I am considering buying a DS, and my main concern is the durability/reliability of the chassis and motor. Has anyone had any of these problems?

85 ATC200X Clean
92 Timberwolf Mean

 

I'm not look for responses from people that want to bash manufacturers. Just some honest facts.

 

I only know one bent axel from a 250+lb rider and most people found it hard to believe. The only thing I know that bends on the DS are the wheels. They need to have reinforced ring installed.

 

From what I've read in these forums and personally experienced, the DS is a very solid machine. Ofcourse, every new machine has it's quirks and they all have to be worked out by the manufacturer. Yes the DS rims are kinda on the weak side, but consider what type of terrain you will be riding on. I'll be honest, i like many others were choosing between the DS and the Raptor. If you read the threads in the Yamaha section there is alot of talk about frames and all other parts bending. Here in the DS threads you can see that Bombardier has had their share of problems too. Like I said every new machine will have it's own little quirks and it sounds like Bombardier has gotten closer to working them all out. Not bad timing at all considering they are going on their 3rd year if I'm correct. Well I hope this helps you out. I just ordered my jet kit so I know I'll really be loving my DS by the end of this coming weekend.

 

Thanks for the replies. I ride on rocky terrain about half the time. Does anyone know what a decent set of skidplates for the DS will run me?

85 ATC200X Clean
92 Timberwolf Mean

 

www.graydonproline.com

 

here is one morehttp://www.prm-atv.com/products.htm#bombardier

 

I BENT THE AXLE ON MY DS ON A 6 FOOT JUMP.THERE WAS ONLY 5 HOURS ON THE MACHINE.BOMBARDIER DID NOT STAND BEHIND.I READ IN DIRTWHEELS THAT THEY BENT AN A-ARM SLIGHTLY AFTER SOME POUNDING.

 

AC racing makes a full skid,bumpers,6 pack rack and many rear grab bars for the DS.They fit nice and look great.I also have OMF rims with reinforcing rings,they have held up for around 1000 miles of desert pounding and still look new
Bearman

 

I think its safe to say that axles will be an item eventually bent by many folks that ride hard no matter what the manufacturer. The OEM rims on sport bikes are all pretty readily dented as well, this applies to Raptors, DS's, Mojaves, and 400ex's in my experience. I think the safe bet is to expect to replace these items with tougher aftermarket equipment, bending A-arms is a bit more disappointing and expensive, however. The A-arms on my DS have held up though I did replace the axle with an aftermarket unit.