I'm going to be buying a used ATV really soon. I was wondering if some people could give me a unbiased opinion on what i should look to buy. I'm looking at any of the 450's, a predator 525(because i heard the 500's have junk motors), or a raptor 660 (because i cant afford a used 700).

Some guys wants to sell me a 2004 yamaha 450 with a fresh top end for 2700. Good deal? Also, why does every used 450 have a fresh rebuilt topend? Do they break real easy?

Any advice will be appreciated. I've been out of the ATV scene for awhile.

 

welcome! what exactly IS your price range? do you want a 2wd or 4wd?

 

Thanks,

My price range is under 3k. I want a 2wd racing ATV, like a 450 or 660.

 

I'm not sure why you would say the predator 500 motor is "junk". I have had two now without any problems whatsoever. I don't know anyone who has one that has had any engine problems. They didn't have reverse until 2005 and before that the transmissions were problematic. You can find a good used 05 for around 3k or less. I'm certain you wouldn't find a good running 525 as they are much newer. I do believe the 525 (ktm) motor requires more maintenance...more frequent oil changes and valve adjustments; much like the 450's. Don't hold me to it, it is just what I have heard and read, but I haven't owned one.

I would stay away from the raptor 660. I had one. They suck! The 700 is a huge improvement and well worth the extra money!

You didn't mention what type of riding you plan to do. That would help us steer you in the right direction. But, generally, the better used atv's in you price range or the suzuki z400 (had an 03, loved it!), the Honda 400ex and the predator 500....in no particular order.

Just my 2 cents.....

 

Doesn't KTM make the Predator motor??? The dirt bike motors have an excellent reputation. Don't know anything first hand about the frame, however.

Avoid the 660, like has been mentioned.

All of the 450's are pretty close and all are workable.

The Z400 is good advice, as well!

 

They quit making the "predator" in 2007. That motor was built by Fuji (Subaru). The integrated the predator into the "outlaw" line, giving us the option of IRS or straight axle, which is the predator. That motor (525) is built by KTM. I've heard polaris and ktm severed their relationship. I don't know what that means for the future power plant for the outlaw.

 

I have a 2004 Predator 500 and it is one hell of a good quad. It runs neck and neck with all the 450's in a drag, turns amazingly well, and is more comfortable as a trail machine. It has been dead reliable too, with less maintenance than a 450. The only thing I wish was different is I wish it was an '05 or newer so it would have reverse. For the price, the predator simply cannot be beat.

 

The Predator uses a 500 Fugi but its not the same 500 Fugi in the Scrambler. its a DOHC that makes 48hp while the Scrambler's SOHC makes 35HP.

The Outlaw 525 is the KTM 510cc motor that makes 53HP.

 

The 450s and the KTM motored outlaws all have short skirted pistons that need more frequent replacement than a more traditional design such as the raptor or 500 Pred. That is why you see more that are advertised as being rebuilt. In your price range you are probably looking at an 04/05 vintage YFZ or Honda 450R, or the Raptor, Predator, Z400, 400EX models. From personal experience, the YFZ 450 is a reliable and tough quad. That or the Honda 450 would be what I was looking at unless lower maintenance was a priority. You certainly could find a nicely upgraded(wider) 660 Raptor tht would work as well. I have never been 100% sold on the Pred. A lot of people will come on here and say they had one, it was the best, etc, etc. I have looked at umpteen million used ones around my area because they are usually advertised at a decent price. I have yet to find one that doesn't look suspect.

 

A lot of great quads out there... the Honda 450R is a great quad but try and get an 06 or newer not that the 04-05 are bad quads but the 06+ is a bit faster and that's when the electric start became available. The other 450's are also great ATV's.

The Suzuki Z400 is one of if not the the best 400 on the market and it has reverse and a great motor, the Honda 400EX is also a great quad and the 05's and up have a reverse gear and these bikes are known for reliability and upgrade-ability.

I'm not a fan of Polaris because of their reliability but I imagine they have gotten a lot better.