I just finished washing the 300ex.It is in real bad shape.I can't believe how bad it really is.I remember the day we brought it home.I would bet though that No Atv would wistand the torture I have put that bike through as well as it did.The damage is mainly cosmetic.Here is a list of everything it needs,


Both front fenders
both front fender brackets
headlight cover
neutral light handlebar cover
front shock
rear brake pads
rear brake rotor
taillight
new tires all the way around

I think honda should have put the reliable as a rock engine in a frame a little more durable.THe plastic is the biggest problem.It is very brittle.Also the stock handlebar plastic step up sucks.


We are taking it the honda shop and letting insurance fix it.Then we are waiting till the 2002 400ex's hit the floor and tradin her in.

 

The plastic, yes, it is easy to crack. I don't know how, but I got a 3 inch long crack in mine from just riding it. The other stuff I haven't had a problem with. The brackets are about the strongest thing on the ATV. The frame isn't a bad frame at all. I have hit trees and all sorts of stuff and it hasn't busted or bent at all.

 

Kind of odd, you check out the 250ex and 400ex and they have nice thick strong front fenders, you check out the 300ex and it has flimsy "mabe last a day around here" front fenders.. that dosent make any sense...

 

here is a 300ex thats lookin good. (see below)

as for the flimsy fenders - cut 'em off!

 

cut off the darn fronts like skull said :-)

I have never cracked my EX plastic. I rolled it really good down a hill, no cracks..

 

Sounds like you are just putting your machine through the ringer. I've had mine since new in 1994 and ridden it hard but never come up with the problems you have. I have broken the clutch handle, but no serious problems. Sounds like any machine you get will be needing help. Riding hard is good, but it can get pretty expensive.