1986 Honda TRX250R: too good to be true?!

Did if find the final piece to the puzzle? I've been collecting vintage 1980s ATVs for many years but have never been able to find the Honda TRX 250R... until now! Watch and see if it was all it was cracked up to be! #alwayskeepitreal #2stroke #atv #250r #fatherandson #atv

[@jimmysaff]

Seller must of figured that thing looked so good that nobody in there right mind would actually ride it. It’s cool to see you guys take these machines out and use them the way they were meant to be used. I had a couple 250r trikes back in the glory days and fondly look back at all the fun we had. You and Jack keep but the good work, enjoy your videos very much. Thanks for the awesome content.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thanks Jimmy. Yeah I don't get it... how do you put that motor back together that way???

[@rowdycustoms8219]

TRX dream quad and Tri-z. But I love my 85 Quadracer and 200x!! Love your videos!!

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thanks man.

[@metallicknight2]

You need a Honda Pilot FL400R to add to that beautiful collection.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Would be cool!

[@brians1524]

Holy crap. That is one hell of a collection. I had an 86 ATC 250R and sold it many years ago. Worst mistake. That was great seeing those vintage machines. One day I’ll find another 250R. Thanks for sharing

[@TheMapleDude1]

Hey keep watching well be back with more.

[@albertramirez797]

Awesome video bro just got me one I have the blue one I love it

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thanks brother.

[@DirtyBob200X]

I remember reading Dirt Wheels, really enjoyed that magazine. I'm 6 months shy of 60 and been riding since I was 4. Started on a little Honda Z50. Bought my '85 200X in December '84. Been riding it ever since. Just done a tear down this past summer with new bearings, chain and sprocket amongst other things. Love those bikes.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Those magazines were great! Keep on riding!

[@tomkruze2749]

That Sucks! Unfortunately the owner probably was a “flipper” and had no idea it wasn’t done correctly. Hopefully you get it 100% squared away. I’m 49. I have a 27, 16, 14 year old boys and a 19 year old daughter. We ALL Ride. We have Blasters and Banshees. I also have a 1986 225dx we have owned since Christmas 1985. Over the years we have owned ATC250R Tri-Z and two LT250R quads. You are so Right. It’s about quality time building memories with the family.

[@TheMapleDude1]

That's really awesome. Thanks for telling me about it and tanks for watching.

[@jeredalmeida1880]

That is the dopest collection of ATV'S I've ever seen. Love how you have both variants of the Tecate.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thanks Jared. And we added a trx 250r.

[@nrsternitzky]

Cool mustang in the background

[@TheMapleDude1]

Many people commenting on it.

[@fiveomagic8844]

Nice 250r! I like that fox body mustang also!!

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thanks. That mustang is actually my brother's car.

[@Davido50]

New subscriber! Great content. 👍🏻 -NW Ohio

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thank you!

[@F5Tornado44]

I was in several issues of those magazines. I also had the 88' LT250R and an 88' TRX250R. Try and find an 88' - 89' TRX250R. They were better for MX. Shorter aluminum swingarm, improved clutch pushrod, closer ratio 5th gear, better and smaller A-arm bushings, improved cylinder porting and crank design, etc.

[@TheMapleDude1]

That's great, what did you do to be in those magazines?

[@F5Tornado44]

@@TheMapleDude1 I was a pro racer. I raced in the Mickey Thompson stadium races. And I had my TRX 250R in (I believe it was) 3 & 4 Wheel Action Magazine for a 1-of-a-kind design I fabricated on the front suspension. Also had a full page picture and report on my return to racing after breaking my back.

[@rossfleischauer1155]

Love your videos I live in Amery Wisconsin have a couple quadzilla‘s. I’m 51 have the first quadzilla I bought I was 19 still Riding her matter-of-fact me and my son were still racing 5 -6 years ago. Great videos I love it.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Nice do you ever ride on the Clark Co trails?

[@rossfleischauer1155]

No, never been there. I’m kind of new to Wisconsin. I grew up in northern Minnesota. 0:37

[@death8844]

Absolute beauty!! Nothing like the old school 2strokes

[@TheMapleDude1]

The sound, the smell!

