What constitutes high mileage on a late model used rancher, foreman utility quad? I see ads all the time for 2001 and 2002 bikes with mileages anywhere from 1200 up to as many as 4000. That seems like an awful lot. Are the number of hours more important? Your thoughts?

 

I've got 6.000 on my 2001 rancher

 

i have 2800kms on my rancher that i bought in late january

 

I think you have to pay attention to both, hour and miles. I have 3,775 (400+ hours) miles on my foreman 400 4x4, and its still a great machine in pretty good shape, and still as reliable as ever. Just look the machine over, and ride it, and if it seems fine then it probably is.

 

Divide # of miles by # of hours to get average miles per hour. A really low average means the quad was used for utility work, in tough technical terrain often, or both. A Honda with 2000 miles is likely to be better than similar machines with the same hours. On some quads (Yam) the speedo is easy to disconnect, so the odometer isn't always accurate. Overall condition and, even better, a full mechanical inspection by a professional will be your best guides. Good luck, my 450S Foreman was awesome with 2K miles, only problem was the standard muffler rattle from loose baffle.

 

I would pull out the spark plug and see if it has ever been changed. I would also check the oil and look inside the air filter box for signs of mud or water, and the condition of the air filter. Some of this might give you an idea if the ATV has been taken care of. If I was going to buy a used one I would also put the front end on a milk create and wiggle the wheels back and forth and the steering and do the same in the rear to look for loose or worn suspension. If someone has a nice and sound ATV they are not going to mind you checking it out. After all, it is your money. There are some out there that are low mileage, just don't be in a hurry.

 

I seen a 2000 450 Foreman with 40,000kms on it before. It was owned by Newfoundland Hydro it was at our local Honda dealership for servicing. The local dealer was also trying to sell a 2001 Rancher with 27,000 kms on it. They wanted $6000 Canadian for it.