I'm considering a used 450 from around 2006-2008 and it is "race ready" now i've heard that may be a problem because people who race quads usually beat them up. What should i look for in photos or in person to see if the quad is as good as a dealer says? From what i've seen it looks fine (no rust). My price range is like $2000-3000 roughly.

 

The ltr 450 would be good as well as a trx 450. They usually aren't that beat, look for dirt and mud because most actual "race ready" quads are clean and tight because they are supposed to be. Many people say race ready when they just throw on a slip on and aftermarket plastics. Make sure everything is CLEAN many people also make them racers and take them mudding

 

You need to check the frame for signs of stress, notably around the shock mounts, foot peg area, and any welds. All bushings and bearings should be tight, little to no slop.

Since it is fairly easy to replace EVERYTHING on a quad right up to the frame, a race machine isn't necessarily bad. How maintenance intensive the seller has been is the bigger picture. I know my machines may not always look showroom fresh, but I always take strong measures to insure all parts are in good, serviceable order. DNF sucks, but DNF due to poor machine prep is like throwing $$ down the drain!

 

when you say "weld" maybe a weld that has weakened? or a repair? I plan on buying through the internet and have it shipped since i really cannot find the right deal near me, if i were to run into a problem like that would it be easy or cheap to fix? Also what is DNF?

Well the Suzuki LTR450 looks like a great quad though.

 

DNF is Did Not Finish.

 

Yes, welded joints are usually areas where stress can weaken the frame. A sure sign of impending problems would be paint that has cracked. Welds and areas like shock mounts/foot pegs are where you can expect to see problems first. If you can weld than it is a cheap fix. Take it to someone and it still shouldn't cost to much. I don't know of a lot of frame issues with the modern 450s anyways. If you did have a problem it may be from crash damage.

 

Stay away from the once owed by teenagers who look like rappers with their ball cap on sideways and have the machine covered with racing stickers and logos.

Chances are high its been through the ringer.