Rebuild vs Buy Another

[bmjwright]

I have a '86 Kawasaki Bayou 300 4x2 - it smokes, needs brake & frontend work, and it's not far off from needing a clutch. The ATV does everything I need and I would be replacing it with one of a similar size/type. I expect I could get a 300cc bike in good shape for around $1500-$2000.

I figure mine is worth $500 or so as it is...would it cost more than $1000 to fix? I would be doing the work myself.

[ridered92]

i would just buy a new one. by the time you put the hours and money in it you might as well get a newer one

[buck440]

you prolly get a decent 400ex for around a 1000 if you looked good enough

[Quad18star]

A set of brakes will cost you $35 ... probably need a set of rings .. so let's say $200 for a shop to do it .... what type of front end work?

Decisions decisions ..... sometimes fixing is the quickest and simplest less costly solution.

[bmjwright]

Originally posted by buck440
you prolly get a decent 400ex for around a 1000 if you looked good enough

Probably, but I need a utility bike. I can find sport ATVs (Warriors, 300EXs, 400EXs, etc) for around $1000 pretty easily...utility ATVs seem to cost significantly more.


Originally posted by Quad18star
A set of brakes will cost you $35 ... probably need a set of rings .. so let's say $200 for a shop to do it .... what type of front end work?

Decisions decisions ..... sometimes fixing is the quickest and simplest less costly solution.

The front end probably just needs some balljoints. So,
$100 - balljoints
$50 - clutch
$50 - brakes f/r
$50 - timing chain
$200 - new piston/rings/bore cylinder $50 if it just needs rings/hone
? - rebuild cylinder head

If my $ is correct I can fix everything that is wrong with it for $450. This would probably be the best course vs. buying another one that might have it's own problems. Plus, I can fix these things one at a time instead of shelling out a lump sum.