We are looking at purchasing a 2002 Yamaha Warrior.

We were told by a mechanic that the Warrior has had alot of problems with bent rear axles and the starter going out after 2 years. He said we'd be replacing this stuff constantly.

Has anyone that's owned a Warrior for awhile had problems like these with theirs, or some other problems? Would you recommend the purchase of a Warrior? We like what it has to offer and the looks of it as well.

Just looking for some opinions.

 

I had a 1997 Warrior for over 2 years, and i severely abused it. I bought it second hand in 99. The only problem i had was the emergency park brake micro switches. It caused the quad to cut in and out. It was an easy fix. You can either remove this crap system or just keep the micro switchs well lubed. I would recommend a Warrior for a first quad. I would change the rear tires to 20" tires since the stock ones aren't very good. If you ever need help with your Warrior just give me an email.

 

Get a new mechanic. Warriors are tough machines. Bought mine new in late 97, never had any trouble from the axle or starter. Never even heard of anyone having troubles with them. You didnt talk to a mech at a Honda shop now did ya?

 

The warrior is notoriously on of the toughest quads out there. They are low tech, old school technology. However, this is what keeps them so solid and dependable. They have built this quad for 15yrs now, without any real changes to them. Most of the breakage that I hear about are due to owner neglegance, not bad craftsmanship on the quads part. I purchased my quad from a guy weighing 376lbs, the quad is 13yrs old and still has the original factory axle. You will be happy with the warrior if that is what you decide to buy.
ps: find a new mechanic, seriously.

 

Your "mechanic" sounds pretty lame. About the only "problem" Warriors have are stock tires that suck. The first upgrade you should plan on are better tires. I've had the '95 in the sig. since '97, and it's been ridden, jumped, sand duned, etc. to the max. I was even looking at racing it until the Raptor moved in. The Warrior is as reliable, dependable, user friendly quad as you're going to find.

 

I would say that your mechanic must be trying to sell you something else; well, either that or he isn't too smart.

I have a '95 that used to see lots of miles but not anymore. It is bone stock and has never given me the slightest bit of trouble. The only issue that I have seen mentioned more than once is that some of them have a tendency to stumble off idle if you gas it too hard. Mine has done that for the last 2 years... Not sure why but it's very minor so I haven't spent time trying to resolve it.