A buddy of mine is looking at an 02 700 sportsman to buy..but it says the 4X4 switch is bad and it needs u-joints...wants $2200 which seems fair for what it needs but:

- how hard are u-joints to do?

and does it make sense that a 4X4 switch can go bad from sitting in storage for a year?..seller said it worked but when he pulled it out of storage it didnt werk...???...

thanks for any help .

 

May not be the switch? Could be the plastic roll cage in the front gear case has cracked? This was a problem area! Plus 2002 to early 2004 model 700s had a bad problem on the Ducati ignition system going out unexpectedly! About $475 to replace it with the updated kit! Might be best to test the switch to see if 12 volts is going to the front gear case if you're able to before you jump on this one,unless it's really clean and prepared to sink some more $ in it? Front prop shaft is fairly easy to remove and replace the u-joints,but if its the rear prop shaft between the transmission and rear gear case,the rear gear case has to be moved back to pull the prop shaft out. Better check this atv out carefully! OPT

 

thanks opt....maybe your "ignition " comments relate to this from the ad for the quad.... ..."brand new stator, brand new cdi/ignition coil..."

and are the u-joints just "mechanical" to replace...as to say...pull it apart, replace them and put it back together...just do it...or are they an exceptional pain in the a$$..or special tools...etc

 

This might be in your favor then if he's already had this done,but still check it out carefully!! OPT

 

10-4 OPT....thanks a lot....we are bolth mechanical orioented but ATV's are a little different animal with there systems....don't wanna get in over yer head fer sure.

thanks

 

Depending on what you are willing to risk on a used bike I would really make sure of what OPT talked about. As an owner of a 2003 600twin I know the issues and I would not buy a used one unless it for sure had the upgraded Komsaku (sp) ingnition. If it hasd just replacement parts with the Ducati ignition plan on spending the $475 for parts only. the system will fail. Also, you need to verify the issue better with the 4wd. If the front cage is busted it is also another repair that in't really cheap to fix....

 

how would one be able to tell if the ignition has been upgraded from the ducati to the komsaku ignition?

 

You have to remove the front rack and pop the front panel to check. If it's just been patched up with Ducati parts you will see only a big combo cdi/coil pack with the words Ducati on it. If has the updated Kokusan system you will have a separate cdi and coil. Easy enough to tell. OPT

 

Awesome....thanks opt

 

If you read though this you can buy replacement u joints at Napa or any other auto parts store for less. Make a list of common numbers we need