I was wondering if anyone has had to replace their output shaft (also called countershaft) on a Forman. I snapped the u-joint going up a hill and bouncing on a tree root as I went up. When the back wheels hopped and caught traction it snapped the rear u-joint. Not wanting to wait on the dealer to do the warranty work, I got a new U-Joint ($47) and was putting it on when I noticed the output shaft was bent and had a nice wobble to it. I guess I'm going to have to take it in now, but was wondering how hard this shaft is to replace. I'm going to see what I can work out with my dealer to get it back in two weeks for the big ride in Marshall/Karnack, TX. We'll see how it goes. Any comments would be appreciated!!

 

Yikes, that doesn't sound good. Are you running big and/or wide tires?

 

Yes, I am running the lift and the big tires. I took everything off and made the bike look like new, but of course the dealer doesn't want to warranty it. They said it would take two weeks just to look at it to see if the warranty would cover it, but said more than likely I would have to pay a couple thousand to fix it. Needless to say the engine will be on my workbench tonight and the parts will be here Friday. The parts were cheap - only $35 for the shaft, but I had to buy several gaskets, etc because the whole engine has to come apart. I have to take the cylinder off and split the case. If you ever need inexpensive Honda parts call Service Honda 1-800-828-5498. They have beat the dealers here in Houston by 30-50%.

 

Now I know for SURE that I am sticking to Honda 300 4x4. No machine has a more proven track record for reliability and toughness.

 

Yeah, my little 97 Honda 300 4x4, has been to hell and back and I've only had to replace the bearings once and brakes a couple of times. My 300 has the lift and Vampires too, it just seems to take the abuse. My 2000 Foreman has already had the all the front ball joints, bearings, and seals replaced along with brakes and one brake seal. Don't buy the extended warranty, it doesn't cover squat unless the thing breaks just sitting in your garage. After all this hassle, I really appreciate my Grizzly now!!