alright guys, i have been wanting a c-dale since they came out. right now i have a r that i was gonna set up for mx but have since desided to go to a 4-stroke. i am prolly going to buy a used 02 cannible from a guy. heres what it has on it:
ls racing extended axle
renthals
acerebis handgaurds
elka triple rate w/resi's
aftermarket bar clamp
ac pro peg nerfs
holeshot mx frt. tires
douglas .190 frt. rims
20 turfs in back
rear beadlocks
quadtech carbon fiber hood
and some other misc. stuff.

now i know it is a good deal cause the guy wants 4500.00 for cause he is having financial trouble. but i was wondering what type of things should i look for to be wrong. also will i still be able to get the great customer service that i keep hearing about from cannondale if i buy a used bike? thanks alot mike kremer

 

That's a steal! I'll give $4600!!! LOL! Jump on that with both legs, before he changes his mind!

As for problems to keep an eye open for, here goes:









That's it! That shouldn't take too long should it?!! These things are stout. Other than a few bulletin issues that you can read about at the site, there really aren't any problem prone areas- like axle or trans. on some of the poorer designed sportquads on the market. If it starts and runs, your in the game!

As for Cannondale support, from a business perspective, it would be "iffy". I wouldn't count on it- it is second hand. But, if it's a bulletin item, I bet they'll take care of you.

Good luck! And check your pm's.

 

Buying a used Cannondale. Some of the things I would check.

Chain Slide, make sure the chain hasn't taken liberty with the swing arm. This was a problem early an they changed to a stronger material.

All the bullitin done. If it's still under warrenty have the owner take it back before you buy it and have it gone over, and all services Bullitions done.

Check for slop in the tie rods.

Make sure it has had it's oil changed.

Look at tires for indication of hours. Mine has about 30 and there are still nubs on them.

That's about it.

Smitty

 

Don't count much into slop in the tie rods. Mine's probably got about 25+ hours and has more slop than my 97 Warrior. It had a little play in it when it was brand new. Those are definitely not the best rod ends. With your trick R, you may have some rods lying around you could try to mount up. I think someone was working on that with Ricky Stator(Alaska 400EX, maybe). Let us know if you can do anything with that.

Checking the chain slide is a good point, that is something every Cannondale owner has to keep an eye on, it's one of the items I considered part of the bulletin issues. Basically, it should be considered a maintenance item on a 'Dale. Even the new material ones will wear through after 150 or so hours(my brother had to replace his for the second time).

One thing Smitty may be able to help us on- How do you make sure it's had it's oil changed?? Every seller will say they've changed the oils on time.


Smitty - your telling on yourself here!!! Mine has about 25+ and the Holeshots are well rounded. I haven't seen a nub since about the third ride! We'll assume your riding in sand! But your quad sure is clean!!! hmmmm....

Just poking fun at ya' on a couple things Smitty, I hope you don't take it personally. Now, it's time to check out what you said about those dyno results!