Hi, I have an opertunity to buy a 01 bear tracker in very good condition with low hours for 1500.00. The guy has had it since new and its running on the original tires. Its obvious he hasn't been hard on it and has kept in inside. What are your thoughts on the deal and is there any known problems with them? Thanks in advance, Jim

 

The only "problems" I run into on Beartrackers that are that they seem to have more electrical troubles than the other Yamaha 250 models out there. Mainly with the CDI box and Stator failures. But overall, they are very dependable machines. The ones that I see with the electrical troubles are usually pretty beaten machines that have seen alot of use.

The 2001 was the first year they added the front disc brakes,..which use the same calipers they use on most of the sport models,..they work very well.
Other than the electrical issues, my only advice if you bought it would be to be sure the fuel system stays clean,..especially if your state's gasoline uses a mix of ethanol. The Beartracker carburetor is very expensive to repair and the only way to avoid problems with it is to run a stabilizer that also knocks out the effect of the ethanol. I use Starbrite in all our stuff and also premix with the fuel in everything we work on here in the shop. There are other brands out there but that one works the best in my opinion.

 

Thanks knowsalot! I ended up buying the machine this past saturday. I had to drive 250 miles to have a hands on look at it, and glad I did really. It looked even better in person than the pics the guy sent to me. We can still buy gas here that doesn't have ethynol in it but the stations are getting fewer, so I'll get some stabilizer and start using it. I'll try to post some pics of it later this afternoon. Jim

 

also get an inline fuel filter for it, you just cut your fuel line then the filter goes in between, most dealers have them and places that sell lawnmower stuff also i think, that will help keep the carb clean.

 

Thanks, I was planning on a fuel filter just to be safe.

 

I just bought one Jim and I love it. It carries my Ice Auger and pulls my Sled just fine. I am going to follow all the great recommendations on this site as far as upkeep goes.

The only problem I am having is it will start fine here in Minnesota when it is stored inside. But when the temp is 20 degrees or below it tries to start but just will not turn over unless I put my hand on the rear exhaust and then it fires up right away. Have you heard of this?

Thanks

 

I actually bought this one for my wife, and so far so good. It was 12degrees here yesterday morning and it started easily and idled fine till it was warmed up.

As far as your starting problem, I've never heard of such an issue on anything. Have you checked the valve clearance or done any maintainence to see if that will help?