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So here’s a question. I have seen a few members that have recently purchased a used bike/ATV. Also a HUGE amount of so called new members who have purchased a used bike and have come here “just here for a manual”. Some have been disappointed with the bikes and or knew they were getting a broken bike with some mechanical experience thinking hey I can fix it. So here’s my take on buying a used bike. Anyone who has followed some of mine and other members posts about what to look for when buying a used bike here’s a few pointers on what to look for. 1. I always check the oil and look for moisture, metal shavings and color. 2. Feel the compression or take a compression tester with you. 3. Check for spark (if the bikes not running) 4. Take a small jumper pack to verify that the starter cycle works and the bike cranks. 5. Look for bent or cracked frame/welding that was done on the frame from maybe a wreck. 5. Mismatch plastics by looking under neath. 7. Bolts on the engine/frame that look like they are stripped from someone taking the bike apart. 8. Any kind of scilicone or gasket adhesive that was used on a cover plate or engine seem where the engine was taken apart. 9. Patches on the exhaust pipes with sheet metal or jb weld patch material. 10. Wiring messes on the harness like bundles of tape where the harness was opened up and taped up for an after market device or just plain butchered up. 11. Put the bike in gear (running or not) and roll the bike back and forth to see that the gears work and you feel resistance like the engine is trying to spin while pushing it forward as if you were push starting it 12. I keep a vin# decoder website on my phone as a favorite to double check the year of the bike . All though nothing is fool proof these tips will help you along while buying a used bike. Not only that but it will help you negotiate a fair price for a bike that may have one of the above problems. I have minimized this entire process down to about 15 mins. I buy all the time so I don’t expect you to do the same or have a compression tester etc but use some of these tips when buying and go into the purchase with confidence! I would like to hear anyone else that has any input on buying a bike and what to look for!

Here's the deal... I'm a first time atv buyer and have been studying hard all aspects of buying and evaluating these things for a used purchase. Now after months of looking everywhere I finally found a local private seller through word of mouth that may be offering a hell of a deal. Story is... Guy's got a 2012 Yamaha Griz 550 w/ EPS with 2900 miles and 250 hours on it and hes asking $4900. Says he got it from NPA? in Cincinnati for $4400 and paid $125 to ship it. After new tires, brakes and oil he says he's got $5000 into it coming from a dealer-only wholesale auction. I've only got $4500 to spend and really stressed that and he says he'll sell it to me if the guy coming on Friday doesn't pay the full $4900 price he's asking. So yeah fairly excited about the prospects here. This one blue books for something like $5500-$5800 retail. But I'm still a little too wet behind the ears still to be confident about evaluating these things used so I'm cramming as much info as I can before I go take a look at it. So don't want to get burned. So couple questions... 1- I've seen some with more and less miles than the 2900 this one has. But have been taught it's not so much the mileage as how they were put on. Anyone have insight about this specific model with almost 3000 miles and 250 hours on it? 2- Are there any special problems the 2012 550 EPS Griz has that I should be looking out for?

New to the forum & ATVs. Was hoping to get some help understanding: 1) Manufacture Brand distinction, like 1's that are liked vs. loathed. Out of likes is there a big difference between Polaris & Kawasaki, etc. 2) Looking at an older ATV (2005 Suzuki 700), and was wondering with all of the additions/upgrades to the later models, what are the biggest features in a newer (but used) model that I might want to consider that would deter me from buying a 2005?

Hi I'm looking into buying a new quad and so far I've narrowed it down to the Polaris sportsman 500 and the Honda foreman. I'm leaning more toward the Honda because my last quad was a 94 Honda fourtrax. But I like the sportsman to because as I understand the military uses them and I know I can USALY trust something that's mill spec. Just an FYI most of what I'll be using this for is trail riding and maybe some hunting. Any help would be very much appreciated.

DrtyGrl and i just had our offer approved on a house after months of headache!!!!

ok. after going out on a ride with some friends and the blaster braking down, i had to borrow my friends 96 honda fourtrax 300 4x4. I LOVED IT. halfway through the ride i switched off with my friends big bear 400. i will probably get something of the sort for christmas. heres the problem. i cant choose! i love the handling of the all time 4x4 matched with the comfortable power of the 300cc's. i love the power of the big bear and the on command 4x4 but its not the softest ride. i just need to choose one because it would be great to help around the farm with and to ride around the trails. dont hessitate to express your opinion

Not for me!!!!!!! You guys were Ready to Bash me Huh///:D No,,,,I decided that My "Old Lady" is getting Old...LOL....Im gonna Sell her 03 250EX and Get her the 07 Wolverine 450....Better Suspension, Fully Auto, Push Button 4x4... Has anyone her had any experience with this machine?? Is so I would like to here your thoughts before I go out and Drop a Load....Money that is.... Here is Her's....Ill ship it to whom Ever:cool:

Ok so heres the deal.....Im looking to buy a used quad for now...cant afford a brand new one. I really want a 2000 or newer yamaha warrior. What is your opinion on these ......

Buying a new helmet can be overwhelming. We turned to Bret Milan at Shoei to guide us threw what's important and what's not. More...