Parts are hard to get for a 20 year old ATV. Bad news if you want to fix it but great news if you want to part it out.

 

Best quote I think I've heard on the older machines.

 

My first attempt at 4 wheeler repair (and ownership for that matter) was a 87 Yamaha Moto 4. It was sort of the "pioneer" of 4 wheelers with many parts (including the entire engine) swapping into Yamaha's 3 wheelers. I bought it knowing it had a transmission knocking noise. Cheap price and it was going to be my winter fix up project. Good solid bike, 2wd, basic and plastics in good shape. With a manual in hand, I carefully started tearing into it so see the source of the noise. Clutch?....nope. Tranny?.....nope. Turned out it was a balancer gear on the crank. To fix it, I would have needed to split the case, all new gaskets, etc. Way more than I wanted to get into. Few months went past with it torn to bits and covered up. All parts, bolts, etc. marked in baggies. Someone posted an on-line ad looking for one and away it went. Baggies and all.

Sometimes, people want some one else's failed project as an opportunity.

 

Thanks for the positive input guys. I've been debating on what to do and haven't decided if I'm going to just ride it or part it out. I think I like Jacksons past experience.


I'll try to put the 4x4 together and if that works then great. Ill wait for something else to go wrong. Once I'm stumped i'll sell the atv for parts. I feel like it will be a great learning experience anyway I take it.


I need to find a wife a atv now so I'll wait until I fix the 4x4 and understand quads abit more. I'm thinking of diversifying and getting a Honda 400ex, since I think we both would like that riding style. Then I should be able to tear into stuff with more confidence. Thanks guys!