I am looking at buying a 1996 Magnum 425 4X4. How good are these machines. How reliable are the chain drives to the front Diff? Would it be possible to upgrade to the concetnric drive of the newer models?

 

GREAT Bikes[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
Mine ihas over 6k on it and it just keeps on going.
How much are you gonna spend on it?


<< Would it be possible to upgrade to the concetnric drive of the newer models? >>


mama used to say...dont fix it if it aint broke[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

i bought a '95 Mag425 new.....it's been terrific!
sold it to my brother a few years ago and he is still enjoying a trouble-free ATV!

'95 was the first year of the 4-strokes and mine has been extremely reliable and NEVER let me down.

go for it and enjoy![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

sincerely,
-MTPockets

 

There is a 96 4X4 for $1950. It is decent shape I was just concerned about the chain drive to the front diff. I had heard that they weren't very good and they tended to throw the chain when in 4 wheel drive.

I also wanted to add some upgrades to reduce the weight and Improve the ride. New works shocks, I also was thinking about adding the scrambler A-Arms and CV drives to run the long travel struts (if possible), put Chromoly A-Arms, and swingarm, Extend the the swingarm 2&quot;. Update the axle to the new models which puts the caliper on the axle instead of the counter shaft. Put the Generation IV plastic and racks on. Add a pipe, filter, new tires on aluminum rims.

 

If you keep the front chains lubed and adjusted properly, they will never give you a problem.
They WERE kind of a pain to lube/adjust, so people tended to neglect them. They let them run way too loose, and when you really NEEDED 4wd, they would sometimes jump the sprocket. If you think you are the type who can tighten the chains every 500 miles or so, I wouldn't worry about it. Adjusting the chains really doen't take too much time or mechanical know-how, just that you have to kind of stand on your head to do it.

Farmr

 

I don't mind adjusting the chains as long as its not every time I want to ride. If its every 500 miles or so then that wouldn't be a big deal.

Another question I have is there any known problems that I should look for?

 

Be sure the 4wd works, check the brake pads, check if the steering is loose, if it is where, and check where the rear swingarm meets the frame, especially on the right hand side.

As far as I know, everything else should be pretty much a look it over &amp; see how much things wiggle type of thing.

 

Like I said in another post 425 4x4s are great machines but the chains are a pain in the butt to tighten until you learn a few shortcuts.The only things I have had to do to the motor is a water pump seal and adjust the valves in the last 5 yrs.I have rebuilt the tranny and one of the front hubs and put new chains and sprockets all the way around.Not to forget a clutch kit and a pipe.

 

So, what is the short cut for tightening the chain?

Thanks, for all your help.

 

THats my secret![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] But pm me and I will tell you.