I am getting ready to pick up a 1999 400ex. I was wondering what I need to look for/ where to look to make sure the bike isn't damaged

 

rust, scrached up plastic, bald tires, etc..

 

Where are you located? How much is the 99 400EX?

 

I am in Kansas City, 1999 400ex holeshot xct all the way around, great tread . FmF power core slip on. $3000

 

When buying anything used try to get a feel for what kind of person the owner is. Good judgement, knowledge of the bike/quad, etc... Ask him of what kind of riding he did and how often he changed the oil and did regular maintenance. Honda did a great job on making the 400ex but that doesnt mean they wont wear more under neglect. HTH

 

ask the guy if he ever raced it.

racers take care of their machines.

your probably thinking if it was raced, its worn out. think again! racers replace parts a lot.

 

If you stand it on the grab bar, you get a good view of the bottom of the quad. You can check for bent and rusty stuff under there. The way the tranny shifts is real important. Look at the top clamp of the steering stem, to see if has been bent. Take the seat off and check the seat and the stuff under the seat. Check the air filter to see if it's dirty. Take off the filter and see it there is dirt in the intake.

 

The spot that I have had cracks on my ( I don't race) frame is:
Where the peg mounts to the frame, in the gusset there.
Head stay bolt.
Subframe:Where the tab is welded on to the subframe that goes in to the frame on the bottom.

 

I agree with HA2, get a feel for how the owner treated it. The guy I got mine off of admitted he liked to go to the track but he took care of it.