So funny you mention that about those old Hondas, they have a very loyal following in the Honda forums. Built to work. I was thinking of mine as I read this thread. About 10 years ago I saw an add for an 86 350 FourTrax for $850. No spark. Never owned an atv. Research basically said they were great machines, built to last. An older couple were using it to putt around their rural property but his wife found it hard to handle so they bought a ride on and then it died one spring. So it looked good and I bought it. Well it turned out the sprag bearing had blown up so to speak and had taken out the stator windings. So $800 later including a new battery and full inspection I had my ride ready. John said I was still getting a good deal. It sure isn't fancy, not built to ride on pavement. But these shaft drive machines have all the power I'll ever need and I can still pick up the arse end and slide it sideways, or easily tip it on it's side resting the rack on a milk crate. There is lot to be said for a lighter smaller machine, not the least is the bushwacking you can do that a big heavy machine just can't. It already had some mods in terms of welding that had been done, including a custom tow hook mounted in front of the the ball and posts already welded to front bumper and rear rack. So I know a real good machinist /welder/fabricator up the road a piece and he made a rack for me and welded a plate on the front to mount a winch.
Then of course I had to finish the process lmao. This is what I ended up with all told. At least the 71 1.5hp was free from the old man.
Cheers