Does anyone have any knowledge on the overall performance and durability of a late 90's model Xpress 300? I have a chance to pick one up cheap but I dont know anyone who has ever had one. Any thoughts.......

 

Owners can tell you a lot,but we sold quite a few of the 300s from 94 up until they were discontinued. Just a lot noisier than the 250(hunters didn't like em) but sold plenty to farmers,ranchers and pleasure riders that beat em to death. Tough machines except for the first two year models(94-95) with the plastic oil pump gears that I had a couple fail on. About as simple as the 250 if repairs are needed. Fans were a joke as they never came on because the sensors were mounted on the rear engine bracket and not the engine itself.But plenty of air cooled engines running around that didn't have fans.Oil was injected into the carb instead of the cylinder base like the 250. When you say "cheap" expect to tie some $ in it unless it's a garage queen.

 

If you could pick the better machine....... 98 XPRESS OR 98 Sportsman 400 4x4???

For day to day wheeling with the kiddos. Both in similar condition, but I dont know if the 4X4 works on the sportsman. I know the sportsman is the "nicer model", but we are not hard core mudders. Just wondering. And like you said im sure both will need some tlc

 

Express 300 is a simple 2 wheel drive machine easy to keep up for just playing around. Any "400" two stroke can be a can of worms with all the chains,awd,a lot of engine parts to go out,BUT if you can find a 98 Sportsman 400 4x4 buy it as it would be a one of a kind.. Last Sportsman 400L was made in 97.

 

hahaha, now thats funny! I told you it was a good deal