The History of Honda's TRX250R FourTrax 1986-1989

This is a look back at the history of Honda's high-performance 250 two-stroke quads of the late 1980s. Produced from 1986 through 1989, the FourTrax was the ATV of choice for motocross and cross-counrty racing throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.
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[@raoulduke3770]

1986 Honda's, across the board, might have been the best looking lineup of off-road machines in history

[@Davido50]

Honda fell off bad after 80s & 90s.

[@mattmanske4955]

Awesome video! Just bought my first 250r a year ago at age 50, wanted one since the beginning. I've raced it a few times in Vintage class at ATVMX. Reinvigorated my love for riding. Keep up the great work!

[@katdaddy469]

That's awesome to hear. I'm 49 still looking to get my first one lol maybe by 50 😄

[@MegaKikeGasGas]

Long live the 250R

[@Spudd74]

I’m 48. Found a 1986 survivor. Hopefully getting in Monday

[@Matt-416]

@@katdaddy469 Outstanding! An absolutely fantastic quad. I had an '88 that I loved. Raced it for a few years until the trx450r came out. Unfortunately, while hitting a small double, I ate a yz125 head on... The guy was going around the track the wrong way. Regardless, my 250r was destroyed in the crash and sold for parts... Which I still regret.

[@cbh148]

Outstanding vid! The 250R needed a comprehensive take on its story, and Tony delivered it.

[@Zeusssssssss]

Love this video. Thank you! Had an 86 and 87. The difference in engine vs ATC 250R was due to a taller head gasket if I remember correctly. Easily able to swap them out. Sent the 86 tip end to Paul Turner who personally ported and polished it. Added his hand built mid range pipe and fat boy silencer. Was an incredible machine.

[@Matt-416]

You gotta do a history of the TRX450R. Game changing quad that ushered in probably the height of ATVMX racing.

[@salvadordollyparton666]

it was really the 400ex... a LOT of people started racing them with big bores. then, yamaha and honda came out with the 450's in 04, which then took off even more. but the 400 really started it. and there's not really much history to either. but it just shows how far ahead the 250r chassis was, that it could come out with a good 4 stroke engine 10 years after it was discontinued basically unchanged... even the exact same tires. and sold like CRAZY!

[@fasst45072]

Glad to see the quads getting some love ❤️

[@thatalaskaguy]

Excellent job as always! 👍 I really enjoyed this video. I was always a bigger fan of the Quadracer 250. It only weighed 293 lbs dry in ‘85. That’s amazing to think about compared to the huge and portly quads we have now. I’m glad I was able to be grow up during the golden age of sport quads. Thanks so much for creating a video like this!

[@katdaddy469]

I picked the one next to it when I got my LT but mine was the first 250 fourstroke quadsport. Was still a great bike with a smaller sprocket jet and pipe.

[@thatalaskaguy]

@@katdaddy469 I had an ‘86 Quad Sport 230 that I got used in the fall of ‘89. I loved that quad, way smoother and more comfortable than my brothers Blaster. I rode it so much it started falling apart and I sold it before going away to college. Naturally I now regret ever selling it. I now could easily fix the small issues I was having with it at the time. I always thought the red ‘86 was the best looking. I currently have a ‘90 Quadracer 250 and love to take it out once in a while. I did a few videos of it.

[@bloopdawg3951]

FINALLY love the old 250r!

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

It's been a couple days and I still can't believe you did it. Man what a great guy you are.

[@TheMotocrossVault]

Lol thanks

[@Kickback-dm7zt]

@@TheMotocrossVault was on your website earlier and didn't realise you have things that can be printed off.. I printed off the following, 1)magazine test of the 1976 MX 125 C, 2) the 1978 shootout between the PE 250 and IT 250, 3) the 1980 test of the IT 175 4)the test of the 1983 IT 250 5) the 1983 shootout between the IT, KDX, PE and XR. 6)the 1983 test of the YZ 100 7) The 1985 shoot out between the IT and KDX. 8) The 1988 YZ 80/125/250/490 sales brochure 9) the 1989 RM 80/125/250 sales brochure.

[@bassettjj]

Thank you for making this doc. I am picking up an 86 fourtrax on friday and it's nice to learn about its history.

