I had a 250X that I liked, now I need to replace it.

A 400EX would be a great step up, but no reverse until '05. An '05 is out of my price range.

I like the looks of a Raptor 350 but they seem to be few and far between.

I read in an Ebay listing that a Kawasaki KFX400, Arctic Cat DVX400 and Suzuki Z400 are very similar. Is it just motor size, is it the same motor, or is it more than that?

Finally, is there a bike that is 400cc, manual clutch, has reverse, electric start, reasonable plastic for (occasional) mud and snow, has at least a 6 pack rack available, and I could feel reasonably comfortable letting my 17 year old cousin take for a spin? Do I need a Valet switch?

I looked at a 300EX yesterday, '00, last before the SportTrax body style. VGC, a few scratches on the plastic but nothing broken. Questions:

1. The owner has mounted skid plates on the bottom of the frame, made from diamond plate. He has drilled up through the frame to attach with 1/4" bolts and nuts. Will this weaken the frame?
2. The clutch feels a little loose compared to my 250X. I couldn't feel any slip, and it shifts out fine. Is this an adjustment?
3. He replaced bearings a month ago, I think in the rear axle. Does this indicate it was ridden through water? Is there a good way to check the rest of the bearings?
4. He had made a neat rack, about 1' long by the width of the bike, that slid onto the rear grab bar. It looked like it could easily hold a cooler and a can of gas. Is the grab bar strong enough for this (about 20 lbs or so)?
5. He is asking $2500 for it, but seems pretty motivated. If the above questions come out ok, what would be a good offer? I have called several ads in the area, and they all seem motivated to move their old bikes out.

I have also ridden a '04 Mojave, which seemed like more fun but he is asking $2850 and has just started his newspaper ad, so he is not moving on price yet.

As you can probably tell, I am confused. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

The holes drilled in the frame would nix if for me! Guess he wasn't thinking to clear when he did that one???

 

ya i wouldnt buy it the holes in the frame arnt good at all! that would suck if you bought it and then took it off a jump and the frame broke into... well thats just my advise

 

I agree with the last 2. My 300ex started to crack out here and there without drilling holes.

 

Yeah, leave this one to some other poor sucker. The guy should of just used U-bolts for crying out loud. As for some of your other questions: Bearings are just one of thosse wear items that need to be replaced sooner or later. The more mud/water you ride, the sooner they wear out. After a few years, just about any quad could need new bearings. The grab bar should be able to hold 20lbs OK. Remember it was designed to withstand lifting and pulling on the quad. I have towed other quads with mine to bump start them. If by 'feeling loose' you mean there is a lot of free play in the lever before the clutch starts to engage, then yes you can adjust the cable, or it may just need a new one, cost about $20.