ASK: I want to get a 400EX since they aren't very expensive. Is not having reverse annoying when you are trail riding? I will probably get an older one since the new ones with reverse are too expensive. What's your opinion on reverse?
MIKEY: My opinion is that reverse is only necessary when you need to back up. This phenomenon occurs when you make a mistake like getting hung on an obstacle, if you miss a turn or if you didn't think ahead when you parked your ATV in front of a tree. I spent many years on machines without reverse and it was never an issue. Nowadays a majority of ATVs have reverse as a standard feature, and I rarely utilize the function. Ten years from now you'll likely be contemplating the purchase of a used auto that doesn't have a self-parking feature. It's only a necessity for those who don't possess the skills and knowledge to park their own car or operate an ATV in your situation.
ASK: My 2007 YFZ450 will not start. I can see that there's no gas going in the carburetor, but I can't figure out why.
MIKEY: Congratulations, it appears that you have figured out why your YFZ isn't starting on your own. It obviously isn't starting because it's not getting adequate fuel for combustion to occur. This should be a simple fix. Let's start by making sure there is fuel in the tank. Sorry, I have to state the obvious. Make sure the tank is properly vented by blowing into the fuel tank's vent line. The line shouldn't be obstructed. Is the petcock operational? Make sure fuel flows freely in the on and reserve positions with the fuel line disconnected. Remove and check or replace the fuel line that connects the petcock to the carburetor. FYI, the petcock isn't a friendly, feathered farm animal with feet at one end and a pecker at the other. It's the on, off, reserve valve that's connected to the underside of your fuel tank. Your tank does have a small mesh strainer inside the tank to prevent debris from entering the fuel system that's connected to the petcock. It's easily accessible by removing the petcock. Once again I'll state the obvious. You'll need to drain the fuel before attempting this procedure.