i want to buy a 1981 honda 185s but im not sure what i am looking for to make sure i dont get ripped off , other then tires and making sure it runs and that the lights work is there anything else i should be looking for any help would be great.

 

Just like buying a used car, look at the overall condition of the atv, does it look like it was cared for or road hard. When I bought mine I made sure that frame did not show excessive rust spots other than the normal surface rust. Take it for a spin, does it shift firmly, the brakes may need replacing, which is common and not a big factor in my opinion. Does all of the electrical swithces work? After you complete your insepction, you must weigh the pros and the cons and make a decision. Hope this helped

 

what's the most these go for and do you know anything about the yamaha yt 125 trike cause i found one super cheap but cheap is not always good the guy i talked to said he has problems starting it and every yamaha i know is the same for some reason or another i guess what im asking is what in ur opion is the better buy a honda or a yamaha thanks for your help

 

My honda sat for ten years under a cover porch. the rain eventually rusted the back right rim. I bought is because of the condition of the rest of the trike, it had surface rust and nothing more. The owner was smart enough to drain the tank before he parked it. My neighbor told me that hondas are durable and lasts which my trike proves his point. I know nothing about the Yamaha. maybe someone will reply to that part of your question. My 84 went for 450 I believe. The only thing I had to do was change the oil, and spark plug.

 

Generally The Yamaha trikes were faster but the hondas were relaible. I this case I would say the 185s is a better trike, better deal i don't know.

There are all sorts on things to look for when buying this trike:

Check for good spark (blue on spark plug tip)
Is it running rich/lean? pull the spark plug and look at the color.
Look inside the gas tank to see if its rusty.
Is the vin # on the frame ground off?
Does the owner have a clear title? Maybe get the # run at the police station.
Is the frame bent? or plastic cracked?
When you start it up does it smoke out the exhaust?
Does the pullstart have snappy recoil?
Is the engine hard to pull over?
Does it make any unusual sounds?
Is the decompression system working?
Do all lights/switches work?
Does it wheelie good? Lol

If any parts need to be replaced, check on bikebandit.com first to see if honda has discontinued them.