Hello everyone,

I'm new to the sport of quad riding, so i've been looking for a starter quad for myself to ride with my 14 year old nephew. I found a 1986 Kawasaki Bayou 300 2x4 for $1000. I believe it's a 300cc, single piston, 4 stroke motor. It's in really good shape but I need advice on whether i should actually buy this quad and what to expect.

First, i'm 6'4" and 300#, so i'm concerned this quad might not handle my size and weight. Thoughts?

Second, what's the reliability of this quad and what should i look for when purchasing a quad?

Third, Can anyone tell me the features of this quad? Like, does it have shocks front and rear? Does it have reverse? What kind of modifications might i want to make to enjoy the quad more? Is it liquid/air cooled?


Like i said earlier, I haven't wrote before and don't expect to have a fast quad, or the best quad. I just want something to ride around on and don't expect to be mudbogging with it, just trail riding and maybe a little sand dune riding.


All advice and knowledge about this quad is appreciated. I look at it on thursday and will buy it then if all goes well and with the help of people here.

Thanks again

 

msujon71, a Bayou 300 is a fine starter machine. Its a wise idea to buy something like that to decide what you think of the sport.
I am familiar with the Bayou so I'll tell you what I know about it.Firstof all, the machine will handle your weight ,but you might find it a little small in the legroom dept.Hard for me to say 'cause I,m a fair bit shorter than you are.You can tell by sitting on the quad before you buy it.I wegh 260 pounds and the 300's will haul me around no problem.

The bayou is a very reliable quad as long as it hasn't been beat up.Look for loose wheel bearings ,tie rod ends, ball joints etc.To do this, you'll have to shake the front wheels to see if there is excessive play anywhere.Make sure the engine isn't making any funny noises(excessive knocking or tapping)or smoking.Check all the cables to make sure they are all working freely and properly.Basically if a machine that old is in good shape cosmetically,chances are it hasn't been beat and is probably in reasonably good shape.


Engine; air cooled 4 stroke 2 valve overhead cam

Transmission; Auto clutch 5 speed WITH reverse

Suspension; Dual a-arms with shocks up front, semi-independant rear with shocks

Features; shaft drive with differntial lock

Hope this helps

 

i have a '94 bayou 220, and i am 200 pounds, and my dad who is 300 pounds and it hauls us perfectly. It is a VERY reliable quad, and it has given me minimal problems. i have had nothing go bad with it yet, and i have beaten it ALOT. it is a great 4-wheeler to have.

 

I have a 1986 Bayou 300 2x4 and bought it used about 1 1/2 years ago. I don't put many miles on it, but it has been reliable in the summer. When the weather gets cold the darn thing doesn't want to start. I had it "tuned up" by the dealer, but that didn't seem to do any good. Board members suggested I do a compression check. I'd suggest, that if you have someone you know who has some knowledge about motorbikes or ATVs, take them with you to do a test ride, listen to the engine, do a compression check, or whatever, to assist you in your decision. I think the price is in the ball park, maybe a bit high, but if it is good shape, it sounds like a good deal.

 

Thanks for the help.

I'm pretty much sold on the quad as long as it starts and runs good, i hope to get there a few minutes early so i get to start it cold; that way he can't warm it up for me persay. I will definately check the front end as suggested, but will use it as a bargaining tool if loose. From reading other's posts, it sounds like an excellent starting quad. It has quite a few neat features that i didn't expect on a quad that old like normally open rear end but with locking feature.*sure will save the grass in the yard*

Looking forward to thursday for sure.

One question, although i never rebuilt a atv motor before, i wouldn't be intimidated by doing a rebuilt since i have a friend who worked for a ATV dealership for years, but how much can a person expect a rebuild to cost? Figuring piston, piston rings, bearings, seals. ? And are the parts still readily available from Kawasaki?

 

Getting parts should,t be a problem, as for the prices, Ican't really say, everthing's higher up here in CND $