The used quad bike market is enormous, with some great deals to be found. However, there are also occasional flawed ones and not so good deals nestled among them.
To avoid these black sheep of the quad world, you must do your research beforehand and identify the type of quad you’re looking for right from the start.
You’d be surprised how many people don’t check a used quad over before buying it!
This post looks at some of Beckside Machinery’s top tips when it comes to purchasing used quad bikes, what to look out for, as well as what to avoid.
Used Quad Bikes for Sale
Does it meet your needs?
For example, only some makes and models can be driven on UK roads. Have you checked that this particular make is 100% road legal?
The best way to check is by looking through the quads logbook. If it states “Agric” then the quad can only be used for agricultural purposes on farms etc. and is not allowed on UK roads.
It’s important to know what you need, then what to look out for.
Is there any wear and tear or any repair work which has been carried out on the quad?
If there are any cracks or tears to be seen, then you should be concerned as these could lead to costly repairs for you.
Make sure to check wheel bearings, suspension, and brakes too. Moving both the front and back wheels in all directions to make sure there are no restrictions. Tyres also shouldn’t rock in and out. If they do, you could have a bad wheel bearing or joint.
You should also check any chain rollers for wear and tear or rust at this point too.
How’s the steering?
Check the steering stem bushes by moving the handlebars back and forth, ensuring that there’s plenty of play and they’re comfortable to handle.
What does the frame of the quad look like?
Check the condition of the frame of the bike, including the undercarriage. You need complete peace of mind that there are no cracks or dents in the ATV you’re looking to buy.
This is also an opportunity to check for any severe rusting or corrosion. Ultimately, you’re checking on how well looked after the quad has been.
Don’t forget the air filters and fluids
Inspect air filters, making sure that no long-term damage has been caused to the engine due to lack of care and maintenance.
Checking the oil levels etc. and making sure that everything is at the proper levels is vital. When examining the oil, if you see any metallic particles, we’d advise you stay clear of the quad!
How does the engine sound?
Turn the engine on and rev the throttle! Make sure everything sounds as it should sound and that there’s no popping or banging noises occurring, (which can mean that there’s a blockage somewhere).
Make sure to check the engine for any leaks too. You can do this by carefully wiping the engine with a clean rag – any leaks or spills will show up on your cloth afterwards.
Do your tyres look, ok?
Be on guard for worn tyres!
You need to thoroughly inspect all of the tyres, looking for cracks or missing chunks of rubber. This can not only be dangerous, but it can also be costly for you to replace if you’ve just bought the quad.
Check the brakes
It seems obvious, but it’s essential to check that all of the brakes work. Make sure to check the pad condition as well as the thickness. Also, check that the friction material isn’t cracked or delaminated from the back of the plate.
Last but by no means least….
Test drive it!
It’s essential to test drive any potentially used quad you’re thinking of buying. Not only so you can get a feel of the vehicle, but also it will provide you with a better indication if everything seems to be in good working order.
Buying used quads can save you thousands. But, it’s only a good deal when everything, and we mean everything, checks out.
At Beckside Machinery we have several used quad bikes for sale and provide full information as well as service and maintenance history on each.
For further information, check out our used quad pages online or call us on 01673 828 965
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