[Jeremyf50]

Good morning.

This is my first time posting here so hello from outback Queensland, Australia!

I'm looking for some advice on purchasing my first motorbike. I need one for traversing our family's large property near the Strzelecki Desert.

Because of our remote location, having a reliable vehicle can be a matter of life and death here in the summer - it can get to 50 degrees Celsius in the shade!

I'm a city boy but I've been asked to help my uncle out for a while.

I'm not a mechanic but I can work a wrench, socket etc. to perform basic tasks (eg. change an automatic transmission filter on a car).

I'm looking for a cheaper/older four wheeler that can be fitted with front and rear racks for hauling tools and materials. The ability to tow a small trailer would be a major advantage also.

My primary desire is to have something I can fix out in the field if anything happens. For example: Are CDI boxes something that's quickly and easily field replaceable if I have a spare wrapped up in my toolbox? I know they're typically very reliable and rarely cause issue but I want to have something I can easily change all parts on.

Do any of the earlier Honda four wheelers use points ignition or had Honda completely moved to CDI by the mid 80s when they were introduced?

What are some of the parts that happen to fail/sometimes require replacement? Do they typically let you know a while in advance or just fail suddenly?

I'm trying to learn and research all I can. I've picked Honda as the obvious choice for reliability.

I'd really like a four wheel drive model for playing on some of the sand dunes on weekends but only if the four wheel drive models are just as reliable as the rear wheel drive models.

Do carburettors fail and require replacement? Are they easy to tune? Can you replace them and start a bike right up after bolting a new one on without tuning it if the urgent need arises?

I'm basically looking for something I can put fuel in, change filters and fluids, occasionally the spark plug and unbolt/bolt on replacement parts when necessary. Does such a bike exist?

Between the dust, mud, corrugated roads, extreme daytime heat and subzero nights, it's tough conditions for any equipment.

I'm tired of lumbering around in big, slow, old utes in the paddocks.

I've read that a tank capacity of 3.5 gallons has a typical usability of 2.5 gallons due to a 'reserve'. Can somebody please explain this to me and how far I should typically expect to travel on 2.5 gallons of fuel?

If there's anything I'm not considering, (other than SPF 50 sunscreen haha) please let me know.

Looking forward to riding a Honda! Thanks for your time!

Jeremy

 

[_Wilson_]

with conditions you stated. A good used fourtrax 300 fwd would be my choice, Gas tank capacity 3.3 U.S. gal, do you take these trips alone ? Just asking....... How big of a spread are we talking (in archers) i can't advise on how long you would be able to travail on a tank full, you'll get some good replies on this thread. Be safe Out there!

welcome to the forums!

 

[Jeremyf50]

Good morning Wilson,

Thanks for the response. I think the entire station is around 2.5 million acres. I'm not certain, I'll have to ask about the dimensions. Assuming it were square, it'd be approximately 100km x 100km and about 141km diagonal.

If I had to repair a fence 141km away I'd likely take a ute so I could still walk the next day haha. It would depend where on the station I had to go as some terrain is a bit steep and boggy near the dunes. Most of the area is flat though.

The old leaf sprung chariots (Utes) aren't much more comfortable than a bike though and they certainly don't have modern creature comforts like air conditioning.

We often work in pairs but occasionally have to travel alone. We use long range comms on the property (hf radio). Always carry a couple of days food, water, extra fuel and a swag just in case - certainly stuff that can be carried on a four wheeler.

The Utes are cumbersome to drive and really slow but they're reliable and require little maintenance. Being mechanically injected diesels with inline pumps there isn't a whole lot to go wrong. They're harder to stop than start!

I'd just like the same peace of mind from a four wheeler but I'm weary of anything electronic. I'd feel much better knowing I have a spare magic black box I can swap out in 20 minutes to get spark again - or whatever - should the circumstances arise.

I'm not at all familiar with carburettors either.

Thanks!

 

[shadetree]

welcome, any trx300fw, trx400fm, trx450fm ( all of these are 4wd models ). out of these 3 ?, my choice would be the trx450fm, try to locate a 2003 manual shift..stay away from all electric shift models !!!!!. plan on installing a good winch ( I favor warn winch brands period ! ). carbs for these are simple once you learn them. fuel injection..well..thats another chapter to me..lol.

 

[_Wilson_]

Morning buts its 10 PM here.

I like your thinking (two guys, AND radios/handy talkies aka life savers) 2.5 million? ...... I'd be in hog heaven! (Me rambling) sounds like you have it figured purdy good. My choice would still be a 300 fwd, AND..... Most if not all the CID boxes I've seen die..... (while i was a wrench spinner At Wcycles)>>>> china junk.

A spare oem CID box is a good idea in your condition, and as for the carb...... You have the best fellas here for carb advise!

I'd like to see pics of your curent ride and land scape.

 

[Jeremyf50]

Thanks for the response! Apologies for the late reply, busy weekend!

Here's some photos for you:

255.255.255.254

access code: picsforwilson

Not sure how else to share them on here.

Hopefully some others chime in soon regarding carbs etc.

PS. No photos on my computer of the vehicles but look up 'LN65 Hilux' to get a good idea. Here's a tidy example of one: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JFB3uwCsMRI/maxresdefault.jpg

Cheers

 

[rodp]

Just bear in mind if you flip it in a ditch you have to right it on your own, or walk back. 300's aren't too heavy, heavy enough, but manageable in desperation.

