My neighbor wants $2000 for a 300 bayou. Has the high and low shift on left side, red w/black trim. He believes it is a 99', he is second owner. I dont know how to identify the bike for sure?
I dont know anything about ATV's, my first. It looks like it has been ran some. It is very ruff shifting in most of the gears, back fires alot and does not idle well. I have turned it up on the **** on the left side of the bike to keep it at idle.
He just used the bike to run around on; I dont know what the first person used the bike for? I would use it to help cleaning stalls; so a lot of idleing and slow, light, pulling. I also would use it hunting and playing.
I am concerned that something maybe wrong with the clutch or trans with the hard shifting. Can you give me an opinion on this bikes track record.
He has been letting me use it and has recently asked if we were going to buy it, he had another buyer if not.
Can you recommend another bike if you feel this one might be a risk? Your thought on the best , most economical, ATV in 4x4 with a water of oil cooled engine.
Thanks for the help, hopefully I will be an official ATV'er soon.
Billyho[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]Text

 

How does the oil look? Im not sure about that bike, but the manuals ive used shifted rough with old oil in them. Might be worth a try. As for running bad, some things to try include clean air filter, spark plug, and then clean out and or tune the carb. 2K isnt too bad if all it needs is a tune up. how many hours or miles? the bayou's ive ridden with have been tough bikes.

 

Good ideas and I will check on them. Of course, my buddy bought it second hand so I dont have the manual but I should be able to find the air filter, plug and oil filter. I will check for anhour guage.

At the risk of offending everyone here, I have to ask. Do they make a something to put over the muffler to reduce noise. We have a handful of arabian horses out here, they are a little more high strung then most horses and they would most likely appreciate it; good idea for hunting too I imagine.

Thanks for the reply

Billyho

 

One last, quick, question. What is the most afforadable 4x4 quad to use for ranching with good reliability??? I respect your opinion on this one if you dont mind giving it.

Billyho[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Ive seen some mufflers in hunting mags that go on after your stock muffler, they point the exhaust down also to reduce noise, although I dont know what this would do as far as kicking up dust. They seem to slip on and off pretty quick too.
My father in law raises Ostrich, my quad could stand to loose a DB or two around them also :-)


check out this one:

atv stealth exhaust

 

As far as ranching, I like my 400 prarie, although they dont make them anymore :-). my bro in law uses a Honda 400 foreman, simple, hard to break, tough, although not sporty. Its all in what you plan to do with it and what you like to ride. If your shopping used, you can allways test ride some new ones and use that to help you pick out the features you want on a used one. Im not really brand loyal, but would stay away from Polaris for reliability concerns.

 

well since i have had no trouble with my p300 i would suggest going with the 400 b cuz of the extra power, im sure you could find a used one for 3000 bux or less, in good condition.

 

Thanks for all the help I will check someof these ideas out. Stay away from the polaris though? water cooled and automatic is nice for ranch work. I will have to look into the rancher?
Thanks again
billyho

 

Yeah while I say im not brand loyal, ive been shyed away from Polaris. Riding buddy of mine has a sportsman 400 4x4, its the polaris equivalent of my kawi. I can outperform it everywhere but in the weight class. He has allready had to take his in to get the engine rebuilt under warranty. Ive heard this story about Polaris one too many times.