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need help...expereinced 450 riders plz help!!
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Posted by: fastest300ex861

ok here it goes...i know it sounds skeptical but im buying a quad off ebay, an 04 yfz that is HOOKED up..roll design a arms elkas all the way around lonestar axle, steering stem, swing arm itp bead locks an new holeshots ect ect.

ebay is going to give me a 2 day inspection period, so my question is what should i be looking for? what are some common and uncommon problems with these? what spots does the frame crack? what goes wrong wit the motor and where. and are there any factory problems and what is needed to fix them?

any and all help is appreciated

thank you

Posted by: DieselBoy

Swingarm bushings
bearing carriers
wheelbearings
brakes
rims
puffs of smoke from tailpipe when cold, warm, revved high (blue/white indicating trouble)
chain
sprockets
plastics (stress marks, cracks, etc)
shock leak (front/rear)
condition of oil (smell/appearence)
abnormal idle noises (loud ticking, ringing, etc)
flat, worn, abused tires
leaky crankcase (sides, top, underneath
starter - does it drag
battery - does it turn over the engine well
coolant level, condition
radiator - damaged, bent fins
play in a-arms
worn balljoints
engine startup, shifting (does it go through all gears smoothly without fuss)
clutch - seems strong?
grab back bar and give bike a good side to side shake, tightness.

...thats all i can think of for now

*NOTE: not 450 specialist, just some typical thing's to check.

Posted by: parkers30

thypical frame troubles are at the sub frame mounts and the top rear shock mount, a general inspection of the front suspension mounts will also tell you about wrecks and abuse

Posted by: fastest300ex861

thanks for all the help so far but i think i must have worded my first question wrong...i no how to do a basic check but is there any thing that 2004 yfz are known for?

thanks....keep the info coming!!

Posted by: DieselBoy

from what i've been reading throughout the website they're known for crank problems, valvetrain problems, cam problems, which can he very difficult to detect... if your going 450 -- go as close to new as possible, they get riden HARD.