enjoyed XRs since I was a kid. I have been eyeballing a 2023 CRF250RX but I have no idea honestly what direction I should commit to. How different are modern 2 strokes compared to 4 strokes, in your opinion? I like that low-end grunt and power but maybe I’m just stuck in my ways.
Check out Beta’s Xtrainer 300. That’s what I have. It’s tuned for low end lugging and still had midrange to top end pull. It weighs 216 dry I think and doesn’t wear me out. I have a couple videos with that bike on my channel you should check out. It’s geared lower too so I’m hitting hills in 2nd and 3rd gear. Amazing torque. It’s plush suspension favors the slower nasty trails which makes it a good hard enduro weapon. If you do high speed stuff the suspension needs a little help though. I don’t notice it as much though since 90% of my trails are tight and technical.
@@mikehemens9359 that’s cool, but would a 140 have enough power for the bigger nasty hills? That would be my only concern. Sounds like a nice bike to whip around tight singletrack though
I agree that a the xtrainer is safer in many regards when out in real situations you may find. The 4t trail bike may not power thru so keep that in mind. Sorry for fuqing up the thread. (for clarity i was proposing buying 2 klx140frs and updated ergos and susp for same price as used xtrainer)
Not sure if you’re still looking but I have a xr250r that’s replacing a beta 400rr. The beta is nice. Its suspension is better, it’s electric start and handles terrain nicer. The reason I’m selling it (and this may be a plus) is that the motor is just so smooth and liner it’s like riding an electric bike. There’s no excitement or effort in it. So xr does my trail and putting ditties while I’ll be finding a 2 stroke for track and racing.
I have a 96 I bought for$1000 down here in baa honestly the most Un bike 😮be ever had and I’ve had a ton of bikes. A tractor, I’m 6’2” and it just fits like a glove. Enjoy. Where you at?
Yeah, I hear that a lot from former XR400 owners. They pop up on Facebook marketplace from time to time at decent prices. Maybe you can pick another one up!
@@Garage2Trail Any bike is a blast. My friend has a Honda QA50 and it was a blast just to zip around on it. It could go surprisingly deep in the woods and if it got stuck he just pushed it out.
![Is The XR400 Overrated? First Trail Ride Test [Leota ORV Trails]](/img/n.gif)
You sir are most fortunate to have a place to ride off road bikes without making a 100 mile trip with your bikes on a trailer❤😊
Yes, I know we are VERY fortunate with the amount of development that’s happened over the last 20 years here!
Sounds like you need to move out of the communist state you live in and relocate to a state that allows and even promotes off road vehicles!!
@@Garage2Trailjust moved from the city to rural Kentucky myself and let me say, I am blessed to live practically right next to trails. Just picked up an 86 xr250 and I have been making very good use of it. Plus if I really wanted to I can ride it on the road here since the police don’t care about OHV’s on the road.
For me it’s 50 but yup
To be fair, you're riding one of the most incredible dirt bikes ever made, regardless of age. It better do well!
I agree, it’s probably my all time favorite dirt bike. I have two of them! One is plated and this one is full on off-road.
@@Garage2Trail I have a 99 that I plated in Virginia, I also have a 22 crf450rx and I very much prefer my 400 on the trail. low end grunt and chug all day. On those new high compression bikes the flameout is no joke! Say I have the same model as you and wondering if you know where to get a real good tank decal.
Absolutely love my 99, it’s a tractor. Been flogging it thru the Arizona desert for years, has never let me down. But at almost 60 with a pacemaker, kinda thinking of an electric start bike.
I think it’s one of the best dirt bikes ever made. Perfect sweet spot of tried and true simple tech that can still perform well. Under stressed motors that last forever. I always like to remark that this bike is still on its original top end from the factory.
@@Garage2Trail Absolutely! I’m kind of leaning toward just replacing the motor with one from a quad with electric start. Been riding since the 70s and you’re hard pressed to find a stronger more reliable bike that handles as well. I’ve got the weight down on it and it’s also set up to be street legal.