[@death8844]

@TheMapleDude1 the greatest. Need a air freshener in that

[@eiseyem]

Just came across your channel. Man I am 53 years old and what a blast from the past...👍👍👍 I had the same 86 Yamaha TRI-Z 250 and Honda 350X trike. Boy how I miss waking up at 6:00 in the morning and going riding all day with my buddies. Man I miss those trikes 😢 I also had a 1984 Yamaha 225 DX shaft drive trike that was a blast as well. I remember riding in the pine barrens in New Jersey the whole day with no brakes. I just downshifted.. 😂

[@TheMapleDude1]

Yeah I hear you... I'm trying to capture that era before I get too old... not far behind you. Thanks for watching! The Golden era of atvs!

[@Jamomb18]

“THE” 250R that will definitely sit well with your collection!

[@TheMapleDude1]

Yes sir!

[@johnbaker899]

Absolutely amazing 🙌 Beautiful I've got an 86trx too , every nut and bolt , crank rod bearings and seals ...Allen Knowles at C.T. racing built 💪 love the R's Had mine for 27yrs , hard to hold too anymore

[@TheMapleDude1]

Nice man, love to hear it!

[@Thesaurcery4U2C]

That Honda is a Clean Machine. OHHhhh. good thing that shaft part didn't get throw around in there eating up gears. I don't know how hard the material is compared to those gears, but nice catch. & I have a gold 2500 HD from the same generation with 412k miles on original motor and trans. It still runs like it always had and I pull a 16ft enclosed trailer loaded with construction tools around the nation with it. Well, when the used Duramax diesel I bought a couple years ago is giving me trouble. I only used it in the 6 years prior to getting the diesel, and I am glad that I kept it. Gas mileage was the only reason, when the gas engine was getting about 8 mpg towing that loading trailer at 70 + and through hilly areas. But it honestly still runs great.

[@TheMapleDude1]

I have an 07 2500hd reg cab.

[@Thesaurcery4U2C]

@@TheMapleDude1 Ah, yes. I have an 08 extended cab, so i'm stuck with a 6 ft. bed on it. I can't remember the last time I had anyone ride in the backseat of it. It's been the best, and least problematic vehicle that I have probably ever owned. Just brake pads, starter, alternator, normal stuff, and I have worked that old girl. I work in Colorado about 25% of the time, (out 2 weeks, home 4 days) and those are some steep grades on I-70 that I pull that heavy trailer up and down, and she holds 75mph through it all. It gets the rpm's up a few times, lol, but she always does it.

[@renefontanez1531]

Great machine Lots of fun with it back in the day's

[@TheMapleDude1]

Yeah and 38 years later here i am! Haha

[@rcuniversespeed9447]

Totally agree. Priceless. And great as an investment

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thanks man.

[@tedc4990]

Greetings from Rhinelander!

[@TheMapleDude1]

Hi Ted!

[@ar2043]

Nice score!! I bought a pretty much pristine '86 ATC 250R 3 wheeler many years ago. Rode the living heck out of it and sold it after 4-6 seasons of riding. Sure wish I had it back!! Sigh.... Anyways, nice collection and thanks for sharing!!!!

[@TheMapleDude1]

You always regret selling these.

[@Cobra37061]

I do not think you could have found a nicer looking TRX250R. I’m glad you caught the issues early. That looks like a 1987 or 1988 Ford Mustang GT in the background. V8 Mustangs are my other passion. Just like your classic ATVs, the value on fox bodies is only going up. I have a black 1996 GT now that I bought in 1998. Always garaged, never wrecked, and I just had it re-painted in 2021 due to fading. I am definitely wanting to add a 1987-1993 5.0 to my collection. I owned 4 back in the day (two 1984s, a 1987 GT, and a 1988 LX). You need to make a video on your fox body.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Well that mustang is actually my brother's. He's had some cool cars.. it's an 87. He's also had the 96 impala SS and a Merkur XR4TI.

[@nickpeterson4071]

How do you miss out on that 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 no bearing. Man what a beautiful restoration otherwise!!!😊

[@TheMapleDude1]

I agree it makes no sense when looking at the rest of the machine.

