ATV question

[nedarb2]

Hi guys,
im looking at an atv tomorrow and am wondering if anyone can chip in on it.
Its a low hour, mint condition 1997 honda foreman 400. fulltime 4x4.
I know hondas have a good reputation,but is therer anything to be sure to check out on the bike?
Is 2500 a fair price? thanks

 

[alwaysfishn]

I don't know how many quad guys there are on this forum. You may want to ask the same question on www.quads.ca.

It sounds to me like a good deal. Check for bends or cracks in the frame. The biggest problem with ATV's is the abuse they are put through. You can't go wrong with a Honda.

 

[Dave S]

Check under carriage for cracks, dents, abuse. If you see signs of lacks of maintenance, steer clear. Instincts are everything with buying used toys.

Could be stolen for that price if it is actually mint. run the serial number with police. No one likes it when our stuff is stolen so just do your part to make sure your not supporting it.

 

[wolf]

Also see if the handle bars are off a bit or how the bike sits as it may have been rolled etc. what year?? sounds VERY good for that pricecheck to see if the oil has been changed the basics will tell you if its been beat on.like Dave said look for dents and cracks , also when you test drive it if it squeaks or pulls to one side.Also look at the front boots on the arms if there torn or wrecked new CV for them things are pricy...
post pics

good luck Wolf

 

[ReelSlim]

Honda's are good machine's for sure. I agree the price seems a bit low so definitely run the serial numbers on it. They are smooth to ride on flat ground because they are shaft driven but a bit of a handful on rugged trails because of a solid rear axle. Although if you haven't ridden one with an independant suspension you won't miss it! lol

 

[ReelSlim]

I guess I should mention that I have owned a Honda as well as a couple of Polaris's.........here is a shot of of my current rig from this winter........cheers!

 

[Last Chance]

THe price is right. FOr an entry level bike, it sounds good. If you can bump up your budget a little more though, you will be able to get into a much newer bike. But, it's a Honda, and they run pretty much forever. Check the CV's, and by all means, make sure the electric shift is working right! That's about the only big bill on that thing. Shafts are not too bad, you can get 'em aftermarket for $110 , and they take around 3 hours to change. At that age, unless the bike is mint, deduct the repairs off of the asking price! Maybe I'll bump into you in the Sooke HIlls this fall/winter, I ride a lot.

 

[nedarb2]

thanks guys thats very helpful. it's. a 1997 wolf, I'll post a pic tonight

 

[vetteman]

Honda's are good machine's for sure. I agree the price seems a bit low so definitely run the serial numbers on it. They are smooth to ride on flat ground because they are shaft driven but a bit of a handful on rugged trails because of a solid rear axle. Although if you haven't ridden one with an independant suspension you won't miss it! lol[/QUOTE

IRS vs SRA is a touchy subject. Most guys will tell you to go with the IRS models. I own both types of machines and therefore can use whatever type I want. I much prefer my SRA machine. I can ride off camber trails easily as well as the guys who I ride with that have IRS machines. They also can't be beat as far as high speed stability goes. JMHO.
Dave

 

[nedarb2]

damn guy just sold it on my way up to check it out. oh well, search continues.

 

[Karma-Kazi]

THat thing looks nice for that price.