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Posted by: homer
Dan, Hate to hear the about the 375. Glad to hear that it wasn't any worse than what it was. Although it is bad that your friend hasn't said anything about paying I know you are glad he wasn't hurt. Anyway like bear said I would spray penetrating oil on these screws and get an impact driver to use on them before you round out the heads. You should be able to pick up an impact driver at Northern Tool or somewhere for under $10. I would suggest getting the bars against something solid so they can't move before using the impact driver. Good luck.
Ben
Posted by: DanW
I took a buddy off-roading today. It was his first day on a quad. I told him to take it easy today and just learn as much as possible so he could come along on a big trip to H/M or Coal Creek this summer. Instead, he was cocky and overly aggressive. I told him to cool it and he did for a bit, but he brainlessly went down a tough hill that he had no business attempting, hit the brakes hard as the nose went down, and failed to shift his weight to the rear. He went right over the handle bars and the machine crashed down hard on its top side, breaking the brake handle, master cylinder, speedo, and severely bending the rear rack and destryoing the handle bars. Fortunately, he wasn't hurt. He landed on his feet and stumbled down the hill, falling into the water. (He did deserve the dunking.) All in all, the damage is worth about 400 or so bucks in parts. This was only 15 minutes after we unloaded from the truck. The only thing I don't know how to do is bleed the brake lines, so there really won't be any labor costs.
Man, I'm ticked. That was his first and last ride on my quad. (He never offered to pay for any of it.) Oh well. I guess our friendship will revert back to fishing and other things that have no risk of me watching him die or destroy my machines. We took it apart when we got it home, so as soon as I can get the parts it will be back together quickly.
My poor 375. It has had a rough ride since it became the #2 machine. I'm glad its built like a tank. It started right up and ran great in spite of its wounds.
At the bottom of the hill, when we got it back on its wheels, he asked me which way to ride it back up so we could take it to the truck. I told him he wouldn't ride it until I got it to level ground. He then said, "You want me to take your 650 up the hill then?" I said, "No. That's like asking me if I'd like you to sleep with my wife!"
He waited until I got them both up! That 650 would be the death of him for sure.
Anyone know where to get discount AC parts? Something like 10% or greater discount?
Posted by: DanW
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Originally posted by: Bear4570
Dan; Your buddy is responsible for the cost of repairs, just like he would be if he borrowed your car. Besides he operated it irresponsibly which makes him doubly liable. You don't borrow something from someone and break it and not pay for it. The law is on your side to, if you have to take him to court, BTW I would as he is not a very good friend if he didn't offer to pay for it after wreaking it.
Bear
Dang right he's responsible. I've known him for over 30 years, though, and he has sacrificed greatly for me in the past. I'm not going to cash in the friendship over this one. He also once helped me replace a water pump, fan clutch, and alternator on my Jeep for nothing. I have very little mechanical skill and we worked on that one for an entire day. It just chaps my ass, though, that he didn't offer to pay anything on this one. That's why he doesn't get to go again. Besides, he's not financially blessed, so he probably didn't offer because he couldn't afford to. I wish he'd just say so, though.
Posted by: DanW
I have full insurance coverage, icluding injury. There is a 500 dollar deductible, however, so I'm not so worried about those issues. Its simply the principle that he should step up and offer to pay what he can. I know his financial situation is tough, so I'm not expecting the whole deal, but as an act of good faith, he should offer something more than labor. Heck, its not that tough of a fix, even for an amateur mechanic like me.
The good news is that I contacted my dealer today and ordered parts. They came out half the cost of what I had found on the net. The total will be 200 bucks, unless I replace the rear rack, too, which would make it 300. My brother has a master metal worker at his company and he said he'd be able to fix that rack as good as new. We'll see. It's definetly worth a try.
In the mean time, I'm going to be more careful with who I take. I don't think that the 375 is a great machine for a beginner because it is so heavy and has quirky handling that takes a bit of experience to master.
I'm also going to implement Doober's rule and have guests agree up front that they cover any damage. I hate to have to do that because most guys will step up, but you know what they say. If it happens twice, the second time is all my fault.
Posted by: DanW
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Originally posted by: Redcruiser500AC
Dan w, Sorry to hear about your beloved 375 and your friend sounds like he is not a very responsible person. Anyway lets get that 375 running You want to know how the bleed the brakes. Now only bleed one caliper at a time. On each caliper there will be a bleeder it will almost look like a zurk. Now put fluid in the master cyl, and pump the handle do it about 10 times or more. With the handle compressed open the bleeder and some air will come out after a few more trys you should get brake fluid. then close DONOT let the brake handle out until bleeder is closed or you will suck air in. Repeat this on all the calipers front and rear until the master cyl handle feels firm. Remember only one at a time. PS you may need your buddy to help you on this one one person to pump the brakes and the other to open and close the bleeders. Hope this helps.
Thanks! I've seen the fitting, so as soon as the parts come in, I'll give it a shot. One more thing. I'm having a h*ll of a time getting the screws on the throttle to loosen to remove it from the handle bars. Any tips?
Posted by: doober
It is like an unwritten rule in our group that we go out with, if you take someones machine (either sleds or quads) and do ANY damage, the person that does the damage is responsible, no questions, that way there is no arguing about it. I would mention it to your friend and see what he says.