[@V6MERC]

Love the videos, Brother! Thanks for all yalls hard work! Shame you got pimped on the 250R, the seller should reimburse you something, but you being who you are will fix it and go about your happy way... As I said once before, I had a 250 QuadRacer in my teens and was also getting all of the magazines(still have most of them)in the mail! Keep the vintage stuff coming, you and Jack are an awesome father and son team!

[@TheMapleDude1]

Hey man I really appreciate the comments... yeah I couldn't just do what this guy did and dissappear like that once he had the money. But some of us out there are still stand up guys.

[@benschlack5814]

Just ordered parts for my blaster it's real 💯

[@TheMapleDude1]

Nice... let's do it!

[@patcousinojr8592]

That's an awesome collection espacilly that Banshee and Tacate 4 but that's cool I and ur son share that collection and togetherness too keep on making videos great job

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thanks pat! Will do!

[@bmxrgreg]

Every time I watch one of your videos with the Tecate 3, and you say how rare they are I kick myself for selling mine. It was an ‘87 and it ripped. I’d stud it in the winter, and sleds couldn’t keep up with me on the twisty parts of the rivers we rode. Just kept the throttle open and slide it right around the corners. It also got plenty of looks during the summer too.

[@TheMapleDude1]

An 87?? That's incredibly rare! I believe only like 900 made! You are right they get attention!

[@ME-wq8lq]

Love the channel. Had a Banshee just like yours years ago. Kills me that i sold it. Hard to find now

[@TheMapleDude1]

Yes hard to find most of these.

[@kennethlittle5395]

My buddy bought 1985 with a 310 kit on it for 1500, only ran about 5 times. It sit in the garage for almost 15 years, only thing we had to replace war was all rubber hoses

[@TheMapleDude1]

Nice! Ride it!

[@kennethlittle5395]

Look at my picks I ride a a 1985 3wheeler . I rebuilt it my self except the bottom end

[@TheMapleDude1]

What kind of 3 wheeler?

[@nickpeterson4071]

Nice collection. If you get into vintage 2 stroke motorcycles next , get a hold of me

[@TheMapleDude1]

Ok

[@creek_made]

Another good one -thanks for the vids, bud

[@TheMapleDude1]

Will do... I know you get what we are doing!

[@Wings-if2cp]

Love the videos you and Jack put together. Do you have other locals you guys get together and ride with?

[@TheMapleDude1]

Honestly not really just us. Everyone else seems to ride SxS.

[@user-zy5ld2hy8c]

Is there going to be a atc250r vs trx250r video??? It's great to see someone appreciate these machines they're very cool.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Yes there will. Riding in Wisconsin is pretty seasonal so once it warms up and dries out.

[@vintagetrikesandquads4012]

Nice collection you have there. I have most of the mid 80s performance machines too--minus the quadzilla. That's the next one on my list. Ever think of getting a modern 450? I have a couple of those too. I can strongly recommend the LTR.

[@TheMapleDude1]

I would like to try a modern 450 up against these 80s machines

[@vintagetrikesandquads4012]

@@TheMapleDude1 The 450s have a lot more torque. They are not as much fun as a 2 stroke on the pipe, though.

[@matthoneycutt4262]

I have a 250r that had wrong coolant it corroded housing i had a spot tig welded and fixed it but i too payed a premium price mine is atc tho really nice quad you have

[@TheMapleDude1]

What was the wrong coolant?

[@brianallen1738]

I'd suggest to do a complete new build on the engine over the winter. Who knows what else is wrong in side there.

[@TheMapleDude1]

I can understand That.

[@minibikemadman]

man that 86 is clean...I have a 88 and love it.. it'd be hard for me to ride that one with the oem goodies on it.

[@TheMapleDude1]

I know. I don't know if I can do it.

[@minibikemadman]

@TheMapleDude1 me neither thats a tough on.

[@jaycastello1171]

Killer quad. Hope things work out for you. Buddy of mine had one back in the day and that thing ripped! Also love the 5.0 in the background. I had a 90 GT back in the day.👍

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thanks man... yeah that's an 87 GT.

