Posted: 8/21/2013 9:06:15 PM EDT
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I figure a few of you fellow AZ guys must have quads. I'd like to buy one (used, likely off Craigslist) to use to cruise the dirt roads near my house and get to some shooting spots.
I have no idea what to look for. My budget is cheap. Any sites I can go to get a quick ATV 101 lesson? |
| You first have to figure out what you want to use it for, do you want a 4x4 or a motorcross/sand dune bike. Since you are buying to hang out with friends that have them, you will most likely get one similar to theirs. If you need a 2005 Yamaha YFZ450 with low hours/lots of goodies, let me know! |
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What do you want to know? If you're looking for a used quad...I'd start searching for one in the 400-500cc range. Go with a utility quad. Sport quads are fun until the day you want to haul something or do actual work with it. I have a Suzuki King Quad 400ASi. Fuel injected...auto transmission with low and 4x4. Bought it last year (mainly for the wife...i like 2 wheels not four) while Suzuki was doing 0% interest financing. I typically don't finance toys, but 0% works so I went for it. I ride it a lot more than I thought I would. Cutting and hauling fire wood, running steel targets out in the desert, and just general all around fun riding.
Aside from that advice: -Ask if the tires have been slimed. AZ desert eats ATV tires alive...and mesquite thorns will turn them into swiss cheese in short order. If no sealant has been added, figure on another $50 to do so. -Ask for receipts on service records. Many people treat ATV's like invincible machines that need no maintenance to keep running. -If you want to register it on the street, make sure it has a horn, mirror, and license plate holder with light. -Check for unusual play in the drivetrain/bearings/u-joints. Shouldn't be any issues unless you buy a bike with 5K+ miles on it. -Check the oil level. If it's super dirty or low, chances are they didn't maintain it well. -Do the bars and racks/plastic look too nice for the ATV's age? Chances are they rolled it. -Fluid leaks/Air filter filthy/etc all will give you a general idea of condition. -Does it steer straight and fire up right away? Feel the motor before the seller starts it. If it's already warm, they started it prior to you coming to make sure it would fire up more easily. -Battery age/condition? -4x4 engage properly (if applicable?) Hope this helps and best of luck! Enroll in the E-course...it's free... http://www.atvsafety.org/ |
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I own a kawasaki mule and I am glad I went that route rather than getting a smaller atv. The thing has payed itself off ten times over in saving labor up at my cabin . It goes damn near everywhere. I also bought a winch for it which has been useful for deer and elk hunting. It doesn't go super fast but it's fast enough. |
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Quoted: Thanks to all. This will definitely be a utility vehicle, and I expect to strap 150lbs of guns, steel targets, and water to it and head out into the desert. I'm not sure if I need 4x4 or not.... |
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Quoted: better to have and not need...... i rarely use the 4x4 on the mule but when i need it I need it. Truth. I've only had to use it on my Honda quad a number of times, but I would have been kicking myself for not spending the extra money when I did need it. Same with the winch.
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 Quoted:
What do you need to know about ATVs? Well, Obtain ATV Drink 12 Natural Lights(This makes you a Qualified Operator) Go off road/trail Do donuts, kill vegetation, and cause erosion issues When current spot is barren, repeat Leave beer cans Don't forget start wildfire.....and shoot guns into the air... |
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Quoted:
Don't forget start wildfire.....and shoot guns into the air... Quoted:
Quoted:
What do you need to know about ATVs? Well, Obtain ATV Drink 12 Natural Lights(This makes you a Qualified Operator) Go off road/trail Do donuts, kill vegetation, and cause erosion issues When current spot is barren, repeat Leave beer cans Don't forget start wildfire.....and shoot guns into the air... Ah yes, how could I forget the inevitable wildfire and shooting guns wildly without a backstop? Really Opie, that's all you need to know about ATVs. |
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Well before anyone goes too crazy with the jokes, let me explain my area.
I have BLM land accessible via dirt roads (very bad dirt roads) about 7 miles south of my house. There are two tracks on said BLM land that allow for target placement to 1600y. I will absolutely not be taking the ATV off roads. I work in the desert and have seen new two-tracks made every year after various hunting seasons. I am aware of erosion issues and do not intend on being the guy making new roads or driving over cactus to shoot holes on other cactus. I am an AZ native, love the desert, and despise finding trash dumps, trashed shooting spots, and random beer bottles in areas where no human being should have access except on foot. I spent years riding the desert on horseback and am fully appreciative of the "leave no trace" rule, and I abide by it. I am not looking for speed, I do not plan on driving this ATV like a madman, it is simply a utility vehicle to get me into this area, help me place targets, etc. I have a truck and the roads are such that I cannot get into the area in the truck (not 4x4, wheelbase is too long, plus its the fiancee's truck so I can't beat it to death). Long term use would be trailering the ATV to other areas for similar purposes. Barring a small, used, economical, non-performance ATV, the next option would be an old beater pickup, but the ATV would be easier to park at my house. |
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Quoted:
I love my sportsman 500, great ride and ive never been stuck or left needing more power. I have a Sportsman as well, only a 330, but it goes everywhere we've taken it with no issues. It just keeps running. If I did have it to do over, I think I would opt for one that has 4x4 capabilities. But from what OP is saying he is going to use it for, a 2WD one should be sufficient. However if OP ever plans on using it for hunting or some exploring (which will happen once you start having a blast riding that thing around) the 4x4 would be a great option. |
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You just may be happy with a (dare I say it?) 250cc 2WD used Suzuki or Kawasaki. My utility zuk is that small and has a trailer hitch. I probably use it as a yard machine with its trailer and sprayer that sits on the rear rack more than I explore with it. Even when I do, it keeps up okay. It's not going to set any land speed records though. Still, it can do 35+mph with a fat guy on it.
With the small engine, you can get them pretty cheap. It might be what you want. Whatever you do, get a quality product, not a ROK or Taiwanese knock off. |