check how well the owner maintained the bike
-inspect all the fasteners (bolts, nuts, screws etc...) for damage, rounding stripping etc... This is a sure sign that the owner didn't take the maintenance seriously because he didn't buy the right tools or didn't bother learning how to use them correctly.
-Check the weep hole under the water pump cover for leakage, check the oil condition (another sign of proper maint.)
-Look at the oil filter cover and fasteners to see if you tell if they have ever changed the filter.
-Check the water condition and use an antifreeze tester to see if they bothered maintaining that.
-Check the a-arm bushings, are they dry or have they been lubed.
-Check the a-arm ball joints, are they dry or have they been lubed.
-Check for signs of excessive heat buildup in the engine - discoloration or deterioration of finish.
-If they replaced items on the bike, do they still have the original parts? It could be that the parts were damaged in a wreck or via neglect, or they may just have sold the old stuff.
-is the bike clean (no dirt stuck inbetween frame gussetts or in radiator)
-check out the screws on the carb bowl and slide cover for mistreatment (usually these screws are crap and need to be replaced when rejetting the first time.)

check what type of use the bike has had
-Make sure the axle is straight.
-Make sure the steering stem is straight.
-Make sure the handlebars are straight.
-Make sure the rims are straight.
-Like mentioned above, check footpeg/heelguard wear.
-Plastic scratched badly (could be a wreck, could be tree branches or just boots)
-fender supports bent (probably been rolled)
-ask where they rode it, and how many hours they estimate it has (sounds like a lot to me)

anyway that's what I look at...

 

Awesome man,

that is exactly what I wanted.

Thanks for taking the time.

Very Appreciated. If anyone has any thing to add, go ahead.

thanks

 

hey spinner where are you from? my bubby is selling his 2000. he changed the y-arms and put timmy boy arms. also its got a timmy boy sterring stem. were in so cal. just a thought.

 

the clutch sounds like the springs but it could be wear $100 fix
look the frame over real well looking for bends.
the engine is bullet proof in stock form, not much that could hurt it bad, but if the dealer would it isn't real hard to do compression checks but do a search on hear, to see proper way on the ds.
rear axle bearings seem to go once in a while but another rider said he found his at napa for $20.
look at the chain and sprockets if they are stock see what kind of wear they have that will help with the time on the quad, mine had a black steel 40 tooth stock, if it is brand new then it is hard to call.

 

Blasterdevil, im in eastern canada, but thanks anyway.

Yea sandman, i'll check the frame and if it's possible compression test would be good.

How can you tell if the rear axle bearings are shot or going to die soon??

Thanks

 

anyone?

 

How do I check if fan still works ????

 

Oh dear god,

I have found the sweetest DS deal.

2000 DS 650 with the whole kit. I don't know in detail yet, but he says it has over 3500$ in aftermarket stuff (mostly in the engine), it has almost brand new Dominators and Bear Claws on the rear. No damage to anything. Comes with a suit, helmet, 5x8 utility trailer to pull it in and all the original parts. It was stored all winter and supposedly barely used and low hours.

I'm so excited I won't sleep a wink tonight. Going to see it tomorrow and hopefully come home with it.

Whoooo hooooo.

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