[@RichValentine1972]

Dang, you have the holy grail of 80’s atv’s. I’m no longer able to ride now because of a messed up shoulder and hand. But back in the day, if you owned one of these machines. You we’re golden.. I’m so glad I found your channel. Being 51 now,this all just memories for me. SO JEALOUS, lol.

[@TheMapleDude1]

@RichValentine1972 I was lucky to find them. I never had them when I was young.

[@rcOhio]

speaking of dirty machines... you better give that beautiful fox some love! Shame! 😂

[@TheMapleDude1]

My brother's car actually.

[@rcOhio]

@@TheMapleDude1 🤣

[@nickpeterson4071]

I bought an 88 trx 250r in wausau WI , live in mn

[@TheMapleDude1]

Is it pretty much stock?

[@travismaxwell9805]

I think I know what happened based on what happened to my 86 CR-125. I think they are similar. What happens is the case cracks internally at the water pump which mixes the transmission oil with the coolant. Nothing comes out the weep hole because the seal does not fail. The first indication is white foam coming up through the transmission vent. We flushed everything and jb welded the crack and the bike ran for years after. I bet your bike is super low hours and no one changed the antifreeze and it got too cold. The water pump is just sticking out waiting to freeze. The people who sold you the bike knew there was a leak, but could not find it and tried to fix it. The good news is you should be fine with your planned fixes. Like I said, I jb welded mine, but caught it early. It pays to have a smart dad who is an excellent mechanic. I would flush everything and look at clutch, the. Put in new case. Nice find. These were the best and I rode Suzuki Quad against them. Leave stock exhaust on it.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thanks for the insight. But my question is... why was there no bearing in the water pump??

[@MikeRay1978]

@@TheMapleDude1if I had to guess I’d say either someone missed it when putting it together or it fell off and didn’t get noticed. Ineptitude either way

[@jonsadevntures433]

That's frustrating. If there's a silver lining, at least parts are available.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Yeah you can still get em!

[@evanwilliams2602]

Dude I love your videos you should buy more atv and compare. Buy some atv from a different time period like early model 400ex early raptor 660 ltz400 and compare them to the older atv wonder how they stack up 🤷‍♂️

[@TheMapleDude1]

I really like that idea. What I need is some people with those to volunteer!

[@evanwilliams2602]

@@TheMapleDude1 totally agree. I’m from pa so I don’t think I could help but I have a few machines that would work. Would be cool to compare them to newer models. Would be super cool content.

[@TheMapleDude1]

@@evanwilliams2602 it needs to happen.

[@vankuikendavid8453]

look for the 89!!

[@TheMapleDude1]

Best looking imo.

[@867diesel]

at least somebody has it who will build it right now . if the water pump was done like that , what do you think the rest of the engine is like ? me being a racer , id pull the cases apart to be sure all the bearings are in there and right . lol

[@TheMapleDude1]

I hear you. It's so strange with the attention to detail that is on the bike otherwise.

[@867diesel]

@@TheMapleDude1 yeah very strange . but splitting the case to be sure is cheaper than not and there be a problem . im glad you called him and gave him crap about it

[@apaudorff]

That’s too bad, classic marketplace sellers…. Definitely get a race with the lt250r and tecate, then the zilla and banshee, I’m predicting it only beats up your beat up tecate

[@TheMapleDude1]

We'll do it.

[@TorqueYork]

Do you have a video using the plastic welding? If not can you point me to a link where you purchased the tool? Thank you so much. The trx250r you got looks killer!

[@TheMapleDude1]

I may try making a video. www.polyvance.com/Airless-Welders-1/ATVPRO/

[@mariomessinese5287]

Smh! , that sucks. I can imagine what other shortcuts they took 😐.

[@TheMapleDude1]

It makes no sense, why even knowingly put it together without a bearing?

[@mariomessinese5287]

@@TheMapleDude1 agreed 💯.

[@jones420of88]

Screw that full tear down now Inspect everything if that bearing was left out.lol

[@TheMapleDude1]

It's hard to believe. But it sounded great. But luckily I have actually ridden it yet.