Posted by: peteyz24
If you need more help with how to bleed the brakes(sometimes it can be a bit tricky to understand) check this thread
Bing does a good job of explaining it in steps
Posted by: Polaris500HO4x4
ouch. just think my buddy dereck was riding his buddys 4 wheeler and rolled it into a pond. damn i would be mad too DAN i know how those things go
Posted by: Bear4570
Dan; Your buddy is responsible for the cost of repairs, just like he would be if he borrowed your car. Besides he operated it irresponsibly which makes him doubly liable. You don't borrow something from someone and break it and not pay for it. The law is on your side to, if you have to take him to court, BTW I would as he is not a very good friend if he didn't offer to pay for it after wreaking it.
Bear
Posted by: Bear4570
He could of least offered to help fix it and pay for what he could. He should have talked to you about the situation. I would never just not say anything.
Bear
Posted by: Bear4570
606zpx; Not it the state of Washington it isn't. The driver had better be insured along with the vehicle. No insurance and the fine is worse than premiums for the yesr.
Posted by: Bear4570
Dan; bleed the brake caliper closest to the master cylinder first and work your way out. Watch the master cylinder closely and don't let it run out of fluid or you will pump air into the lines and have to start over. It's pretty easy, also it's easier if you slip a piece of clear plastic hose over the nipple of the caliper, the bubbles show up real well. As to the screws in the throttle, spray some penetrating oil on them and let the set awhile, you may have to use an impact drive to pop them loose.
Bear
Posted by: Redcruiser500AC
Dan w, Sorry to hear about your beloved 375 and your friend sounds like he is not a very responsible person. Anyway lets get that 375 running You want to know how the bleed the brakes. Now only bleed one caliper at a time. On each caliper there will be a bleeder it will almost look like a zurk. Now put fluid in the master cyl, and pump the handle do it about 10 times or more. With the handle compressed open the bleeder and some air will come out after a few more trys you should get brake fluid. then close DONOT let the brake handle out until bleeder is closed or you will suck air in. Repeat this on all the calipers front and rear until the master cyl handle feels firm. Remember only one at a time. PS you may need your buddy to help you on this one one person to pump the brakes and the other to open and close the bleeders. Hope this helps.
Posted by: 606zpx
Actually when you let someone borrow your car you are liable for anything that happens. If that individual runs over someone then your insurance will be responsible and you will be ultimately responsible as the owner of the car. A person may choose to sue the driver for being negligent but this is often a losing proposition.
As a matter of fact, I would not recommend ever letting anyone (other than very trusted folks like family,etc) ride any vehicles as not only are you responsible for damages caused to and by the vehicle but could also be responsible for injuries sustained by the driver in any crash.
So, I think you are wise not to let this get in the way of a friendship and consider this a lesson in letting other folks borrow things.
Hey tta583, I used to have a 1987 GTA, loved that car. Let someone drive it, he drove wrecklessly and flipped it. My insurance covered and I was told by my attorney to consider myself lucky that the driver didnt get hurt and sue me. After that I really lusted after the 89 Turbo T/A. What a bad a$$ car, its performance still compares to the best. (0-60 something like 5 secs or so).
Posted by: 606zpx
Yes, much different here in Georgia and Florida then. The liability rests with car owner primarily.
Posted by: tta583
Man, sounds like a rock and a hard place situation. Order the parts and "make mention" of the cost of the repairs. See if he steps up.
He may not understand the costs involved. I know that untill I started pricing them I had quads written off as "toys" that were not necessarily expensive. This was based on a bad camparison to dirt bikes 15 years ago with no real experience form then till now.
Brent
Posted by: tta583
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Hey tta583, I used to have a 1987 GTA, loved that car. Let someone drive it, he drove wrecklessly and flipped it. My insurance covered and I was told by my attorney to consider myself lucky that the driver didnt get hurt and sue me. After that I really lusted after the 89 Turbo T/A. What a bad a$$ car, its performance still compares to the best. (0-60 something like 5 secs or so).
Lets just call it rather snappy. I hate to go on about it, if there are any 'vette guys out there they get jealous. <G>.
As to driving it, well only one person, other than myself, has driven the car while I have had it. He is pretty much my best friend in the world, hands down. I would trust my life with him. Next closest was my last girlfriend who suggested a little, well, play time one evening in it. I guess in her mind as a way to share my hobby. I looked at her like her hair was on fire. She could not figure it out.
If you care to take a peek here are some Pics of the car. It have been a labor of love and hate to get it where it is, and like anything else it still needs more.
Take care
Brent
Posted by: catrep
Try a new dealer on the Il / In border. They are in Danville, Il,just off I74. Theiir name is Illini ATV, ph # is 217-446-7870. Sometimes dealers can get parts from Arctic Cat at a discount, kind of like a scratch and dent dept. It's strictly only available to dealers but sometimes they have racks, rims, plastic,etc,...
One of the great benifits of buying an Arctic Cat ( Made in USA ) is that the parts many times are 30-50% less expensive then the Japanese ATVs. Many people don't think about that when they make a purchase. Good Luck