Being a 400 owner, I had to see this. I’m feeling a little jealous of those trails more than anything. Great job. There are definitely pros and cons to this old Thumper. I raced mine for the first time last year and struggled with arm pump and fatigue but loved the low-end torque it provided. I’ll never get rid of mine but not totally sure I’m racing it again. Love your videos man. 👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks Chris! Yeah I’ll never sell it. It’s my favorite bike regardless of the weight. All it ever needs is basic maintenance and it never stops. I forgot to mention that this bike is still on the original top end.
Love my XR400 (2004) ...perfect for Idaho single track. Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Never sell it! Thanks for watching!
I’m 22 I bought a 96 XR400R 3 years ago , I got similar mods, I’m running the large acerbis 21 L tank, greatest bike ever made. I’ll never buy a new bike only problem I got is with all the weight in the Canadian swamps she sinks
Nice! It’s definitely one of the best dirt bikes aside from the weight.
Thank you for the perfect ride a long. Can't go wrong with an XR. Subscribed
Thanks man!
Best dual sport bike ever made
Now thats a trail. I see alot of videos with guys on dirt roads calling it trail riding. Thats a real trail, lots of trees to navigate, and places where you have to have good timing.
Thanks! I’m lucky to have grown up riding this stuff. Started almost 30 years ago!
Had a 97 xr250. Great bike.
Excellent woods bike
I can feel the Ticks crawling all over after that run.
Somehow I rarely get them!
Yes I tohave a 400 best all around bike made for me personally, I have a USD front end makuni pumper carb 440 top end w a stage 3 cam.it is a wonderful bike had 20 years now ,also a 2020 yz450 f ,thank you for taking us on the ride ,you ride well you had fun so did i.
I would like to try different forks. I also have the Mikuni pumper. Thanks for watching!
I like that trail system. Hopefully, you have some more footage when the conditions are slippery!
Thank you, yeah I’ll probably be on my XTrainer 300 for that though!
Nice videos! I stopped ridding years ago but one day I'll pick up a plated enduro. Too much development and trespassing that killed the riding south of Pittsburgh. Cool to see guys around me still at it.
Thanks! The north has seen a lot of development too but luckily I think this loop will be safe. It’s basically land locked surrounded by housing developments.
Great video! I have a 2001 XR400 that I’ve owned since 2005 best trail bike I have ever owned.
Keep an eye on the lower portion of the frame they tend to rot from the inside, if you plan to keep it forever you may want to drill a couple small holes in each lower rail and spray some cavity wax inside from time to time.
One more thing, if you throw a set of bibs in with your tire change you’ll be blown away by how good the traction is on these bikes.
Good to know about the bibs, thank you! And about the frame rot…this bike had it and my buddy was able to fix it. Had to cut out a lot of bad tubing on the lower side. He welded in new stuff and it’s been holding up great over the last couple years now.
Awesome track and well ridden. Great video (:
Thank you!
New here! That trail looks very fun. Old bikes for the win
Awesome, thanks Michael! The 400 won’t ever not be fun for me.
Do you have a video on suspension and tuning for the 400?
I have one new to me and trying to figure out the perfect setup but struggling with suspension and jetting.
Woukd love to see a mods list and tuning video on this.
Great bike!
Hello! This is the closest thing to a mod list video for this bike…
Honda XR400: Gordon’s mods, frame repair, starting procedure and ride along
th-cam.com/video/lkeYYvXmLRw/w-d-xo.html
I made it early on but it’s still basically the same bike. I’m running the Mikuni pumper carb which was a pretty good jump in throttle response and overall performance. Suspension is stock up front and I’ve messed with the clickers a while back to slow down the rebound speed if I remember correctly. The shock was revalved for my ride weight a couple years ago but that’s it. I’m about 185lbs. Hope that helps!
Great bike & rider...
Thanks!
Nice of course its a honda.
I'm still riding my 1986 Honda fourtrax bought by my dad in 1985. made it through my teenage years.
Thanks! They don’t make them like this anymore unfortunately. They’d sell a gazillion of them if they did. Same motor and just an updated chassis would be amazing. This is still an amazing bike in its current form though.