[@matthewblank214]

That does suck a bit but still pretty minor, i have had such good luck thru the years, one thing i do after i make a purchase and am leaving, i say, alright, i know i bought this used as is but when i leave, if there is something i should look at and fix or replace please tell me, I won’t be pissed or complain, it could save me money in the long run cause ill fix it right away. Always worked out well

[@TheMapleDude1]

I just trusted the guy too much. He seemed pretty solid but that didn't make sense.

[@matthewblank214]

Still got a nice machine

[@ACE-hv5sw]

That sucks but it’s used and there’s always something you’ll find. Even though that’s a pretty big oops it happens. I had way worse issues with mine and wished it was just the cover and water pump shaft and paid over 4K and it wasn’t even close to as nice cosmetically as yours. Hopefully the rest of the engine doesn’t have any missing bearings 😮

[@TheMapleDude1]

Yeah I guess I'll find out when I actually ride it. Cross my fingers.

[@brianallen1738]

Beautiful bike but those are not the proper prolink stickers on that swingarm those are for ATC 250R 85 86 trx250r from 86 87 had different ones.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Thanks

[@davidjoeseph2646]

Now you know why they cut the rad cap hole

[@TheMapleDude1]

Possible

[@karl6823]

This is really sad to see because I know firsthand what it takes to build a masterpiece the time involved along with the bank account. Everything Hass to be done precisely I take so much pride in my work that there’s no way I could put that machine together like that. I’ve been this way since I was 16 years old and now I’m 40. I hope this guys ashamed of himself to sell you something like that…

[@TheMapleDude1]

Yeah I don't get it. With all the effort that was put into to find the huge mistakes is really weird. And of course now the guy is being a punk and hiding.

[@karl6823]

@@TheMapleDude1 i don’t understand it at all that quad is absolutely stunning

[@tedshickell7315]

Exactly buy as is

[@TheMapleDude1]

But no bearing in water pump come on.

[@tedshickell7315]

@@TheMapleDude1 I’ve bought worse but if you need anything for it let me know between me an my brother we got enough parts to build 5 of them

[@Jack-Mehoff]

Another twisted nipple video…buyer beware on anything with the old brake light warranty. Definitely was put back together as show piece. Hopefully loctite was used on internals. Rare quad find and with economic times you will come out ahead on purchase.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Yeah I don't get how you don't put a bearing back in?? Makes no sense. The guy seemed like a knowledgeable guy, but now won't return calls.

[@Jack-Mehoff]

You own it now, too many possibilities. Just good luck tracking your next collection piece.

[@mikesarahmccourts6509]

Just wanted to let you know that the carb is not oem it’s probably a Chinese knock off I wouldn’t trust my bike with that. The oem carb has a 90’ fuel spigot cast in so as to get rid of the s bend in the fuel line

[@TheMapleDude1]

It's a kehien. It's probably not the original but a replacement (by Sudco).

[@fiveomagic8844]

You need to find a gas gas wild 300.

[@TheMapleDude1]

Believe it or not there's one in my town for sale. But it's too jacked up for me. I like them more original.

[@fiveomagic8844]

@@TheMapleDude1 well I like the jacked up ones!!!

[@martyrodgers8219]

I would definitely call the guy on it and if he is an asshole, I would let everybody know

[@TheMapleDude1]

I tried... he never answered phone calls.

[@Davido50]

Lipstick 💄 💋 on a pig. Hope you didn't pay over $7k for it. Id tear dwn & rebuild the WHOLE engine. Call "CT racing" guys for advice. -NW Ohio

[@TheMapleDude1]

I ain't got time, so I'll take my chances. If there's something wrong I'll have to end up rebuilding it anyway.

[@dustymcdust5095]

My buddie had one of these, he traded it off for a titled 89 CR500

[@TheMapleDude1]

I hope it was a trade he didn't regret.

[@dustymcdust5095]

@@TheMapleDude1 absolutely not, h won the burnout competition at vintage week here in ohio. Wrapped that bitch all the way through 5th gear, almost blew it up and caught the rear tire on fire, shit was gnarly

[@donaldtrumpenstein9722]

He is from Minnesota that should tell you all you need to know

[@TheMapleDude1]

Ouch

[@libtards1393]

I have that same one in just as good a shape sold it for next to nothing fucking drug habit

[@TheMapleDude1]

Dang !!