[@bendover3820]

I have Rolled both 4 and 3 wheeled 250Rs. How many can claim that? I miss the 90's

[@ThisOldTrike]

Outstanding video Tony!! Extremely informative!

[@TheMotocrossVault]

Glad you liked it!

[@rocketpocket99]

I had an 87 Ducati 250 trike toughest thing I ever whipped it showed me too. She was a beast.

[@JohnThomas-vb9se]

I loved my 86 250r. Fresh engine, Boyesen reeds, FMF pipe and silencer, Roost Boost, lots of fun. Would not run with my 05 450r that I bought new though, even with a lighter rider on the 250. I sure miss both of them.

[@katoom-ju6vo]

Outstanding job!! This video brings back memories of my local riding areas where you could find just about any of the machines mentioned here in this video on any given day. In fact, some of my closest riding buddies rode the FourTrax 250R, ATC 250R, Quad Racer, Tecate, ect. I was always (and still are) a dirt bike rider, but I always felt the FourTrax 250R was the superior quad. The 80's were such a great time to be a bunch of kids obsessed with riding our dirt bikes, trikes and quads every chance we got. Really, really good times. Again, outstanding job reviewing the history on this epic machine.

[@c0dered987]

Thank you so much dude!! I was just looking for a video just like this so I could see all the differences and figure out what year I wanted to go with.

[@gregmonmaney6593]

Another AWESOME video Tony! Thank you.

[@drewperretta5945]

I just discovered your channel about a couple of months ago and really enjoy it. I grew up riding a 76 RM in the 80s and regretfully, I sold itt before I went to boot camp in 1985. I'm now 54 and am restoring an 87 Husqvarna WR430 which was a dream bike of mine from back in the day. Have you ever done a review on that Husky and if not I would be very interested to see one. Thanks for all you do. Keep up the good work.

[@scotthumphreys6972]

Had a 86 in 86 was 16 years old loved that bike. Had a 200 x before that. Later bought a 89 banshee.

[@1RP3Pistons]

Great video! I still ride my '86 TRX250R. I have an FMF Fatty Pipe, Boysen Reeds, and it is lightly bored (30 thousandths/not the 330 big bore kit). I'm 38 and have owned it since I was 13, and it starts first kick like clockwork still to this day. I always keep it maintained. I have a different seat cover ('Ceet' brand that grips and keeps you in place), and matching graphics kit. I really want to do nerf bars to complete things. I've had a few ankle roll overs in my day haha. The thing is stable and just rips. Sounds great with the Fatty pipe for sure as well... I can't say enough about this quad. I've had MANY offers from people over the years, but I'm not selling. My son will have a great machine on his hands soon enough. Even with the new 4 strokes these days, there's just something you can't really explain when you ride one of these...

[@jeffreynunes272]

Great video, as always nicely to see quads own an 87 love it.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Thank you. Awesome retrospective.

[@spottyjack614]

Great vidd Tony... please do another vidd on the 250 & 500 quadracer & the 250 Tecate 3& 4 wheelers and the yamaha tri z 250..and last the 350 Banshee.. I enjoy all ur viddz..keep up the great work 👍...

[@brantmcfarland517]

Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@henryford6514]

Finally thank you for this video! Enjoyed as much as the Honda Odyssey video

[@Brandn43]

You have the most amazing channel on KZbin

[@atctraveler6218]

Awesome history lesson

[@darrellfolk5284]

Absolutely Awesome Video!! I'm proud to have a Beautiful 83 250R. Would love to own a 85-86 250R

[@mcman47]

Great story. Thanks for the memories

[@justinm.791]

I had a 86 LT250R when the Fourtrax came out..the Suzuki's front suspension was totally outclassed by the Honda. I've had a bunch of various brands of quads/atvs and IMO the TRX250R's performance stands the test of time.

[@Kyle_gallegher]

I have the lt250r i believe an 86 and I love it but I have tons of respect for the white and red honda 250r fourtrax, very sharp quads ahead of their times.

