Home ATV Florida Forum ATV Florida Where to Ride? ATV Florida Links Advertise


Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Did you miss your activation email?

Login with username, password and session length
 
   Home   Help Search Calendar Login Register  
Pages: [1]   Go Down
  Print  
Author Topic: What to look for when buying used atv??  (Read 3709 times)
bugdust
Full Member
***
Offline Offline

Location: Middleburg

Posts: 119

I'm just here.


View Profile

Ignore
« on: January 08, 2005, 01:00:56 PM »

I'm relatively new to the atv scene, I just bought a couple new 250ex's in Feb. 2004. Well, I'm 6'2", 200 lbs and I want a bigger atv. I'm trying to sort out a deal online for an '03 400ex that's in west palm beach. What should I be looking for, problems areas, signs of abuse, etc? I will see and ride the bike before I get it, of course. I just don't want to get screwed so I'm looking for advice.

What I know about it so far is that he is NOT the original owner, it needs tires which he has bought but not put on, it's stock, and he's supposed to get new plastic for the front because he took the lights off and fab'ed his own panel but it keeps breaking or something. He's supposed to get me some pics tonight. I'm looking to trade him but the value of my trade is about $2200-2500.

I appreciate all responses and comments. Thanks.
Logged

2007 400ex
2001 300ex (son's)
2009 trx90 (son's)
1985 Honda Odyssey FL350
2007 Jeep Wrangler


a yard full of old VWs - always buying more if you know of any

I'm into old VWs too. ( I buy parts & projects)
LakeMaryKid
Supreme Member
*****
Offline Offline

Location: Lake Mary, FL

Posts: 2877


Just a good ole' boy never meanin no harm.


View Profile

Ignore
« Reply #1 on: January 08, 2005, 02:55:58 PM »

just check the frame over and check for anything bent. Ummm see how it sounds listen for knocking ticking etc.
Logged

2003 KFX 400
1994 F-150 - 12" SAS 38.5 Boggers
2007 F-150 Supercrew FX4 Luxury
2004 14' Mirrocraft
supermansatv
Junior Member
**
Offline Offline

Location: e|U

Posts: 98


Life is short, ride hard


View Profile

Ignore
« Reply #2 on: January 08, 2005, 03:20:28 PM »

What are you trading him?
Logged
bugdust
Full Member
***
Offline Offline

Location: Middleburg

Posts: 119

I'm just here.


View Profile

Ignore
« Reply #3 on: January 08, 2005, 03:31:28 PM »

I'm trading a 69 VW right hand drive suicide doored bug project.


Oh, he said he just put a new sprockets and a dido? chain on it and went down one tooth on the front sprocket, for more torque?
« Last Edit: January 08, 2005, 03:54:40 PM by bugdust » Logged

2007 400ex
2001 300ex (son's)
2009 trx90 (son's)
1985 Honda Odyssey FL350
2007 Jeep Wrangler


a yard full of old VWs - always buying more if you know of any

I'm into old VWs too. ( I buy parts & projects)
Da_Mtg_Man
extraordinaire
Supreme Member
*****
Offline Offline

Location: far far away

Posts: 7463


View Profile

Ignore
« Reply #4 on: January 08, 2005, 03:59:15 PM »

He meant a D.I.D. chain. They're great chains.
Logged

FLORIDA MUD RIDER
stump66
Supreme Member
*****
Offline Offline

Location: Central Polk

Posts: 786


Quads we ride by God we abide


View Profile

Ignore
« Reply #5 on: January 08, 2005, 06:11:57 PM »

When you get to see the bike see if he has started it before you got there. You might even call and make sure he doesn't start it prior to you getting there. This will let you see how the carb works on cold start , some can be a bear and it will also let you see if there is any excessive ring or valve guide wear by how bad or if it smokes when it starts. There also may be internal noises that will go away as it warms and things expand.Grab the front control arms and give them a good shake and see if there is any play in them. Look for shock leakage. Other then that like lmk suggested look for bends and make sure you get the vin and run it. I think the vin should also match the case numbers on the engine maybe someone else will know for sure.
I have a 400ex with a trinity 440 kit and its pretty bullet proof. Love it.
Good luck!
Logged

GOD PUT ME HERE TO ACCOMPLISH CERTAIN THINGS, I'M SO FAR BEHIND I'LL LIVE FOREVER!!!! 
AND ITS NEVER!!!!
TOO LATE TO START!!!!
bugdust
Full Member
***
Offline Offline

Location: Middleburg

Posts: 119

I'm just here.


View Profile

Ignore
« Reply #6 on: January 08, 2005, 06:23:22 PM »

Thanks for the replies so far, keep them coming. If the deal works out he will be delivering it from W.P.B. to me in Middleburg so the quad should be cold.
Logged

2007 400ex
2001 300ex (son's)
2009 trx90 (son's)
1985 Honda Odyssey FL350
2007 Jeep Wrangler


a yard full of old VWs - always buying more if you know of any

I'm into old VWs too. ( I buy parts & projects)
Hollywood
Supreme Member
*****
Offline Offline

Location: Spartanburg, SC

Posts: 1708


Team ATP Racing #8


View Profile WWW

Ignore
« Reply #7 on: January 09, 2005, 11:53:33 PM »

Check everything everyone else said plus check the rear axle for any play in the bearing carrier(worn bearings), shake all your components at the joints to check for wear...ball joints tie rod ends etc.
Logged

'99 4??EX: Laeger +2's, Elka Resi's, Tag bars, AC ProPeg, Sparks X6 exhaust, G-Force axle, Burgard stem/carrier, 250r Hood, Klaw MXR's, ATP Racing engine, LSR, MSR, PEP and the list goes on.

'03 Honda 250EX: Yea it's decked out too!

'03 Yamaha Blaster: Work in pr
Ida_Mann
Supreme Member
*****
Offline Offline

Location: There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.

Posts: 5908


I own and wear a purple sombrero


View Profile WWW

Ignore
« Reply #8 on: January 10, 2005, 05:44:07 AM »

an '03 that needs tires already? he runs it on the street a lot.

basically, I second all the advice given already.

Id@
Logged

Id@ M@nn

www.facebook.com/IdaShotMe
'99 Honda 400EX ATP'd (quietly making noise)
'02 Honda Foreman Rubicon
'00 Honda TRX90
8 X 20 Enclosed hauler/camper
"Show me a smooth operation and I'll show you someone who is hiding mistakes, real boats rock."
Pages: [1]   Go Up
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Other Florida sites of interest: www.PinballShark.com

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.21 | SMF © 2015, Simple Machines Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!