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atv experiance for a newb
So for a few years now I have wanted an atv and finally got one. I thought I would share my experience of what this entailed. I had a set budget of $3000 so this meant I had to buy used easer said than done. I also wanted it to be 4x4 in decent shape and not to far away to travel in order to look at it. The only place I could think of to look was kiji or word of mouth, forget the dealers. I diligently looked at ads since last January 10 to 20 times a day,I found them to far away or to many people were ahead of me already or for this price range they were just junk. I finally scored after a disappointing day at an auction. As stated in another post, I found an honorable gentlemen who I made an deal with over the phone although I had some restrictions involved due to immediate cash and pick up time. Even when he was offered more money and cash in hand he honored the deal to me. A 2003 arctic cat 500 automatic independent suspension 4x4 $3000. I rented a trailer for $35 and off I went to pick it up.
Got the machine home and went over it top to bottom, I ended up changing the rear wheel bearings $32 each and the clutch belt on clearance $20. The bearings were easy but with the belt the clutch has to come off, were I had to use a torch to loosen the nut and buy a larger socket $14 also put new brakes on it forget how much. I also had to replace the two back tires $430. And a couple cans of rust check $20. I figured I would look for a trailer, as I did not want to keep renting one. This also had to be a 5x8 size as the machine would not fit on a 4x8 I figured I could get one for around $500.I found one for $450 from a young gentlemen who was selling the estate for his wife who's father had just passed away. This made his wife and sister cry when they found out I was a hunter and needed it for my atv as this was what there father had used it for and were very happy that it was going to some one for the same reason. got the trailer home and repainted it with tremclad replaced the tires and wheel bearings total $300. bought new lights $35.
Finally got the machine up north were I had to rent a barge to get it to my place $85. So counting all the things I may have forgot that I purchased such as a helmet and cover for the machine, Approximately $4800 Total before I could ride it for the first time. I have never been on a atv before so it took some getting used to but I am quite confident now that I have spent a week on it clearing trails a climbing hills and going threw mud holes. I am looking forward to many years with the machine, next week I will be doing the fire wood. as well as exploring areas I have always wanted to go but to far to walk.Attachment 30861Attachment 30862
