Buying a 3 wheeler

[EP86]

I have never owned an ATV before but have ridden motorcycles for about 10 years. I am looking at buying a Honda Big Red 200. Does anyone have advice on what to look for when buying a 3 wheeler? What should I examine closely when I look at used wheelers?

[Rustytinhorn]

Points to Consider-

Cosmetically:
Does it look like it has been well taken care of? If cosmetics have the snot beat outta them, then make sure to pay extra attention to the inner workings.
Any visible leaks of any sorts? Headgaskets, forks, tranny, etc...
Any damage in frame? Repairs, welds, bends, fractures?
Mostly OEM parts or are there lots of Temporary Jigs and fixes?
The more mods it has, the less you know for sure what you are buying. Stock is the most reliable. Question the owner as to why the oem parts are missing or replaced. (lack of money, better feel, more power, or just dont care about it)
Working headlight and taillight? Seriously, how hard is it to change a lightbulb?

Drive Train and Body-
If its the 200e chain drive then check for chain and sprocket wear.
If its the 200es, check the differential fluid (full, clean fuild).
Check the skid plate and chain guard housing for any damage.
Wiggle the wheeler from side-to-side and feel for tight bearings. Wiggle front forks, check for play in suspension or buckling of the forks when front brake is applied.
Check front wheel bearings and seals.
Check rear wheel bearings and seals.

Engine-
Good compression?
Shifts easily and consistantly?
Does it smoke when started?
Can it idle down low or is idle sky high? My personal belief is the lower the bike can idle without dying is a sign that the engine is properly tuned.
Any weird sounds?



It is real hard to say. You will just have to drive it and see just like any automobile. Use your instincts. You might start it up and know right off the bat that its not for you. On the other hand there are a lot of mint big reds out there still and it might run flawlessly. Those things are tanks. Good luck and post some pics when you get it.

Edit-I dont think there are any specific "3-wheeler special need to know what to look for" things that arent found on any atv or motorcycle. If I had to stress some points I would look at these before anything else to get an idea of how well its been treated:
1. Bearings and seals- bad bearings and seals usually always means that water, mud, sand, and moisture has gotten in and caused unseen damage inside critical areas.
2. Staight frame, forks, rims, axles grabbar, handlebars. If any of these are bent it usually is a sign that the thing has been wrecked hard and there could be unseen critical damage.
3. The engine. Starts right up, runs strong, no unessessary sounds, explosions, or smells. And no tinkering to keep it running. (Although say sometimes if you know it wont run because the choke is frozen on, then you can talk the price down, perform and easy fix, and have a great running bike. Good luck.

[EP86]

Thanks! That is some great info. I will post pics once I get it!