I have no experience with anything besides cars and I just bought an 84 honda ATC 200 that runs good but I have two problems.
1. The pull string broke Sunday, is this a simple fix??
2. Its an automatic five speed and when I put it in first and give it gas it revs high and barely moves and then it kicks in after a long time. Also it is hard to put it in nuetral when its running but when I shut it off it goes right in. What is this problem? Do I need to replace the centrifugal clutch, and if so, is this a difficult task?
I am fairly mechanical, so I dont want to pay someone to fix it. Please help I was only able to ride it once and I'm so excited to ride it again.
Thanks in advance.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

Replacing the cord isn't to bad, I've done it 5 times on my 185. You have to take the back apart, but do not pull the housing out that has the coil spring in it, a real pain to put back together, yoo will be able to thread the new rope and wind the the housing. I have a spare recoil I keep just in case it breaks when ridding. Sounds like your right about the clutch. Never have replaced one yet. Have you changed the oil ? good luck

 

Well it has an auto clutch...so I would try to adjust it. And change the oil, make sure the chain is adjusted correctly.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
Nice find how much did you pay for it?

 

Hello. On my buddy's 200 the pull cord is pretty easy to fix. Pretty much all you have to do is make sure that watch what you are doing and don't let the coil spring come out. It certainly does sound like a clutch issue your having. Before spending money definitely try adjusting the clutch.

Good luck
Marc

 

I got it for $200. I saw it on the side of the road, and although I've never owned anything like that something told me to do it. Supposedly its bored out and has new rings, but from my experience buying used cars I'm not sure if I believe it. It runs sweet though, three pulls and it idles up nicely. Anyway since I dont yet have a book for it, can some one kind of shed some light on how to adjust the clutch? Does it have something to do with that rod that sticks out below the pull rope housing, that moves when I shift?? Just an idea, I'm trying to figure out what that is. Anyway thanks everyone that replied, without the help I'd be lost and without a ride.....

 

yep that shaft that sticks out below the pullstart is a gear select indicator, basically just for looks. dont do anything, the pullstart can be a pain in the rear, ive replaced mine like a million times, i gave up on it, so i just wrap the rope around the cage and let her rip, [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] works fine. just takes longer to start,
the clutch is easy to adjust, with it idling, there is a flat head screw on the right hand side with a lock nut, u loosen the lock nut and turn the flat head till snug, then i beleive u turn it back out like 1/4 turn.
i will check tonight, i have the manual at home.
yes. change the oil. and keep the chain tight, i did that, and i keep stretching my chains, i also have mudsharks on mine.
any other questions, just let me know.
(i will repost tonight if i remember to check the manual, other wise shoot me an email at polaris336@aol.com if u have any more questions ill be happy to help u out.)