Originally Posted by johnsonmtz

I have found a 1987 Polaris Cyclone that I may consider buying. I haven't seen it yet, but I think it can be bought for around $500. The owner states that it is hard to start and needs the carb cleaned. From the pictures I've seen, the tires and everything else looks good, so the real question is the starting issue.

I would guess the starting issue is either the carb is gummed up (proabab;y never been opened), or it needs the top end freshened up. I plan to take a compression gauge with me when I inspect the quad. What kind of reading should I expect to see? What it is the lowest value that is acceptable before I should think it needs a top end?

In terms of repairs, if the compression is good (fair), how much will the parts cost for a carb rebuild? I'm guessing a gasket, o-rings, bypass valves, needle, and seat. Does that sound right? Is this a Keihin or Mikuni carb? I've rebuilt Mikuni's (Super BN) before on my Polaris 780 PWC, so tearing one down is no big deal, just give me a manual and I'm off to the races.

If the cylinder is tired, I'm thinking about $125 to hone/bore and get a new piston kit. Does this sound right?

If this quad does need a top end, is $500 too much? If so, what would be a reasonable offer?

Thanks,
KJ