You mentioned your Beta. I’ve been in the market for a new(er), more modern (and lighter) trail bike but I am really stumped. I have a friend I ride with who rides Hard Enduro on a Sherco and he’s always trying to talk me into a 2-stroke but I’ve always enjoyed XRs since I was a kid. I have been eyeballing a 2023 CRF250RX but I have no idea honestly what direction I should commit to. How different are modern 2 strokes compared to 4 strokes, in your opinion? I like that low-end grunt and power but maybe I’m just stuck in my ways.
Check out Beta’s Xtrainer 300. That’s what I have. It’s tuned for low end lugging and still had midrange to top end pull. It weighs 216 dry I think and doesn’t wear me out. I have a couple videos with that bike on my channel you should check out. It’s geared lower too so I’m hitting hills in 2nd and 3rd gear. Amazing torque. It’s plush suspension favors the slower nasty trails which makes it a good hard enduro weapon. If you do high speed stuff the suspension needs a little help though. I don’t notice it as much though since 90% of my trails are tight and technical.
@@mikehemens9359 that’s cool, but would a 140 have enough power for the bigger nasty hills? That would be my only concern. Sounds like a nice bike to whip around tight singletrack though
@@Garage2Trail sorry i deleted that comment before i saw your reply here. one second
I agree that a the xtrainer is safer in many regards when out in real situations you may find. The 4t trail bike may not power thru so keep that in mind. Sorry for fuqing up the thread. (for clarity i was proposing buying 2 klx140frs and updated ergos and susp for same price as used xtrainer)
Not sure if you’re still looking but I have a xr250r that’s replacing a beta 400rr. The beta is nice. Its suspension is better, it’s electric start and handles terrain nicer. The reason I’m selling it (and this may be a plus) is that the motor is just so smooth and liner it’s like riding an electric bike. There’s no excitement or effort in it. So xr does my trail and putting ditties while I’ll be finding a 2 stroke for track and racing.
I have a 96 I bought for$1000 down here in baa honestly the most Un bike 😮be ever had and I’ve had a ton of bikes. A tractor, I’m 6’2” and it just fits like a glove. Enjoy. Where you at?
Ahh nice! ‘96 was the first year for them. I’m in Pennsylvania
Getting mine running again!
Awesome! How much work does yours need?
My xr does as well or better than the rest in almost all terrain, it is a legendary bike smokes most all it does rip.
I have 2 400s. Probably my all time favorite bike.
Solid riding! i can tell thats steep asf
Thanks! When stuff on video looks kinda steep, it’s usually VERY steep.
I bought a new xr400 back in 2003. Still regret selling it to this day
Yeah, I hear that a lot from former XR400 owners. They pop up on Facebook marketplace from time to time at decent prices. Maybe you can pick another one up!
Very nice. Liked and Sub'd. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you!
Putting on a clinic on log crossing!
Lol thanks. It all becomes muscle memory after a while
Hi mate,
I got have a question, will 16-45 work on simelar terrain ?
I do road use too..
Yeah, it probably would but you’d be in 1st gear most of the time I’d think. On the road that should be nice.
Nice!
have you ever ride xr600r ( not 650 )
I have not, but it’s on the list of bikes I need to find!
i ride a 350 honda thats almost 40 years old.
They go forever
Ok, you have an XR400. Nevermind the 250. 😂
😆
A very cool bike but way too tall for me. I like my feet planted firmly on the ground. Log hopping is for the brave of heart. Lol.
It is a bit tall for me. I’m 5’8” and just adapted to it. Probably why my Beta feels like Im whipping a mountain bike around in comparison
@@Garage2Trail I am used to small 90s and 100s. I love riding around in the back woods but slow and steady is in and log hopping is out :-)
@@robinbrowne5419 Nothin wrong with that! The smaller bikes are a blast too
@@Garage2Trail Any bike is a blast. My friend has a Honda QA50 and it was a blast just to zip around on it. It could go surprisingly deep in the woods and if it got stuck he just pushed it out.
@@robinbrowne5419 exactly. I could have fun on a pull start mini bike!
Awesome bike even better with electric start conversion
They were more preferred than the 600 or 650 for off roading by the Bike Magazines in the 90s
Yup I remember a lot of the tests and still have some Dirt Bike magazines that mention it. Woods riding at least. The desert was owned by the 650R.