I'm looking at getting a 2001 Honda rancher 350 4x4 today I was going to see if there is anything specific that I should look for on the bike before I get it. I'm actually doing a straight trade for it with my blue 1995 Honda fourtrax 300. Seems like I'm getting the better end of the trade by getting a bigger and newer bike. Anything I should look for?
How was the bike used? Mudded, flooded, abused?
What are their maintenance practices? What oil and filters did they use? Have they serviced the axles?
What has been fixed on it? What needs to be fixed?
What do they like, and not like, about it? Their joys or frustrations may be helpful in determining the quality of the ATV.
Has it been wrecked?
Did everybody ride it, or primarily the seller? Nobody takes care of something like their own stuff; people tend to not take care when riding someone else's machine.
I imagine that you are asking about 2001/TRX350 specifics, but don't neglect the general questions. And, keep in the back of your mind that the seller is willing to trade down, to an older bike. Why? There may be no other reason than want, or there may be a very good reason...
I would keep the 300. 350 Rancher still has drum brakes, full time 4wd, so not really any upgrade.
300 values are all over the map. I picked up a running 4wd machine for $650 a while back for a friend, and I've seen people asking (and getting offers) at $2500 for pristine original bikes.
General rule of thumb around here has been $1000-1200 for a running, used 4wd 300. Not abused, but not in showroom condition either. Minor issues (brakes for sure) expected.
300's are in much more demand that 350's around here.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could
be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Honda ATV Forum
We’re a forum community dedicated to Honda ATV owners & enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about upgrades and reliability for your Rancher, Foreman, Recon, FourTrax, Pioneer, and more!