Used ATV concerns?

[Fishnhunt!]

Hey everyone. I'm going to look at a Kawasaki 220 tomorrow and wanted a little feedback. I have never bought a used ATV and would like some input on what to look for if there is anything obvious that you would say no way I'm not buying it. Leaks, smoking etc... Any other signs I should be aware of? Thanks!

[Type1Daddy]

I didn't think there was concern when buying a used ATV. Every one I've ever bought was only used by a little old lady to ride to the mailbox and back.

[bobc]

If if has, or has had, a snorkel I would walk away.

[JP Weld]

If if has, or has had, a snorkel I would walk away.

[J. Colwell]

If if has, or has had, a snorkel I would walk away.

Run Forrest Run!

[91cavgt]

If if has, or has had, a snorkel I would walk away.

Along these lines, if you take the seat off and can see dried mud under the seat or around the air box, then walk away. Some people mud their ATVs, then clean them up pretty good but forget to clean in these areas so it's easy to spot the ones that have been in deep mud/water.



Other than that, you can generally tell if an ATV has been cared for. If it has recently had a lot of work (motor work), that typically means it was a pile and someone sunk some money into it and got fed up, or it still has problems.


Generally, if you take it out for a short test ride then you can tell pretty quick if it is trash and has been beaten on or if it has been taken care of.

[KWEarp]

Look the axles on it. Check the boots on the CV joints for any tears, that will lead to an eventually busted joint. Its not a huge issue that cant be fixed relatively easy, but it is additional cost to you.

[91cavgt]

Look the axles on it. Check the boots on the CV joints for any tears, that will lead to an eventually busted joint. Its not a huge issue that cant be fixed relatively easy, but it is additional cost to you.

The Kawasaki Bayou 220 is a straight rear axle 2WD quad so no CV joints or axles. It is chain drive though so look at it and make sure the chain doesn't have excessive slack in it.

[westtexducks]

I have no tips to give you, but I will say the little bayou we got is a heck of a lot of fun if you know how to drive it

[Philip-TX]

Good points above.

Check oil, make sure it is good, clear & looks like honey, not milky (head gasket), or black (no maint.)

Heck check all the fluids for that matter. tranny, radiator.

x2 on axles

tie-rod ends/steering. jumped/overloaded/etc

x2, airbox/filter

and mud where mud should be, any rust...on the frame? i.e. driven at the beach.

Pull the plastics (sides) and look it over. Parts replaced recently? carb/starter/etc?


On belt driven machines check the belt. Has there been water in the beltdrive cover ? belt residue from breaking down of the belt?

Edit: Come to think of it my first atv was an '88 220 Bayou 2x4.
I wrapped it around a tree, bought a new frame and put it back together.
Put lots a miles on the bugger.

Shaft drive and pretty much bullet proof.

[bwssr]

be sure the clutch works GOOD...the 220 is a pain to replace them...maybe pull the air filter and see if a lot of dirt and mud are in it....is it the one in the classifieds?
220 is shaft drive...if 2 wheel drive it will be solid axle...check the oil and the brakes...

[Fishnhunt!]

I have no tips to give you, but I will say the little bayou we got is a heck of a lot of fun if you know how to drive it

I have heard they are a good little machine.

[kparker158]

There's really not to much that can go wrong on them bikes. Can't tear them up. Just make sure the engine is sound and you'll be alright.

[westtexducks]

I have heard they are a good little machine.

Yep, ours has been to **** and back and it still runs great. You can put quite a bit of weight on the front and back racks if it still has them also.

[Aboud]

Make sure there avatar don't look like kparker158's and you'll be alright.