I'm a pitbike rider and I need some help. My wife wants a 250 ex. We found someone that had 2 for sale- both 2003 , one red one yellow. They said the red one was rolled, had new front plastics replaced and the handlebars are a little bent. This was rode by their teenage son. This one's up for $2000. I don't know much about quads but she rode it and said it feels like the ride was not smooth. She said that it felt like it was bumpy... like having a bent axle or slightly uneven tires...hard to explain.
The yellow one had the same ride, and they told us that the wife rode it only (of course) and that they needed new front plastics cause she ran into the back of the red one. Can these get some frame damage from something like that? I also noticed that both had low idles and stalled when they started them, they said they haven't rode them much, and they kept on revving them. Anyway they said the yellow one is for $2500 cause the mom rode it and also cause they just got it serviced because it wouldn't start! I asked them what the dealer said was wrong with it and the dad didn't even know.

When I asked them about changing oil and the air filer, normal stuff- they father was clueless and said his friend did it.

I have a funny feeling they didn't change the oil, stored it for a long time and didn't prep it for storage, and that they don't know anything about the darn quads.

Can someone respond and let me know if any of these things are normal, and if any of those prices are a good deal?

 

with all that damage done to both id give 1500-2k for both max. u figure its going to need a complete lookover and fixings. no its not normal. there both abused. i bet the never changed the oil in em either. skip them. think brand new they go for 3500. all beat up 4 yrs old they want those numbers. they are nuts.

 

These are great little machines, and tough as nails. Fun to ride, but not as cush as a big sport quad. There was a post a few years ago from a guy who had it serviced at the dealer, and they didn't put oil back in it. His kid rode it for half a day before it finally seized up.........

Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it on a clean white towel. If it is real dirty, no doubt it has been neglected.

The airbox is under the seat, so pull the cover off and see what kind of shape the air filter is in. If it's all choked with Arizona dust, then it's buyer beware. Ask them to let you take the filter off, and wipe the inside of the intake with a clean white cloth. If you come up with dust, then find another machine.

If they sat for a long time no doubt the carb is clogged up, so that might explain the idle problem. Then again, they might just need the idle screw turned in a little.

The frames are tough, so one would need a pretty big crash to bend one. Tires might be out of round if it sat a long time with them low. That should improve on the first ride. Take a crate with you and put it up on it and spin the wheels. That should detect a bent rim or bent axle.

One important thing, did they ever have the valves adjusted..........even once after it was broken in???? And, did they ever change the lube in the rear drive???? The spark plug????

I would say you are taking a chance, but not an unreasonable one if the price is very very low. You will no doubt have to do some rehab in any case.

Don't know what prices are like there, so I am at a loss to advise you what a good price would be.............

 

Great suggestions Recon! We actually decided to stick to our gut feelings and pass on these. I tinker enough on my bikes to know any rider who cares about his bike/quad should at least know how to change the airfilter! Thanks!

 

I have an 01. Bought the very first one my dealer got in. I knew that if this machine was nothing more than a Recon without racks, it would still be a superb machine. And, just bought a new 06...........

If you can afford a new one, get an 06/07 (might find a deal on a left over 06). They make some nice improvements on the 06/07's, that make them a lot nicer than the older ones.

Also, keep in mind that like most quads/bikes, the stock tires are lame! I replaced mine with the new ITP TracStars, and wow does it improve the quads handling!

 

dont waste ur time, you already answered ur own question they rode like crap, u can get a new left over new 06 for3300 to3500 easy

 

Don't buy the quads. I would look some where else. Their is a dead fish in that pond and it stinks.......I have a honda 400ex and these machines can take a beating. But when the father does not know anything about the quads, i would walk away. I bet the kids beat up the quads behind mommy and daddys back. There are allways better deals and machines that are out there....just have to look