Newbie - looking at an FL350

[Sockman]

Hey all.  I'm looking at an FL350 that is stock, in fair condition, and curious what everybody thinks they are worth.  I've kinda figured a running unit will go for around $1000 to $4000, depending on condition, upgrades, etc.  

Some background, I own a Chinese built offroad buggy called a Hammerhead 250.  It's a two seater, full suspension, has hi-lo trans, will do about 50mph and will climb like a billygoat in lo.  Runs pretty good, but it's a 4 stroke so doesn't have that punch I'd like.  Been wanting a 400 Pilot for some time, but prices are crazy.  Saw this FL350 and figured this might be a good way to get my foot in the door, so to speak.  Any other advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[LiveWire]

You are right on the range you listed and condition. You didn't say much about the condition of the machine you are looking at. It would also help to know where you want to be long term. Are you the type of person that likes to keep everything original or do you put aftermarket parts on things to improve them? If long term you plan to put Works shocks and a clutch on, often the price increase of a machine with those already installed is much less than what the parts cost.

Notes on buying an FL350: Check out if the trailing arm stubs are bent. Look straight down at them and see if they are inline and straight out from the frame. The front wheels are supposed to be vertical. If not, the stubs or the arms are bent. Look for bends in the frame. You can sometimes find a bump in the tubes right behind where the trailing arm stubs come out. This is from them being bent back. I would take a compression gauge to check the compression of the engine. I prefer a machine that needs a rebuild and priced accordingly than one that was 'just rebuilt'. I prefer to know what goes into the rebuild. Just last week, I suggested pulling a top end off an engine and the buyer found .017 piston to wall clearance on the 'just rebuilt' engine. It would have self destructed shortly.

Look at the oil in the reduction case. Metal bits are bad.

[hoodlum]

The current market is letting decent looking pilots sell for the $4000 price....If you have that much to invest,you can get in one....Don't expect one with any mods for that price though....

[Sockman]

Thanks guys!  Hoodlum, your name sounds familiar.  From Buggnews?  We may have met at St. Joes.

I'll check out what you have said.  What other down sides to the FL350s?

[hoodlum]

Thanks guys!  Hoodlum, your name sounds familiar.  From Buggnews?  We may have met at St. Joes.

I'll check out what you have said.  What other down sides to the FL350s?

Yes....I served my sentence with a couple of Dazons,and frequented buggynews...Still visit every once in a while....And yes,we met at St. Joes....This year was the first buggybash I have missed since they started in 2006....We went to St.Joes the first week in June instead of the last week this year....
As far as downfalls in the 350's...The only major ones are in stock form...The stock 350 shocks and suspension are sub-par to the pilot,and the air cooled 350 has a tendency to overheat where the watercooled pilot doesn't...On  the upside,initial cost is less,used replacement parts go considerably cheaper,the engine turns more rpm's,and can produce better power.....You will be pleased which ever route you go...
Hoodlum