In my quest to find an ATV, I just came across a 2002 Sportsman 500 4x4. It appears to be in good shape, but it says that it needs a right rear half-shaft. The owner says he took it out, and the quad is not driveable. Is there a way to put it together without the shaft so I can test ride it? He only wants $1200 for it, and it looks nice otherwise. I'd hate to pass it up, but at the same time I don't want to buy it and discover more problems.

He said it was clicking, so he took it apart with the intent to buy a new one. He said he lost his job and needs the money. Seemed legit, but you never know. Basically I just wanted to know how hard it would be to get it rolling so I could ride it before buying it if that's possible.



Thanks,
Joey

 

If the drive shaft is still complete you can stick it back in to test,but without it all you can do is jack the machine up front and rear,test the gears,clutch operation, transmission for any major noise , the awd function(just have in gear and switch the awd on, both front tires should turn and disconnect without either tire locked in constant. You can test this 3 legged dog enough to tell if has major problems or not,plus you should be able to tell if he's just trying to walk way from it or trying to pawn it off on someone else pretty quick! BUT,just my on this one,IF he wanted to get the most $ out of the atv, cost of a drive shaft shouldn't be the only thing holding him back from replacing it? He could get this cost back and more if the machine is decent. OPT

 

Yeah I was kind if thinking that too. He lives about 45 minutes away, but he said he had to come pretty close by my house and said he could bring it with him or me to look at. I guess it's worth a look but it still makes me nervous. I wish I knew somebody with a spare shaft I could put in it and ride it.