Hey guys,
I just got off the phone with a guy selling a '95 Honda 300ex. Heres what he said about it---Front tires are worn, seat has tear, little ruff areas here and there on the whole thing, Breaks work fine, engines runs, but he said it will sometimes have a clicking sound, he said it was the valves and rocker arms but that all u needed to do what ajust them every so often and its fine--the other thing he said was... "yeah its got a clicking sound to it sometimes but thats pretty normal for the 300's". is that statement true? He said all his fourwheelers gotta go soon, so he'd let me have this 300EX for $800. Is that a good price for the condition of this machine, if nothing internaly is wrong with the engine?...back to the clicking though, is that the valves and rocker arms, could any other damage be caused by or be causing this clicking?


Any help would be great, thanks guys.


-Mike


PS. If you guys think its worth it, I'll probly be able to check it out this weekend and thoroughly look through it.

 

If it runs decently I would say that $800 is an extremely good deal. You might want to be sure of what that clicking noise is though. Most 300ex's sell for a lot more than $800.

 

Thats why i am asking you guys---What are the possibilitys of that clicking noise, what could it be and could it be causing any damage?
The other thing, whats about the worst thing that could go on a motor, the bottom end? If its something wrong with the valves or camshaft it shouldn't be that hard to fix and while I was in there I'd probly throw in a preformance cam. and heavier valve springs, etc.

So if you have any idea on what the problem(s) could be--let me know, thanks.

 

It's really hard to say on engine noises without hearing it, Tweeked, and it's all complicated by the fact that a click to one person can be a knock to another. That engine can have a bit of noise, but no more so than any other air cooled Honda. So if it's something really offensive sounding, better think twice. The main consideration is can you fix it yourself? If you have to pay shop labor and that thing needs some extensive type work you could be buried pretty fast. Look at axle, wheel and swingarm bearings, chain and sprockets, are the shocks shot, is it all bent up, frame broken, bolts missing, etc. Then you still have the engine to worry about. Look at it CLOSE. Some are such a lost cause you couldn't pay me to to take them. Then again, If it's basically an intact runner that's a little rough looking and has just a couple of these things to deal with, it's probably a good deal.

 

That noise could be nothing, or just the valves need adjusting. I think as long as its not knocking or vibrating really bad that it is not too major, but its hard to tell without hearing it. If its rides ok, but just looks rough, I think you couldn't go wrong for the money.

 

Get it. Buy new plastic and stickers. Take it to your local dealer have anything wrong with the motor fixed and ride it. Even if the repairs might be expensive or not in the long run you spend less money. GO FOR IT.

 

For 800 dollars you really can't go wrong with it, i don't think that clicking noise is normal

 

Hey guys,
I think my dad is pretty interested too--and thats good cause he's my finacial source until I get my 3 wheeler sold, lol. You guys are right, for 800 you cant really go wrong.

Heres what I plan on doing to it based on what i've been told would need to be replaced. I'll get front and rear Razrs, And for the plactics I plan on doing a color sceme like the one on this 300ex -- http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...4/fc55488e.jpg , I'll replace the seat cover and put an AC mudscreen bumper on. And for the engine I plan on trying to fix the valve problem, It might be valve lash or something and hopefully just tighenting and ajust a few things will fix that problem, then I'll get a White Bros Pro Meg slip on, K&N air filter--airbox removed, and a Dial-A-Jet.

If you guys can think of any other cosmetic or preformance modifications that you'd recomend---lemme know. Thanks for the help guys!

-Mike

 

The tapping as it was described could be your valve adjustments or maybe a bad cam chain tinking against the case? As for it being common my 300ex stock NEVER did that one

You could redo the topend of that bike for like...200 bucks, new tires rims plastic, and some minor stuff for 2 grand total..seems like a good deal to me )

If you get it post a message here with more details on the noise,.

 

Maybe you should have someone go with you to look at the 300EX. The more purshases you make the more you'll be able to read between the lines. Someone may try to distract you from looking at a part of a vehicle by pointing out another. They may actually bring up something that is wrong and you don't know it until you own it and it breaks. Then you remember and think to yourself, that's why he said that. They might give up a little info. about something small so it covers up the thing that really cost money. Look over the entire quad and see if it's been beat. Does the handle bars line up with the body? Is the oil low or completely black? Are there any cracks in the frame? Is the rear axle bent? Is there a mouse nest in by the filter? Is the chain rusted? ETC... ETC... There is a reason why he wants to sell it and there is a reason why he doesn't fix the things. There is also a reason why it's so cheap. (He may lie about these reasons.) Why hasn't anyone else bought this good deal? (Do they know something that you do not know?) Take someone knowledgeable with you and try to pick up on all of the quads needs. Look in catalogs to see how much everything will cost. (ATV parts do not come cheap.) You may not be able to do the work yourself so include enough money for garage fees. See if you can afford everything along with the $800. to buy it. Tires alone will probably be around at least $100. (for 2) plus mounting fees. If it is going to cost alot extra then maybe you should just wait and buy something else in better condition. Something else always comes along sooner or later. If you have any questions about it being a good deal then it probably isn't. Also don't let him pressure you into buying it. When someone does this then walk the other way. If he seems to be lying alot then don't buy it. I know you probably really want the quad but you don't want to get screwed either. Good luck!