[@DonHewlett3]

Should do more ATV videos. Banshee, Lt250 Quadracer, Quadzilla or even a history of the early aftermarket built 4 strokes in the late 90s/early 2000s

[@Jamie-Dean-007]

Your videos are awesome 👏🏻

[@vintagetrikesandquads4012]

Thanks for that--very informative. I own a lot of these machines. The 250R is definitely the most refined of all the machines, and the most reliable. It doesn't have the most exciting engine in stock form, though. The 87-92 Quadracer has a more potent engine, especially with just a few mods, but the R has better handling and suspension. The same is true for the Tecate 4, which has a KIPS powervalve but lacks the handling and suspension of the Honda.

[@salvadordollyparton666]

those factory ohtu's are by far the best factory tires i've ever had. ran them completely bald on my 400. i did usually run more pressure than recommended, spent about as much time on 2 wheels as 4, back or sides. i could ride it on the side all day and turn either way, or wheelie as far as i had room. but the maxxis razr's were a big improvement. rode it into the ground, and pretty sure i never changed the front tires. or wasn't long before it got parked after like the 3rd carrier axle was destroyed and by that time the clutch was gone along with rings and the steering stem bent all to hell. still have it waiting on a restoration one of these days. thinking of maybe trying to cram a bigger engine in it, like a 650 vtwin or something kinda ridiculous. don't want a big heavy 4 cylinder than makes it completely useless for anything but drags but something bigger and different. or maybe a bored/stroked 250r or something. who knows, whatever i come across that i can fit without totally chopping it up.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Are you kidding me? I can't believe you did it! Man I love you!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelhayden6936]

Motocrossed a season on a 86 250R with a DG pipe and silencer. Great times.

[@Ash1978E]

Love the content. I'd love a hoodie with a 93 kx 250 plastered on it. I tried looking on your merch website but couldn't find it. I was lucky enough to purchase the bike last summer and I'm restoring back to glory.

[@TheMotocrossVault]

I’ll see what I can do

[@2strokeFORever]

My buddys dad had an 86 trx250r that would sit in the corner. Ever since we were kids he always told us if we could start it we could it ride. That first time was quite the rush especially being so young. Years and years of abuse that thing was a blast and kept going Just an FMF slip on

[@Ottos_ScLm_Race_videos_2009_on]

What I was told why they detuned it was because of the Gears in the Transmission. I had a 88 model. The motor was ported, Midrange Paul Turner pipe, 38MM carb, the 4" over axle. Racing motocross I blew out second driven gear out the case. Loved the all red color.

[@55tmilam]

I’ve wanted an atc250r for over 30 years! Maybe one day I’ll find an 85 or 86! Then I will find a 93-96 cr250 motor and shoehorn it in there

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Doesn't work way too much vibration

[@jesseison-bowman3964]

The 86 had the red nose, tank, and seat while the 87 had the blue nose, tank, and seat. The frames were always red. Wheels, a arms, and swingarm were gold on both 86 and 87. The 88 was all red with the headlight integrated into the nose, silver a arms and aluminum swingarm that was actually 1.5" shorter than 86 & 87. The 89 was all white plastic. The 88 and 89 got the long rod. Everyone hates on the Suzuki but the LT250R was fast and a good rider on the Suzuki could outrun a rookie on a Honda. The Tecate was the fastest 2 stroke quad ever made. In the real world, the Banshee, Quadracer, and 250R were all very close. Tecates were rare on the trail and track/non existent, but I want one. The magazines are full of $hit. I am a Honda guy but the 250R isnt that much better than the magazines would have you believe. It is just an extremely well thought out quad with smooth power and super simple makes sense engineering but you arent going to lap your buddy on a Quadracer if he is a decent rider and he might beat you.

[@sbfhawk4343]

I own the 86 TRX 250R The Red White and Blue with the FMF Fatty pipe and the thing never dissappoints and always turns very desirable Quad in my view it's the best out there. It is deserving of Legendary status.

[@desirejohnson2124]

I think every kid had a big red or a dad or grandpa that had one. The big red is the most iconic three wheeler in my opinion

[@nathandeckard644]

If I remember correctly the detune for the first trx250r was just a thicker head gasket and was supposed to fight detonation. My dad bought me a year old 86 lt250r for my 14th birthday but of course I would have preferred the trx.

[@billywitzel9303]

Lots of great info. How about the lt500r?

