My dad changed my mind about newer ATVs after a long talk last weekend

I always thought modern ATVs with all the electronics and fuel injection were way better than the old ones. Then my dad pulled out his 1999 Polaris 300 from the back of the shed and spent an hour showing me how he could fix almost anything on it with basic tools. He said 'your fancy ride has computer modules that cost half the value of the machine when they go bad.' That hit different because last month I dropped $600 replacing a sensor on my 2018 model. Now I am not so sure buying new is always the right call. Anyone else got an old machine that just keeps going without all the hassle?

2 comments

2 Comments

christopher_singh9211d ago

Wait, you spent $600 on one sensor? That's insane. I used to be all about new machines too, thought old ones were junk. But I helped my buddy rebuild his 2003 Honda 400EX last summer. That thing is a tank. No computers, no sensors, just simple mechanics and maybe a wrench or two. He does all his own work in the driveway with YouTube videos. I'm actually jealous when he's ripping around all weekend and my 2020 model is sitting in the shop waiting on a part. Your dad is right about those modules costing too much.

nancy15411d ago

@christopher_singh92 I get what you're saying but I actually see it a little different lol. My 2020 Can-Am has been way more reliable than my buddy's old 400EX that he's always messing with in his driveway. Sure his is simple but he's also always fixing something on it like carb issues or electrical problems from old wiring. $600 for a sensor is a lot no argument there but my machine starts every time and I don't have to wrench on it after every ride. I think some people romanticize old quads too much because they forget how often those things broke down back in the day. Modern ones have their own headaches with parts and computers but at least they run clean and smooth when they work.