03 400ex ?`s.

[BigRed400ex]

Ok so I have a 03 400ex. We are rebuilding the top end(smoking pretty bad and going through oil like poop through a goose). What is the biggest compression piston I can put in it without having to run race gas? Also where can I buy some nice nerf bars? Right now I'm tearing the bike down the paint the frame black(red plastics) and to paint the rear axle red as well as repainting the hubs reb. I mostly ride up at our cabin and the elevation is about 6300-6500 feet. What would be the best pipe(low on money) to put on to make it faster? We have old logging roads that we race on so I'd like speed. I'm also looking for a "ceet" cover for my seat. What would be the best jet size to go to for that high up? Is it possible to take apart the shocks to repaint the coils? Or will I have to buy new ones? I'm only 16 and I don't have a job(looking for one though lol) so I don't have much cash. My battery charges as I'm riding but if I don't ride for about a week or two it looses it's charge. Is it the battery or what? Any other help would be great!:D

[Krystalball]

If battery is running flat i would turn everything off and put a multi meter over the battery to see if you have a current draw. If you do just probe your fuses to find which circuit your draw is on then go from there checking individual components on that circuit.

[Ohlins ATV Tech]

as far as the shocks are concerned, if they are stock Showas, the fronts are sealed units and are only five way preload adjustable. the rear is rebuildable. depending on your weight, the stock valving should be suitable(I'm 175-180 in full gear), so the valving on my 400ex works pretty good for me. if the rear shock hasn't been serviced before, it would be a good idea to have it gone through.

[yfzgirl]

You mentioned that you wanted to know where to buy nerf bars, right? Well go to this site (RockyMountainatv.com) their prices are really good.They have eveything especially for Honda's.I bought my nerf bars there for my 250ex for $60.00 on closeout.If you can't find them that cheap, then keep looking you'll find something that suits your budget.