[kylew2]

Looking at buying a 2003 TRX250. Previous owner said he let a friend borrow it, friends daughter rode it in 1st gear only(never shifted) and now it won't start. Not sure how long it has been sitting. I haven't seen pictures but he said the rest of it is in good shape and he told me he would sell it to me this weekend for $200 cash.
So, of course seeing a low price I am very tempted even if I have to put money into it, to the point I would go buy it today if he was in town. I have bought and sold several four wheelers, but this one I'm planning to keep for my girlfriend to ride. Anyone have any clue on why it isn't starting now? Would riding it in 1st only cause it to stop running? I am prepared for the worst being it needs a complete engine rebuild, but hearing anything less than that would great. Figured better to ask before I buy since I have a few days before I can go pick it up.
Thanks everyone!
Kyle

 

[kylew2]

Yes it's a manual shift as far as I know from the research I've done. Definitely going to check the VIN number, I do this with every four wheeler I buy, if it was on Craigslist I would be more concerned. He said he brought it to a shop to have it inspected and they told him it needs engine work, but that shop could have also been trying to pull one over on him. I told him I definitely want it as long as everything checks out.

 

[kylew2]

Will do, any kind of work done on it I'll do myself so I'll save some money there. I have around a month before the next planned ride, I'll figure it out eventually

 

[kylew2]

Great, this is my first Honda four wheeler. I have always heard they are super reliable so figured why not give them a try. My other four wheeler is a 1994 Polaris Sportsman 400 4x4 that I bought from a friend about a year ago and have been hooked on riding since. Time to start buying more for friends and family to ride with me

 

[kylew2]

Here is a pic of it. I am going to pick it up today hopefully.

 

[kylew2]

Here is a pic of it. I am going to pick it up today hopefully.

nice atv, but that is not a trx250 recon ?, that is a trx250ex if i'm not mistaken ?. in other words, it's a sport atv, not a utility .

You're right it's a trx250ex. I probably posted this thread in the wrong section. Just picked it up, not stolen. Checked the vin with a few databases.

 

[kylew2]

Well got it home, put some gas and tried to start. At first it was just clicking. Hooked up a battery charger and it tries to turn over but there's a knock. Knock gets louder when the choke is on. Any ideas?
Here is a link to a video of the knock - the video didn't really pick up on it. Half way through I turned the choke on and you can hear it then. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzMejhZBzJM

 

[kylew2]

That's what I was worried it was - I will probably search for a used engine to swap into it. What other models/years fit this quad?

 

[kylew2]

Looks as if the Recon 250 engine is the exact same as the 250ex engine. Hopefully that is the case, will save me a little money on a used bottom end

 

[kylew2]

Anyone know what this thing will be worth in running order?
I paid $200 for it originally and can have another engine in it with around $1000 total invested. What does everyone think I could get for it? KBB shows excellent condition $1350.

Thanks