So a friend of mine is willing to give me an 86? Bayou 300 for some help on a couple other quads.I have looked it over and as best as I can tell it just needs a set of rings.This friend got it from the origonal owner who never had to do anything but routine maintenance to it.The guy did tear down the top end but then gave up on it.It has been sitting for quite a while covered.The plastic and even the decals on it are in near perfect shape and it has brand new tires on the back.I did notice the metal tank was leaking but I think I can use a plastic tank off of a newer one.Also the key switch is missing.I have found alot on e bay from newer ones but not so much for the older ones.Also just noticed that the front brake mastercylinder sight glass is busted.So I guess the question is Is it worth the trouble and money to fix or should I look for a newer one and use this one for parts? Thanks for any help

 

Just got to remember 1986 model the electical system is getting some age on it, alot of this parts are getting pretty high now. I guess if you was fixxin up to keep than not bad to fix up. not sure on the profit to resale, IMO i would look at over all condition. which doesnt sound bad thus far, is it an 4x4? prolly here was im from prolly value 1000 to 1200 bucks if everything was perfect[bearings,brakes,tires, no smoke, clutch good, good batt, charging system gooding, all lights work, front end tight, etc.]..Its really you call..... Good Luck.

 

i have one is newer 02 i think is one the best ,i can go wherever the grizzly 660 goes

 

So I had a chance to look it over pretty closely and most of the problems are minimal if not negligable.I think I can revive this thing for under 200 easily then I am giving it to my daughter.My wife has a 96 300 2 wd that I got for 250 and had to put a set of rings in.That thing is like a tank I did tho have to put a cdi and voltage regulator in it but other than that I havent had a single problem in the 3 years shes been riding it

 

You've reached the age-old issue of when does a quad's living benefit outweigh it's part-out value.

I have a 2001 Bayou 300 (KLF300 B-14) 2-WD that is an absolute workhorse. Since I plan to keep it, and know its history, it is worth the occasional and continuing maintenance. One thing for sure; if you can do your own work you can buy lots of trial-and-error parts cheaper than you can have it repaired at a factory service shop....about $120 per hour just for labor.

Repair parts and tires are expensive, but if the bike has been treated well in the past, it will probably continue to give good service with normal maintenance. If it's been "Rode Hard and Put Up Wet"..... well you know what to expect in the future. Good Luck! Jim

 

Just a quick update here.I am going forward with reviving this old quad.I think it will be a great project for my daughter and I.She has decided to foot the bill for the parts so I get to donate the labor.I got it with the top end already in a box.I miked the cylinder,disassembled the head checked the valves for bends,and just for fun I magnafluxed the cylinder and head.I also sandblasted the exterior of the cylinder and head.So far so Good it looks to just need a set of stock bore rings and re assembled with some new gaskets and I think she'll be ridin in no time. Really looking over this old quad i expected to find at least some trail rash but thats not the case.I think with a lil spit and polish this thing will look better than the wifes 96 that has been meticulously mailtained by the previous owner and I.

 

congrats on your 86....I now have 2...one I bought in working excellent condition and the other has been a challenge...frozen rear brake,sheared woodruff key on flywheel,reglued a magnet in flywheel,bad regulator,bent intake valve,very messed up carb...,cleaned and rewired switches and lights.,I now need to adjust brakes and fix a reverse problem(it goes into reverse without using the switch?)..but it is running pretty good.It has been rewarding bringing it back from the grave but now I am ready to ride.
So I guess what I am saying that it is only worth it if you can tollerate working on these and enjoy it, I had many moments where I felt like hauling it to the junk yard.
I have read a lot of post on the carb and have learned alot that is not posted...I am thinking about starting a comprehensive post just on the carburetor.

 

I've got a 96 220 bayou i paid 300$ for that sat for 5/6 years. I rebuilt the carb put a battery in it and took the brakes apart and sanded the rusty glaze off the drums and changed the oil/filter. It looks like crap but runs great! it has had the absolute dog crap ran out of it for many many years and i treat it no better! it never misses a beat and i run it HARD! burried it in mud, water etc! never had a single isue with it! My only and i mean ONLY dislike is the crap suspension! my trailblazer has AWESOME suspension compared to my bayou. BUT it will outrun it from a dead stop and it will REALLY outrun it on the top-end! (4th gear=trailblazer's top speed). Total of $365 investment and i dont have to worry about getting it dirty or banging it up.