Thinking of getting a Cannondale what should i look for on a used one?
What is up with the updates i here about?
I'm looking at a Blaze anything to look for on this model?
Thanks
Thinking of getting C-Dale
Well, if you want to really check it over. Bring a set of tools and a stand.
Stud update:
The crank cartridge plate was first held in by socket head cap screws. They tend to loosen over time. A quick check. Put the machine on it's side(thumbthrottle towards the ground) pull the black clutch cover, remove clutch plates, and you will be able to see a bolt at about 10 O'clock through the clutch basket holes. It it's just a socket head cap screw, then the motor does not have to update. It it appears to be a stud with a nut on the end, then it has the update. The Stage 8 update kit runs about $98, and plan on around 2-3 hours labor at the dealer if you do not want to tackle it yourself. It could be a bill of around $300(take that into consideration for the quad price)
Oil vent update.
On the right side of the motor, there is 2 drain holes behind the brake pedal. Left bolt is for the tranny, right one is engine oil. If there is a hose going to the right bolt still, then you do not have this update done. This is a cheap fix, a $5.00 brass T fitting, a $0.59 one foot piece of hose, and $2.00 in hose clamps. There is a full pic and step by step procedure in the forum somewhere on this.
Front engine mount update
The front motor mounts have been known to crack on some cases. A easy fix is drill out the inserts in the motor, and put one bolt through both mounts, with a aluminum spacer in between the motor mounts. I've seen the kits cost anywhere from $30 - $60 for this.
What to look for:
check all bearings. wheel bearings, swing-arm etc. Do not want any play. Check the tie rods. They've been known to wear pre-maturely. Take off the front plastic, check to see if the air filter was mounted properly (curved side up) if there was dust getting by, might lead to problems down the road. Check the wire conditions, there has been some trouble with wires rubbing bare, and shorting out the system. check the fuel filter condition. Your suppose to change this regularly, around 10 hrs. Ask the previous owner how often it was changed.
Thanks about all I can think of. A properly maintained used Cannondale is as good as a new one!
Stud update:
The crank cartridge plate was first held in by socket head cap screws. They tend to loosen over time. A quick check. Put the machine on it's side(thumbthrottle towards the ground) pull the black clutch cover, remove clutch plates, and you will be able to see a bolt at about 10 O'clock through the clutch basket holes. It it's just a socket head cap screw, then the motor does not have to update. It it appears to be a stud with a nut on the end, then it has the update. The Stage 8 update kit runs about $98, and plan on around 2-3 hours labor at the dealer if you do not want to tackle it yourself. It could be a bill of around $300(take that into consideration for the quad price)
Oil vent update.
On the right side of the motor, there is 2 drain holes behind the brake pedal. Left bolt is for the tranny, right one is engine oil. If there is a hose going to the right bolt still, then you do not have this update done. This is a cheap fix, a $5.00 brass T fitting, a $0.59 one foot piece of hose, and $2.00 in hose clamps. There is a full pic and step by step procedure in the forum somewhere on this.
Front engine mount update
The front motor mounts have been known to crack on some cases. A easy fix is drill out the inserts in the motor, and put one bolt through both mounts, with a aluminum spacer in between the motor mounts. I've seen the kits cost anywhere from $30 - $60 for this.
What to look for:
check all bearings. wheel bearings, swing-arm etc. Do not want any play. Check the tie rods. They've been known to wear pre-maturely. Take off the front plastic, check to see if the air filter was mounted properly (curved side up) if there was dust getting by, might lead to problems down the road. Check the wire conditions, there has been some trouble with wires rubbing bare, and shorting out the system. check the fuel filter condition. Your suppose to change this regularly, around 10 hrs. Ask the previous owner how often it was changed.
Thanks about all I can think of. A properly maintained used Cannondale is as good as a new one!