[vic]

Hi All,

Just new to this excellent forum. I'm looking at a 98 Grizzly with about 3500 m on the clock. Wondering what I should be looking for in particular when inspecting the machine. Any input would be greatly appreciated. PS. I'm in Australia, and it's just starting to warm up real nice now. Regards, Vic

 

[blue_grizzly_04]

welcome to the site Vic!

I wish I could give you input on buying "used" but I have always bought "new" machines. Personaly speaking for myself, I just could never be satisfied buying an off-road type machine not knowing of someone beat the snott out of it before me. When I first started developing interest in this sport, I went looking for a used machine. After seeing and test riding a couple I quickly gave up on that idea. Some guys just don't do anything for maintenance on their machines and end up selling them, only for you as the buyer to inherit their problems. So just beware..

I would suggest 1st to take out the dipstick and see just how bad the oil may look. If it looks like it has never been changed (black) not good at all. Then I would pull off the air cleaner box cover and inspect the air filter. If it looks covered with crud and dirt,(lack of maintenance) not good. If it has a swingarm set-up try and get the machine on some sort of stand(box crate or ATV stand) resting it on the frame so the swingarm has no weight on it. Then try and move the swingarm side to side, if it does have any sideway play, time for new swingarm bearings. Also jack up the front to see if the front wheel bearings need to be replaced. By wiggling the wheel you will notice any movement if the bearings are shot. Another thing to look for is the steering bushing, sit on the machine and take the handle bars and try and move them and see if there is any play on the column. A good tight steering column should not have any free play whatsoever.

Maybe some of the other guys in here will have somemore info on what to look for when buying a used machine. Good luck in your choice...

 

[xtremegrizz]

Well blue grizz summed it up perty good. Just make sure you take it for a good test drive and make sure it gets warmed up and at operating temp. Check all your lights and switches to make sure they work and be sure to race it up a few times and make sure you don't get no odd colors out of the exhaust. On the Grizzlys make sure you look at the cv boots and see if any are riped.

Also for me when ever i'm looking at a water cooled machine be sure when it warms up that you don't smell any antifreeze or see any leaks. All I can think of right now hope this helps.

 

[blue_grizzly_04]

Another thing to do, is get the owner to drive it around while you look at all 4 wheels to see if they may be bent. My buddy bought his son a Suzuki 230 LT and when I watched his son driving it around the yard, three of the four wheels were bent so bad. It was wobbling like crazy and he ended up replacing all 4 wheels.

I agree with Xtreme on the CV boots, check them all out real good for punctures and rips. CV's are very costly to replace and unless you catch a ripped CV boot in time, you could have problems with the CV later from being contaminated with crud.

 

[vic]

Thanks heaps guys,

I'll check it out as you advise, and let you know how I go. Are there any problems with the gearbox that can be checked on a test ride? Obviously high/low/reverse, the usual clunking sounds check etc.

Thanks again, what a forum!

 

[blue_grizzly_04]

Vic,

I don't know if the 98 Grizzlys have engine breaking, but if they do, don't let the clicking sound bother you. When I first bought my 01 Kodiak I thought there was a major problem because everytime I backed off the throttle and the engine breaking kicked in, the sound it made was getting me nervous. After asking my Yamaha Service Tech I was relieved to find out that all Yamaha machines with engine breaking have that sound. As for the gearbox question, there really shouldn't be any noises or sounds at all coming from there. Good luck in your purchase.

 

[vic]

Thanks for the advice guys,

I bought it! It goes pretty well, plenty of power, pretty stock machine, just a farm bike. The usual fuel boiling, but it runs/starts fine, even when hot.

Does anyone know when the oil cooler fan should come on? I haven't worked out which sender is the oil overtemp probe, and I don't even know if that's the one that would switch on the fan.

the wiring is 1998, so i don't want to go pulling at it unless I know I've got the right one- if you know what I mean! Could make other things stop working real fast!

I changed the oil/filter, and topped the diff. Plenty of fun ahead!!!

 

[ssg]

Vic you bought your used 98 about the same time I did. Like you I changed the oil and filter right away. I live in Minnesota so overheating hasen't been a problem so far. It did get pretty warm on the seat one 75 degree day puttering around in the woods. But no mechanical problems

 

[bradmaxx]

and yes the all grizzly's have engine braking but i never heard my grizz make clicking noises or maybe i wasn't listening. and i hope you like your grizzly as much as i do mine.