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By: Clint Hood
A Few Things To Look For
When Buying A Used ATV
Before you buy a used quad, you should
consider a few of important factors in your
decision making process. One of these decisions
is what type of ATV is appropriate for your
needs. Of course, there are ATVs available for
utility, sport, racing, or a combination of
purposes. ATVs are available in 4x4 models and
2x4 models. In addition, the size and
displacement of the quad should also be
considered. Last but not least, for most of us,
our budget also plays a large role in choosing
an ATV.
 After you have done your research and you
suspect you know which ATV or class of ATV is
right for you, I suggest you go to your local
dealer and sit on the newest version of that
bike, just to get acquainted with the size and
overall feel of the quad. In most cases, older
versions of the new bikes generally have the
same characteristics and feel.
Next, in conducting your search for a used
bike, you should consult multiple sources in an
attempt to locate your best deal. Most
importantly, ask other ATV riders for opinions.
Use the
ATV Source message board and other outlets
for rider opinions. This will usually provided
an unbiased opinion of an ATV. When looking for
a bike, I suggest beginning your search online,
including the “classifieds” section of this
website, Internet auction sites, and other sites
devoted to trading used ATVs. Also, don’t forget
about your local newspaper classifieds section,
as many people still prefer to advertise in the
print media. Your local ATV dealership may be
another source for used ATVs, as many dealers
will allow trade-ins of older quads toward the
purchase of new bikes. In most cases, these ATVs
have been inspected by their service department
and might even come with a short warranty.
Dealerships will vary, so check their policies
on used bikes.
When you find that bike you are interested
in, one of the first things you should
immediately notice upon approaching the bike is
the condition of the plastic. Of course, the
condition of the plastic has no bearing on the
mechanical condition of the bike. However, it
may be an indication of how the bike has been
treated or if it has been involved in any
serious wrecks. Also, ATV plastic is expensive
and if the bike you are looking at has cracked
or broken plastic, you should keep in mind the
replacement cost and use this as a price
negotiating point.
Check
the condition of tires. Worn tires could
be a safety hazard. |
Another one of the first things you should
immediately notice is the condition of the
tires. Again, ATV tires can be expensive and
worn tires can be a safety hazard on the trails.
Before hitting the trails, your ATV tires should
be in good condition. While you are looking at
the tires, check out the rims for cracks, bends,
or warping.
You should also look for are any tears, rips, or
separated seams in the seat. While riding, the
seat is often put through heavy stress due to
constant body movements by the rider. As a
result, ATV seats sometimes tear or come apart.
However, these can usually be repaired or a seat
cover can be purchased.
Carefully inspect the stress points of
the frame, including welds and A-arms. |
Now that you have inspected a few of the easily
viewable areas, get some help and carefully
raise the front of the bike and place the bike
onto the rear grab bar. With the bike in this
position, inspect the undercarriage of the ATV
for any apparent dents or frame damage. Be sure
to pay close attention to the A-arms and areas
where the frame intersects and check the welded
areas for any breaks or cracks. Any rusty areas
should be looked at closely for cracks. Minor
damage can usually be repaired by welding and
repainting the affected area.
Using a jack, raise the front end of the bike
and shake the handlebars to check for play.
Also, grab each wheel and try to move it in and
out, up and down, and from side to side, looking
for any play, meaning possible worn wheel
bearings or ball joints. Next, jack up the rear
of the bike and perform the same checks on the
rear wheels.
Check
the oil, look for dark, black, or
"Chocolate milk" oil. |
Also, check the oil to make sure proper levels
are maintained. Also, check to color of the oil.
Dark, or black oil could be a sign it hasn’t
been changed in a long time. If the oil is
watery, and looks like chocolate milk, water has
leaked into the oil. Also, look for any small
metal flakes in the oil.
Check the front and rear brake pads, rotor, and
brake fluid. Also, check for any broken or
cracked cables. Engage the parking brake and
make sure it is functioning properly as well.
On 4x4 ATVs, inspect the CV joint boots. If
there are any cracks, breaks, or places where
water could penetrate the boot and cause
expensive repairs. Also, remove the front and
rear differential plugs and inspect the oil.
Again, if the oil looks like chocolate milk,
water has contaminated the fluid.
You should also inspect the air box and air
filter. Look for evidence of water in the air
box. Water trapped in the air box could result
in costly engine repairs. Changing the air
filter is an important part of ATV maintenance,
make sure the filter is clean and in relatively
new condition.
Inspect
the chain and sprockets for rust and
wear. |
Look at the chain and sprockets for wear and
rust. The teeth on the sprockets should not be
worn, bent, or crooked. There should be no rust
visible and ask the owner how often the chain
and sprockets where lubricated. In addition,
inquire as to how often all of the fluids where
changed and service performed.
Ask the owner if he still has a copy of the
owner’s manual and if the bike has a clear
title. You should check to see if a title is
required in your state. In some states a bill of
sale with the vehicle identification number is
sufficient. The vehicle identification number is
stamped on the ATV engine.
Finally, start the ATV and check the headlights,
taillights, and engine shut off. If it’s a 4x4,
engage the 4x4 and make sure it is working
properly. You should ride the ATV and determine
if the bike is pulling to the left or right.
Also, check for sufficient power and a
responsive throttle.
There are a lot of reasons a seller may wish to
sell an ATV. Of course, the best scenario is to
find a seller who simply never had time to ride
the bike and the bike is still in new condition.
Also, as previously stated, buying used from a
dealer is also a good option as these bikes have
usually been professionally inspected. However,
this is not always an option, so older, more
“broken in” bikes sometimes become the only
option. In any case, the tips described in this
article should be used as a simple guide in an
effort to help avoid a potential money pit or a
new piece of lawn art.
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