[Bite N Hold]

Ok I'm new to the forum and I am full of questions and hope I can also return the favor eventually. I am looking at a 2004 400 in ok condition. Runs and starts perfect but needs the following 1. Front cv axles 2. LCD speedometer display and cover 3. Rear fenders. Is $1000 a fair price or too much? Thanks in advance.
Nick

 

[retro]

Sounds a bit high to me... by the time all of those parts are replaced with new (+20% for incidentals, supplies and other minor repairs) you'll have well over $2500 into it. Ask yourself, is it worth $2500 in your area fixed up?

How many miles/hours on it? Are the tires and battery in excellent condition? If not add $400 for those two items by the time you get them mounted. Is it well maintained, no signs of neglect or abuse? Are the seat & plastics in good condition? etc.

 

[Bite N Hold]

Ok. Now I'm not sure this is worth it. It is not in excellent condition. The problem I am seeing is any atv in s florida is well above $3000(out of my budget) for years 02 though 08.

 

[Goober]

If it is a Hondamatic, then I would not have much interest in it

If it was a Foreman 450–that would interest me!

 

[wheelsquad]

As one of the few remaining 400AT owners left on this forum, I wouldn't even consider the 400AT unless you plan on keeping stock or smaller size tires on it, and only putting it through easy tasks. Yes @Goober it has the hondamatic in it.

 

[retro]

Generally speaking, any bike in the '02-'08 years range will need a bunch of maintenance performed whether you can see stuff worn, needing replacements etc., or not. Plan on tearing the chassis apart for a thorough cleaning & inspection, repacking all bearings, replacing oil/grease seals, replacing worn brake & steering/suspension parts, readjusting cables, valves, clutch, fluids changed, etc. Some bikes might need refreshing after they are only two years old if they are abused & neglected. You can get a lot of money wrapped up in any used bike real quick.

Best advice I got is buy the year & model of bike you really want... be patient and shop for that bike in very good condition... and plan on putting a bunch more time and money into it than you estimate it might need. There are many good used Hondas out there (some are cheap) that only need about $1500 in parts/supplies and a couple hundred hours of your time... to make them like brand new again. Maintenance/repairs after all that become predictable and easy... so you can end up with a better performing and much more reliable bike than you can buy off of any showroom floor using that strategy.

Ain't nothing you can buy that is ever ready to ride. New ones are just as needy as many used ones are. Have fun shopping!