[wilythek]

I'm thinking of selling my 2006 650 and buying a 2011 400. Does anyone have any experience with both machines and can comment on the suspension differences?

Thanks, Bill

PS Does anyone know the tire pressures for the 400 with and without a passenger?
Thanks again.

 

[mikeyMarine]

one thing i think is different on the suspension is the clearances and it is more difficult to darkside a 400 than 650 from what I read, smaller choice of tires etc other than that , woldn't know except they are completely different animals

 

[Yogurt49]

I had an '08 650 Exec, and currently have an '09 400. The ride of the 400 over pavement irregularities is better on the 400. With the Ikon shocks on the 650, the bike would glide down the highway. Couldn't ask for a better ride there. of course that is lugging my 250 lb. ass and golf bag around.The ride is "busier" overall on the 400. With the stock exhaust, the 650 sounds like a sewing machine, or a turbine. The farty 400 sounds like a real engine. The weather protection is superior on the 650. The 400 blows around a lot on the highway with crosswinds. No problem, but it does happen. I have no regrets buying the 400. If I had a time machine, I never would have traded my Fatboy on an Electra Glide, then all the rest would be moot. Hope this helps.

 

[Yogurt49]

The front is 25 psi. I think 37 rear, but I keep it at 40. Never carry a passenger that can't fit in my golf bag. Only Olive Oyl could, but she is taken.

 

[mike1nw]

I'd like to answer the tire pressure question but I'm 1100 miles away from my 400
The OM lists two pressures for the REAR tire, one for rider only, and one for full load.
(There is a sticker on the underside of the seat, I think).
Front tire is 25 psi IIRC for all conditions.

 

[Desert Rat]

For me I never changed air pressure between solo or two up riding. I also found that I lean over farther in corners with the 650 more then what I did on the 400. My son who rides with me noticed it also & said I'm taking corners faster on the 650. That just might be a me thing but my 650 feels more stable in corners then my 400 ever did. :wink:

 

[Mike337]

After too many complaints (we ride 2-up) of getting jarred around from back road bumps and pot holes, I went back to square one and started adjusting the shock on our 400. It's hard for me to tell, being on the 'middle' of the bike, it's pretty smooth. I was on # 3, went to # 5, worse, so going against what I felt was common logic for 2-up riding, I went to #1 and BINGO! What a difference. We rode down our pot holed street a half dozen times testing, and it was very obvious when we hit it on #1. So far NO bottoming, which means it may still be too stiff? But we're both very happy! :thumbup:
FYI, I weigh 180lbs and the fiancé about 130lbs. So over 300lbs on the softest setting! Yes, I know, it doesn't sound right, but I have set up a LOT of long travel shocks before so I do have a decent idea.
It's easy enough, just try it, you may be surprised. :shock:

Edit: This is reading the position numbers from the side, NOT from underneath.

 

[TwoWheelTim]

I have found that adjusting the monoshock pre-load helps a lot on the 400 ride. I ride solo at #4 setting with 180# rider and about 10 # of tools / accessories spread about. Other wise stock.

Here are the pressures.

 

[Mike337]

I know my setting sounds ludacrist (sp) but it was just too stiff. I always thought it was too soft and we were halfway through the travel (sag) before we even left the yard, but after several test spins and a 75 mile trip, we both were saying we should've done it long ago. When we first pulled out of the driveway it went down like the bike had a foot of travel, just cush! I could tell right away. Maybe I got an odd ball spring in mine? Like I said, I know it sounds weird, but I'm 95% convinced the ride is WAY better.

 

[Daboo]

I did the same thing, and it felt just great.

Chris

 

[Mike337]

Seriously? Are you on #1 then?

 

[Daboo]

Yes, mine is set to #1 and has been for both the 2007 400 as well as this 2008 400.

I would set it to whatever makes the ride what you and your sweetie want.

Chris

 

[Mike337]

Nice to hear that maybe I'm not totally nuts. Just seems that I remember most guys going full stiff?

 

[Fatjock]

............................. Just seems that I remember most guys going full stiff?

Errrrrrrr......okay, not something I've ever experienced, or even paid attention to........... but upon discussion, my wife reported similar experiences :lol: :lol: .