 

[SamUK]

A 450 would be a more comfortable ride if travelling any distance but the 300 would also get my vote, small, nimble, relatively lightweight, very simple to repair and parts are still readily available. I’d opt for 93 to 00 model, avoid 88-92 as some parts are becoming obsolete now.
A 300 will anything a 450 will, amd that’s a fact

 

[fishfiles]

The main thing on any pick for me would be no electric shift

 

[_Wilson_]

Thanks for the response! Apologies for the late reply, busy weekend!

Here's some photos for you:

255.255.255.254

access code: picsforwilson

Not sure how else to share them on here.

Hopefully some others chime in soon regarding carbs etc.

PS. No photos on my computer of the vehicles but look up 'LN65 Hilux' to get a good idea. Here's a tidy example of one: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JFB3uwCsMRI/maxresdefault.jpg

Cheers

Thank you! Y'all got some Big land! Great pics too! The way you linked them is fine, works perfect on my end!

That straight front axle flat bed toyota looks good! Is it an 84 or 85 ? Gas or diesel ?

 

[Macarena Man]

PS. No photos on my computer of the vehicles but look up 'LN65 Hilux' to get a good idea. Here's a tidy example of one: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JFB3uwCsMRI/maxresdefault.jpg

Cheers

The tiller's on the wrong side mate! :laugh:

 

[Macarena Man]

:wink Just have to ask ......
Do you Aussie folks get on/off your quads on the right side ?
Us Canuck's are a mixed up bunch .... we climb over the front rack to get on/off. :eek

 

[_Wilson_]

The ability to tow a small trailer would be a major advantage also.

What size trailer would you be thinking of ? (Pics/links)

 

[Goober]

I actually can’t think of an ATV that would be more flexible than a Ute, like say a Kawasaki Mule 3010 diesel. You can carry food, water, tools, fence posts, wire, shelter, etc.
We use ATVs for boundary and drainage inspections but there’s not much else we do but snap pics and take notes.

 

[Jeremyf50]

Thank you! Y'all got some Big land! Great pics too! The way you linked them is fine, works perfect on my end!

That straight front axle flat bed toyota looks good! Is it an 84 or 85 ? Gas or diesel ?

Cool! Not sure of the year models but they're 2.4L diesels :smile

:wink Just have to ask ......
Do you Aussie folks get on/off your quads on the right side ?
Us Canuck's are a mixed up bunch .... we climb over the front rack to get on/off. :eek

The answer should be obvious! If we approach a bike from the right hand side we hop straight on. If we approach a bike from the left hand side we purposely walk around to the right hand side and hop on :laugh:

The ability to tow a small trailer would be a major advantage also.

What size trailer would you be thinking of ? (Pics/links)

Nothing crazy, just light duty 'box trailers' that are typically 6ftx4ft and 7ftx5ft like the following:

255.255.255.254

access code: yeoldetrailer

I actually can’t think of an ATV that would be more flexible than a Ute, like say a Kawasaki Mule 3010 diesel. You can carry food, water, tools, fence posts, wire, shelter, etc.
We use ATVs for boundary and drainage inspections but there’s not much else we do but snap pics and take notes.

While I tend to agree with you, I feel like I could strap a swag etc. on a four wheeler reasonably well. Though to be honest, I'm pretty sure I'm just trying to justify another toy to ride around on :devil

 

[_Wilson_]

Cool! Not sure of the year models but they're 2.4L diesels

2.4 tl2 ...... Should be the prechamber turbo diesel power plant....... I had a 2wd 81 2.2 (non turbo) 45 miles to the gal! She died @ close to 1.5 million miles.

The front clip and straight front axle .......ii'd say 84 or 85, those machines are about as bullet proof AS a honda 350 tank, and very rare here in the states. Only weak point is 5th gear in the trainy (i think the w42, OR W52 manual transmition)

 

[Goober]

Here’s one of the Mules I have for boundary inspections. Ok I acquired a lot of scrapped ATV/UTVs over the years, but this is a special outfit you should consider.

This highly modified Kawasaki Mule includes a 24VDC system, a NATO single pin connector (runs 24VDC accessories like electric fuel pump for remote airfield), 17Kbtu heater, 26 in runflat tires, hoist points, gun scabbards, extended tilt bed, 360 degree flood lighting, and more. About 1000 of these were originally produced by Essex Mfg of Texas.

Essex LATTV Units

 

[XJCountry]

Your pics are really cool. After looking at the first couple the vehicle that came to mind was a Mars Rover! I think your best bet would be to have the Honda as a short range runabout (I think you had this in mind already).

The Hilux will beat any ATV hands down for reliability. I would love to have one.

Just make sure that whatever you get you keep the breather hoses in good shape and the air filter oiled. Maybe go for some kind of pre-filter for all the dust.

Has anyone put inline fuel filters on their vent hoses to stop dust invasion (small as that may be)?

I am still new to the ATV game so these ideas may all be worth nothing...

Good luck and keep us updated on the Ranch! I know several of us would like to keep reading about your adventures out there.

 

[Jeepwm69]

What Honda ATV's are most common down there? I would look for something that is common, so replacement parts would be easy to find.

 

[rodp]

Thanks for the response! Apologies for the late reply, busy weekend!

Here's some photos for you:

255.255.255.254

access code: picsforwilson

Not sure how else to share them on here.

Hopefully some others chime in soon regarding carbs etc.

PS. No photos on my computer of the vehicles but look up 'LN65 Hilux' to get a good idea. Here's a tidy example of one: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JFB3uwCsMRI/maxresdefault.jpg

Cheers

Certainly wouldn't have to worry about a backstop when shooting out there, nothing for miles :wink