[@minibikemadman]

I've got a 88 trx 250r..I debating on selling it but I know I'd kick myself in the ass 20 years down the road...mine came with a title to.

[@brianchisnell1548]

I had an '86. 2nd owner. Minty. Used to draw a crowd for a 20 year old bike. Red version. Wish I hadn't sold it.. like riding a chainsaw. Still have my '05 400 ex..

[@mturley8414]

My parents bought me an 86 250R trike when I was 15.. I don’t think they did the research 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.. Friggin thing was an animal

[@steviedee71]

I’m sure it’s obvious and herd this already, but you should do a Yamaha Banshee & Raptor video!

[@andrewrides7032]

It would be great if you could do a review on the 89 cr 125

[@TheMotocrossVault]

I will for sure

[@andrewrides7032]

@@TheMotocrossVault thanks I’m a big fan of the channel

[@jamiebarkla7833]

Very informative video, thanks for telling the elusive history of the Fourteax 250R, Honda dipped their toes in 16yrs later with the 450R but once again exited without notice. I owned an 85 Quadracer and though a lot of fun, power from the TS250 sourced engine was woeful, handling was terrible from poor chassis design, particularly the front suspension which would change camber through its stroke!

[@jaywagner13]

Great video! The 88 250r is best looking quad ever built! A masterpiece. Remember the first time I seen one as a kid and being completely enamored. 20yrs later and I finally owned one.

[@Chittybang1821]

I wish Yamaha made a 250 2 stroke quad... I think my dream bike would be a 89 250R with a newer CR250 engine. Bored the hell out ... Dana Creech, Travis Cain they were my favorite riders. I used to have all the huevos movies

[@Drew-lz9hr]

Agreed my friend the gold shit looks Dope AF altogether a very nice looking machine

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

14:16 Tony, I searched all over the place for those factory "fourtrax" racing pants. They were around for 1 year. Steve Wright wore them for one season 1987. I actually found someone to remanufacture them for me. Where can I send the pics to you?

[@TheMotocrossVault]

[e-mail]

[@RJIVHALO]

I got an 86, my brother has an 87 and my dad has an 89. Great quads. Now all I gotta do is find an 88😂

[@alphonzo5812]

2 wheels, 3 or 4 can all put you in a cast or a casket just the same. Wish they made the trikes and 4 trx still.

[@Chittybang1821]

Admit though, that first year TRX 450 with the forward kick starter is badass... Possibly one of my favorite quads all-time... And yes the ATC had way more balls.... Always seems everybody has a beater. LT quad racer that is just like an extra machine for like when one of your friends comes along that doesn't have a bike. I swear every group of friends had a beater. LT hahaha

[@acuraintegrar5]

Great vid! Would you consider a vid on the forgotten t-4?

[@TheMotocrossVault]

What is a t-4?

[@acuraintegrar5]

Tecate-4

[@michaelvoorhees5978]

So EVERYBODY thank Suzuki for bringing 4 wheelers and especially a racing one!!

[@chrisspear3551]

Love it nice mechine

[@walkerskii]

I have a gray 87 FourTrax, TRX250X 4-stroke, I didn't hear it in this video, can you pls talk about that?

[@TheMotocrossVault]

I’ve owned a 250X and the very similar 300EX and loved them both.

[@walkerskii]

If I change the exhaust on my 1987 4-stroke QuadTrax, for better flow & horsepower, will that potentially harm the engine?

[@jessefincher]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@favioenriquevelazquezochoa6066]

Tengo una trx 250r dos tiempos del año 1989 exelente motor me gustaria cotizarla y saber el precio

[@cmcycles8387]

I was looking for a 250r for my girlfriends quad build since im a honda guy and wanted 2 stroke, but ended up settling with the first gen blaster and building it from the ground up instead 03-06 hydraulic brakes durablue axle built motor from the bottom end up vforce 4s 28mm pwk alba beadlocks and nerfbars new plastics, in hind sight the money i have wrapped up into the yamaha i could have probably bought her a running 250r

[@thehistorian3132]

Plz do videos on the quadzilla or kxt 250 tecate 3 wheeler

[@thehistorian3132]

And ps I love ur vids man keep the work up

[@TheMotocrossVault]

I plan to do both in the future

[@democratsaretheDEVIL]

I always wanted the red 88 model. What happened Honda?

