I might be getting myself another short-term (hopefully) project. A 1986 (I think) Kawi Bayou 300 2x4. The guy says it needs a voltage regulator ($70-$120). It has new wheel bearings.

He said that while he was hosing it down, water got in the voltage regulator and burnt it out. I asked him how water got in and he just replied with, "it burnt out."

Sooo! Opinions, please? He wanted $500 and I got him down to $300.

 

 

Looks like the 1st year to me (86), a KLF300A1. I got mine as a basket
case, too, and I love it. Course, I had to put in a new piston, timing chain,
CDI box, gas tank, LED lights, seat, racks, and fix a bunch of other electrical
issues.

I wish my black plastics were as good as yours. I also love the differential.

 

I would say buy it, if it runs OK. If it is overcharging, don't run for long or you may be needing a CDI as well, they don't like too many volts.

 

What's hanging down from the handle bars and through the gas tank cover?

Plastics look quite good for the age andwith the right stuff they'd shine up nice. Tires look worn (especially fronts) and I'd sure get a new seat. Those blue hand guards don't really match either LOL. I would take the deal at $300.

 

I agree, a good buy at $300, even if it has no title.

In some states, title and reg not required, tho that number is getting
smaller.

My KLF300A1 has no legible VIN on it, which apparently happened to a lot
of these Kawasakis.

My tires are original, so I am about to change them. Tires CAN last 30y!

 

The reason those ATVs from the 80s lasted so long was they were built tuff and simple. I sold a 1989 Yamaha Big Bear to a friend 3 years ago and ride with him.

Lets see a Ligiud cooled ,EFI,digital dash ,EFI with power steering ATV last 20-25 years without much mentainace. Not likely.

I know a place that rents ATVs and they trade in every 2 years, the only ATVs they keep longer was their smaller bore Air/Oil cooled ATVs because they just hold up longer without much care do to their simplicity he said.

He told me if you just want a trouble free do nothing "gas and go" ATV look at a 400KQ/Eiger ,350 Rancher,360 Prairie, or 350 Grizzly/Bruin.

 

Yeah, there is a lot to say for tough and simple.

If folks want a newer quad that is going to be more reliable, then they should
consider: smaller, air-cooled machines, vs. over-powered monsters. also,
plastic fuel tanks, versus older steel tanks that rust. And simple semi-auto
trannies.

But I DO want a fuelie!

Even a Honda requires brake fluid changes....it amazes me how quad
owners neglect this, and other servicing.