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Post by GlennR on Oct 30, 2012 9:42:18 GMT -5
I mainly ride motorcycles and don't know a lot about ATVs.
A couple of years ago I bought an 06 Honda 350 Rancher. I asked around (a little) and heard that Hondas were the most reliable, so that's all I looked for. It's been a good machine, but I wish it wasn't fulltime 4wd. It's a 350, I wouldn't mind a few more cc's.
Lately I have been thinking about shopping for a second ATV, and I'd like to hear from more folks about good models & brands to look at....and bad models & brands to avoid.
I've heard that the 2wd sport models can go almost as well as the 4wd ones, but I have a very hard time believing they can crawl through the rocks, creeks, mud, & really steep trails that I seem to cherish. Plus, I like having a rack for hauling things like chainsaws, etc.
My budget is about $2500 (maybe a little more).
I'm okay with older machines if they're in good condition, and have a good reputation for reliability.
What are some good models to look consider? Any great "under-valued" models, that can be found for especially good prices?
Any notoriously bad models that have a lot of problems and/or are expensive to fix?
thanks,
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Post by lifeafterdeath on Oct 31, 2012 10:08:12 GMT -5
that a loaded question. ive owned both polaris and now canam. besides knowing who u buying from, its best to know what to look for and questions to ask when buying used. here r some things to look for, pending on manufacturer, some may not apply but is a start:
1) radiator for mud & if fins are swollen
2) brakes for wear, if replaced what type, semi-kevlar-severe
3) air-filter
4) radiator fluid & reservoir
5) oil when changed, check level & color of oil
6) front & rear diff when changed, could also check to see if correct level
7) if they have bill of origin
8) check cv boots for tears
9) tires for wear & if plugged
10) plugs, how long since replaced, possibly remove to see tip
11) confirm year of unit by removing seat & looking at s/n and date sticker, tag
12) confirm bearings on each wheel by shaking left to right for movement
13) belt, possibly when riding if feel slippage
14) confirm that all options on 4x4 works (test ride)
15) confirm 4x4 engages (test ride)
16) confirm lights work both normal & bright
17) exhaust leaks
18) if frame mod has been done, to be optional
19) pending on age, if battery replaced & when
20) correct wheel lugs, beveled if stock & flat if aftermarket, could be aftermarket be beveled also?
21) if tuner, when last tuned, was it tuned with options on unit
22) confirm display works & no issues with it, has it been replaced
23) check winch
24) check ball joints/universal joints.
25) ask seller how unit was ridden
26) was unit swamped, rolled, wrecked
27) does brakes work (test ride)
28) What is the level of the deepest water that it has been ridden/raced in
29) how is the atv riden, mud, drag racing, trail, mud racing, etc
30) Does the unit squeak when you turn the bars or when the suspension moves
I'm sure some others on web can assist also?
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Post by GlennR on Oct 31, 2012 13:01:17 GMT -5
life,
That's a good list of things to check. Not sure I understand #20 & #21.
I was hoping to get some recommendations of good models to consider. Are most all ATV's good, or are there some that have a lot of "issues".
How inexpensive can good older quads be found? I'd like to have an extra one for friends to ride, when they come up to visit. I don't want ones that's trouble.
For instance, with dual sport motorcycles Yamaha XT225's are affordable, reliable, and very easy to ride. Good used ones can be found for $1700 or less quite often (I recently saw one listed for $950 with only 1500 miles).
I'm looking for a 4x4 quad like that.
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Post by lifeafterdeath on Nov 1, 2012 5:20:14 GMT -5
most of these were per suggestions that others had inputs on but with 20, for example, canam uses beveled wheel nuts. if you look at the end of the nut, it is slightly beveled, which these are stock nuts that canam uses. if for some chance by mistake you put on a lug nut that is flat, it will work loose. On 21, with some modifications (add ons) that can be done to an atv, a tuner is bought. when upgrading clutches, exhaust pipes, tires, etc., it changes the way the unit was tuned with stock items on it. At least that is my understanding.
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Post by lifeafterdeath on Nov 1, 2012 5:42:11 GMT -5
with an atv you looking for, a number of people have different choices. you can find all name brands of atvs on craigslist, ebayclassifieds, trading post, just to mention a few, with possible deals for them. Pending on the persons situation, you can find awesome deals. there is where a checklist would come in or take someone that knows about atv's to help you buy one. Not everyone that says they are a "Christian" is? Big mistake i made. Cost me major coins. For a number of people i ride with, Polaris, Can-am, Kawasaki, Honda, are their choice. With each of these makes, they have different engine cc's/models/options. Just like cars/trucks. You have to decide on what CC engine you want, what options you want on an atv, do u want a single person to ride, maybe two people can ride or more, hence, a side by side, or a max(can-am) where one person is in front, the other in back. Polaris makes a unit like that (touring) then comes all the SXS(side by side). A two person is nice if wife, kids, grand-kids, friend wants to ride with you. So, you do have some choices to make first. That's why i stated earlier that is a loaded question. At least in my opinion (IMO). Once i make my mind up on what i want to get, I go to NADA & check to see what my price ranges are & then go from there with my search. There may be other places one can check prices on atv's but not sure? I wouldn't mind to help you with your search once you have more of an idea what you wanting? Hope this helps?
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