[@lucasharrison5577]

Can you do a vid about your blaster

[@TheMotocrossVault]

I plan on covering the blaster in a future video yes

[@Chittybang1821]

I mean they kind of just feel like a little bit bigger. Blaster the water cooling makes it a little better. Not much though and it's also heavier... Argue to say that if you took a stock blaster and you boarded out to 240cc, it might be a stop 250R 1989

[@Matt-416]

The '88 was phenomenal. Not feeling the difference between an '87 to an '88... is simply laughable. Huge difference on trails, whoops, and especially on the moto. The '88 put the 250R in the book of legends.

[@evanwilliams2602]

You didnt mention the banshee it was produced in 87+

[@billycollins1757]

Honda should have rereleased the 250r in 92-94 . And offered a 500r version. Would have sold over 25000.

[@Chittybang1821]

Well, there was a weird spot in the ATV world after the 250R stopped being made because then there wasn't 450 race quads yet. So everybody either had 400 EXs old 250 s or raptors the banshees but banshees aren't really good for racing and the raptor is way too big too. So it was pretty much 400EXs and then Cannondale even had 440 quads oh, and I forgot about the z400 great quad man. It's a DRZ engine ering...400ex is best trail quad ever

[@Chittybang1821]

Those LT's had no balls... If Honda kept making it it would have got the power valve and been king of the hill up until the 450 came out

[@CoolcatAMA-Pro]

Suzuki Had a 4stroke 250cc white & blue seat made it one year I believe. What was the it ? It was fast faster than there other 4 strokes it would rival with the Honda 400ex that come out later it was more sport like the LT 250 2 stroke

[@thatalaskaguy]

That was the Quadsport 250, it competed with the 250X. They didn’t offer it for very long.

[@powersportsenthusiast1986]

@@thatalaskaguy and still slower. it was made 2 years, i believe 89 and 90. nothing special about that quad in any aspect

[@thatalaskaguy]

@@powersportsenthusiast1986 if I remember correctly it was the same chassis as the original with a bump up in displacement and rounded plastic that didn’t look as good as the original version.

[@CoolcatAMA-Pro]

To bad they quit making the Odyssey that would be a cheaper option than a new side by side that cost as much as a new car

[@Davido50]

Honda got SUED the most.. absolutely. Most probably made a deal w/the FEDs as well. Honda is a shadow of itself now in motorcycles/ATVs & vehicles!

[@darringraham2613]

The Suzuki quad racer 250 & 500 handle better on Flat track and TT racing than the Honda's but the Honda was better for motocross 👍✌

[@rocketpocket99]

Throw throttle

[@shannonshepherd433]

Pretty sure 87 did not have a key

[@funtyes1970]

seem like 1989 was worst year for 4trax 250r. I had 1986 4trax 250r I got it brand new I think it was like $3000. I was 15 going on 16 years old when I got 1986 250r. I never understand why Honda stop making 250r. I really think Honda was trying to get away from 2-strokes motors and only make 4-strokes. and seem like some company's coming back with 2-strokes in dirt bikes but as right now Honda haven't. I really like Honda, but Honda really need to step their game and bring back 2-stroke. I really think Yamaha been doing great bring back 2-stroke. give it time Yamaha probably will make a new 2-stroke 4-wheeler again I can see it

[@Chittybang1821]

Yeah it was bad. My aunt literally used to baby the hell out of my little cousin Steven like she would literally scream his name and from miles away and he could hear her anyway and he would always be the one that would crash and like need help picking his bike up. Mind you he only had a TTR 90 and we were like 15 because that's how much she babyed him .... She used to tell me you better not let Steven ride that quad. They are too dangerous

[@Kyle_gallegher]

Also this guy is flat out wrong on the power department. Its more of a perspective, the reason the dirtbike counterpart always makes more hp is becuase 2 wheel bikes are very light they don't even need any torque. On quads u NEED a counterbalancer on the engine for vibration of the frame and the flywheel might be different for torque. So while the dirtbike motor is 'faster' it has no where near the torque and vice versa a similar quad motor for hp. Which is why its more about perspective.