Hello

I'd like to pick up an ATV to use :
1) For hunting in CO. @ 10,000 ft elevation for mule deer and elk (@ 500-600lbs)
2) recreationally on weekends in CO, since I'll own one.

After the serious sticker shock at the local Yamaha / Polaris dealer, where the salesman reccomended a 07 Yamaha Grizzly 450 4x4 for $6299, I'm thinking I need a used one.

I've never owned a motorcycle, snowmobile, etc...

What would be a good choice for my intended purpose for say $2000 give or take ?

Or without mechanical / small engine experience, would you avoid a used machine ?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

u want to spens around 2k ,and u want to put the dedd elk and deer where exactly. after u answer this . i will give u some chooses.

 

Carcasses ( That's the dead deer & elk ) to ride on the front / back racks of ATV , I'm definately looking for a utility type quad.

When I take elk, I'll make two trips if necessary from load weight.

Thanks

 

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In the $2,000. catagory, you probably won't have a lot of choices for a very new quad. However, most quads are about the same as to space to carry a deer on the front. A trailer gives more room. One thing about a used one is that it gives you an idea of what to look for in your next one. Most people don't know what to buy for their first quad, anyway.

If you have never ridden anything, I would recommend some instruction on how to ride before going anywhere. It's very easy to get in trouble if you don't know what you're doing. One thing that can help is belonging to an ATV club where some members can help. You won't be using it for hunting anymore this year, so you have time to learn what to do before difficult forest riding in poor weather during hunting season next fall.

GJRonK

 

Take a look at the newly redesigned 07 Honda Rancher 420. This is going to turn out to be the best value in all of off-roading! Fuel injection (!), water cooled, selectable 2wd/4wd, disc brakes, etc. Everything you need, but not a bunch of "features" that you don't need, that will just drive the price up! MSRP is $5,200 (I think).

If $2,000 is your absolute limit, try a used Honda Rancher 350. I have owned two, and they are solid, absolutely trouble free machines.

 

check out www.atvtraderonline.com for quads in your area/price range.

 

GJRonK and reconranger - Thanks for the replies.

GJRonK - Do you know of any clubs in the state ?

I've got a buddy who has a Sportsman 500 HO, but has hardly used it in 2-3 yrs. Bought it along with a smaller 4x2 for his son. He doesn't want to sell it, but he may be my riding buddy if I pick one up.

I was definately hoping to pick one up by spring so I can get some riding experience in before hunting season next fall.

Do you guys have any tips as far as what to look for when looking at a used machine ?
Any specific questions to ask ?
I assume at the $2000 mark I'd be looking at a 1999-2001 range - how many hours / miles are considered a lot or what should I be looking to avoid ?

Thanks

JD

 

well it depends i know people with 8k on polraris that have'nt fallen apart yet. mileage is'nt as a big of a deal if its be treated right.

 

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ColoradoJD,
We have a club in my area that likes to pillage and burn. If you're into P&B, send me a PM.

Also, it's hard to suggest a club when I have no idea what part of the state you are from. You may want to post on another site: www.atvcolorado.com There are people there from around the state.

I haven't bought too many used machines, but there are five things I can suggest you check. One: run your finger inside the tailpipe. If it's oily, it burns oil--needs an overhaul. Two: look at the air cleaner under any cloth outer filter cover. If it's clean, the engine has probably had some care. Three: grab the top of the tires and wiggle hard. If they wiggle, the bearings are loose and the bike has possibly been used hard. Four: look at tires and rims. See if the tire wear matches what the seller says. You can figure most tires should go about five to six thousand unless used hard. If the wheels are dinged up, it has been ridden in rocks and the bottom and frame may have cracks. Five: get on it and ride it a little and check the four S's. See how it shifts, sounds, steers and stops. You can figure what these things check.

Some would tell you to check the oil, but I would just ask how the oil, filters, and plugs are. It's easy to keep clean oil in a motor it it's not a detergent or synthetic as they don't suspend dirt too well. This is how someone keeping up the bike on the cheap does it. Also, unless it's beat to heck, the scratches and dings from branches or carrying stuff or boot marks and minor rust on the wheels are not important at all.

Take this list with you. You won't remember all these things.

GJRonK

 

Dear Mr. ColoradoJD500, Never ever never buy any atv that any dealer or salesman recommends. The dealers and salesmen only care about themselves and the will recommend a certain model because they make a high profit or they are overstocked. Ur going to have a hard time finding a good used 4x4 for under $2K. The dealers around my area are selling brand new 06 leftover Eigers and Ranchers for $3995. These 2 are not as fast and don't have the quick acceleration as the bigger 4x4's but they will go anywhere and haul the same weight as any bigger atv. Find out what one you want, talk to ur friends that own atv's and make up ur mind, then go to the dealer. You have to understand its different buying an atv then buying a car. The owners of most atv dealerships are lowlife, fly by night crooked business people, they are not ur friend, around here if anybody would walk in to a dealer and said they have a limit of $2K to spend the dealer or the salesmen would call you dirty names, insult you and throw you out the door.