First quad. Advice please.

[PhilipB]

I'm entirely new to quads, but have lately taken on some land that could almost justify the purchase of a very cheap one.

Prices seem to start at about £1000 for something made in 2000. Would I get anything usable at this age? How long do they last for?


I don't really want to go about £2000, or it begins up look like a serious purchase that should have been bugetted for...

In terms of brand get the impression the best is Honda, then yamaha, then polaris.

I need it road legal. The dealer said that the work to get them up to road standard is about £400. Does that sound about right?

Very few at dealers seem already registered for road use. So I think I might be a while waiting for a cheap and road registered one to come along - but it seems a bit steep to pay 30-40% of the quads value on works to get it road legal.

Anything else I should think of?

Presumably anything at a reputable dealer should be legit.

 

[Will7]

I'm entirely new to quads, but have lately taken on some land that could almost justify the purchase of a very cheap one.

Prices seem to start at about £1000 for something made in 2000. Would I get anything usable at this age? How long do they last for?


I don't really want to go about £2000, or it begins up look like a serious purchase that should have been bugetted for...

In terms of brand get the impression the best is Honda, then yamaha, then polaris.

I need it road legal. The dealer said that the work to get them up to road standard is about £400. Does that sound about right?

Very few at dealers seem already registered for road use. So I think I might be a while waiting for a cheap and road registered one to come along - but it seems a bit steep to pay 30-40% of the quads value on works to get it road legal.

Anything else I should think of?

Presumably anything at a reputable dealer should be legit.

I have pm’d you

 

[Farmer_Joe]

You can register it for road your self with DVLA, not sure on fee but you need an invoice and vat recipt I believe, friend did one last year and they were super keen for that detail.
I got a cracking Honda tra 250 from a sale for under 1k but I think I was lucky.

I rate Honda but others my disagree, 250 was great but only 2wd I got 4wd later

just nail it down or hide it good as it won’t last long if you dont, I wish I did not require one but when it’s wet in winter nothing else will go where it can as soon as it’s dry I use an old pajero it has a radio and heater and is worth significantly less ?

 

[Hooby Farmer]

I have honda 250 good quad would run on the smell of an oily rag. has given no problems the last 15 years other than the rear axle bearings. My only gripe is I have been known to get stuck in wet gateways but that's only because its 2wd.

 

[HarryB97]

Something like a Honda fourtrax or trx300, Absolutley bombproof bikes

 

[Fendtbro]

You really don’t want a tired old 4x4 quad.. keep hunting to find one that that hasn’t got the foot rests and gear shifter grips worn smooth. A thumb throttle worn to the metal is a big no.. if you can manage with 2wd, they are pretty good with Kenda bear claw tires.. they are far cheaper new, use less fuel, nicer to ride and far less to go wrong. The Honda 250 is good but the Suzuki ozark is better. I’ve run them for 15 years, fantastic quads. If you are not needing to tow heavy loads put a new ozark on finance, should get many years of reliable running.

 

[Brisel]

You get what you pay for. £1k might get you a bargain but I've seen a string of pups bought on that budget too. More quads seem to be road registered & legal these days, but finding one within your budget is going to limit your options severely. A full road kit includes indicators and number plate but there used to be a more basic kit that really only included dipped headlights and a horn. I don't know if this basic kit is road legal or not & it doesn't sound like it.

I've had Hondas for years. 250cc is good if you can live with 2wd. Fourtrax models are better and the 400/420 version is very common. I can't comment on other brands but have had a Kawasaki and it served us well.

 

[335d]

Something like a Honda fourtrax or trx300, Absolutley bombproof bikes

there are also some real dog 300’s as well. Rear axle bearings prone to wear, which if not done can lead to crown wheel and diff needed replaced. Although cos they are a such a common issue, there are now aftermarket parts available.

Honda TRX300 TRX300FW 88-00 Crown Wheel Rear Diff Fourtrax

A brand new high-quality Replacement Crown Wheel for your Honda Fourtrax Atv. Our units are forged from 4340 steel and heat treated to ensure a durable long lasting surface. They are center welded then balanced to ensure the longest lasting and smoothest

www.quadbikeswales.co.uk

Tends to be worse on 2wd bikes with oversize tyres, but can go on all of them. The newer 350 has driveshaft bearings at the outer end of the driveshaft so less likely to be a problem.

Engines on the whole are ok, but they are getting on. Timing chain prone to stretch and rattle, can then break tension guide. One way bearing for electric starter can wear and not catch for starting. Used to be expensive. There is also a one way bearing on the otherside used for engine braking and the kickstart. Again prone to wear. You will feel the bike running on when slowing down, or the kickstart doesn’t work.
Centrifugal clutch basket could be worn, which again is big money.


These are all common problems from the ones I had 20 years ago.
The 350 that replaced it was a better bike in my opinion. More power, and easier on fuel.
Then came the 420 which was built lighter, and not as good in my opinion.
The 250 was a good bike though. Only 2wd, but light enough to lift yourself if you got stuck.
this is the post 2000 250. The older 80’s and 90’s 250 was not so good in my opinion. Basic front suspension, poor steering lock etc, but I doubt there are many of them still in existence, but can pop up at the under £1k budget.
have been Yamaha for last 10 years. Would buy anothe.