The Differences Between the 1985 & 1986 ATC 250R

[@Joe-xh2lk]

Your videos got me digging into the back of my shop to see all the ATC stuff I put away many years ago. I got the bug again!

[@ThisOldTrike]

Awesome!! Let me know if you find anything good back there!

[@krisjato]

Great video, man! And definitely a sweet collection! I was an ATC guy my whole life! When I was eight years old my uncle had a couple Honda 110 ATC's, I remember riding them around the sand dunes at the same time. My mom bought a 1985 Honda 200S brand new in 1985, I was 10 years old. My brother later bought a 1985 200X but he didn't have a long, he traded it in and got a 1986 250R when they came out. He still has it and it still runs strong because he doesn't ride it very much at all. And nothing has ever been done to the engine. Hard to believe but it's true. In may of 2000 I was riding a 1985 Honda 200X and I blacked out from dehydration and when I did I veered off the trail and hit a tree head on and broke my neck and pinched my spinal cord leaving me paralyzed from the chest down. I get so mad when people say "those 3 wheelers were so dangerous!" It wasn't that ATC's fault! I love 3 wheelers, I'd get back on one right now if I could! Any ways, thanks for the great video, I definitely learned some things! Merry Christmas and happy new year!

[@mikelisamiller5190]

I had 4 of them in the 90s and work on many atv today love the history

[@choward874]

Man I've wanted one since 85 back when I first saw them on the dunes now I'm 46 years old and finally thinking about getting one LOL

[@westbenchmancave]

Do it. Only live once.

[@wessreiley8275]

You for got to mention the most easy one to recognize would be the Rad shroud decal from 85/86. Also the rear axle bearing carrier was also different from the 2 years. Swing arm I think had some minor differences too. Other then that nice looking banshee killers. I still own my 86 and sold my 85 years ago.

[@ThisOldTrike]

You're completely correct! I really need to make a list before I go into these videos. It's hard to hit all the points just from memory!

[@gregmonmaney6593]

😃 I knew the minor tweaks Honda made from 85 to 86 with the carb, the rake, and seat. I learned the other differences from you this past year. Awesome Awesome machines! Thank you for sharing. Wow! I did not realize they had a different headlight and kill switch. I just remembered the 86 style headlight/kill switch seemed to be on every Honda before or since.

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thanks brother!

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Oh and I absolutely love it been waiting long time for one of these !!!!

[@outragousbob4367]

Thanks, I learned a lot! I have a mint 85 but now I know the rear plastic is 86. I bought a new 350X in 86, it was a 85 left over. I got the 350X because it was a better trail machine. I just found out who has it, an elderly guy I worked with 30 yrs. Ago. I’m gonna try to get her back, I loved that thing!

[@ThisOldTrike]

Man, love that! I hope you get it back brother!! Glad you enjoyed the video too and got something out of it! I've got an 85 resto mod I'm just finishing up and I think once it's done, I'm going to re-do this video because it's a few years old at this point and I think I can do a better job now. I appreciate the comment!

[@OTAlucard]

Best ATV ever made. One day probably next year I'll complete my short track project

[@Krankie_V]

When I was a kid, I really wanted a Yamaha Banshee. Nowadays, I feel a Honda 250R would be a far better fit 😁

[@ThisOldTrike]

Yes sir, I think a solid 250R is where it's at. Heck, I'm pretty in love with the 450ER that I got though. They're all awesome.

[@KillerCamino]

Could turn a rd350 into a trike, been trying to get my friend to buy one so we can build one with banshee plastic and even put the banshee grill section on the front forks and install the lights in it

[@vintagetrikesandquads4012]

Great collection and video. One difference I don't remember you mentioning is the rear carrier. The 85 is smaller.

[@ThisOldTrike]

You are 100% correct!! The 86 shares the same size carrier as the TRX 86/87. The 85 is unique. Good call man!!

[@DrDarbysYoda]

Love the collection brotha🤌🏼🤌🏼 restoring an ‘86 ATC 250r as we speak 💪🏼💪🏼🫡

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thanks brother!! Hope the resto is going well!!

[@wessreiley8275]

Also the headlight plastic bezel the original from what I found out had the embossed lettering as where the OEM replacement from Honda did not. Or if it was a after market one like Mayer plastics.

[@ThisOldTrike]

You're correct!

[@kkcombs622]

86 also had different single piece fork springs whereas 85 had two piece spings with a short spring with a different spring rate at the top. Used to remove that for short track racing and used 85 springs in my 86 when i switched racing to it. Still have the 86.

[@mariomessinese5287]

Great video Preston 😎

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thank you Mario!!

[@jbtreeit]

I'm a huge fan, have an 85 oem fender and 86 replacement oem with oem seat...was gonna put them on the Bay, but wanted u to see them first. I'd like to send u some pics.

[@ThisOldTrike]

Shoot me a message! Do you have Facebook or Instagram?

[@SmokeyA55]

Excellent collection 👍🏿💯

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thank you!

[@Erlov71]

such a shame this bike was only made 2 years. Best looking atv all time in my opinion.

[@Davido50]

Very nice..I had 2 bk in that day...tho I far prefer my newer Yamaha YFZ450R & Raptor 700R-SE! Modern , high tech four- stroke sport quads. Never sell em!

[@sendit1158]

I dont think many people would disagree across the world

[@HRCfan17]

I had that problem with the kickstart on my 85. Bought it from a friend who raced at southwick. Wish I still had it. That Klemm machine looks like a nice rider although I’d have trouble running those NOS rears because they’re so hard to come by. Nice collection.

[@santeebandit3246]

Tons of great information! Only suggestion is to ditch the music or lower it a little bit. Just seems like a distraction to the info being provided. Stellar collection you’ve got there!!

[@ThisOldTrike]

I agree. I do a lot less music in my more recent videos. I think I'm going to re-do this one at some point this year and include all the things I forgot in this one!!

[@santeebandit3246]

I recently installed a fresh top end on an 86, and just got an 85 atc for myself. Wanted an 85 literally since 1985 when my friends and I would ride our bikes over to the local Fun Bike Center and drool all over the new bikes. They had 85/86 atcs brand new sitting for sale. First 250R I rode was an 85 my neighbor bought. Finally got mine.

[@tricycleguy2657]

Very thorough...I've read somewhere that 86 handle bars had slightly different bend.. I believe the 85 didn't have the helmet holder hook not 100% on that...the wheel hubs were different colors too, oh i think the shock adjustment knob changed colors too

[@ThisOldTrike]

You're definitely right on the helmet holder and shock adjustment knob. Not sure if the hubs were different colors though. Could be, I'm just not aware!

[@tricycleguy2657]

@@ThisOldTrike mine were but could be quad hubs or painted somewhere threw the years

[@NotgoingToohappen]

Im glad I can say I've got to own one of these bad boys in my life. Ive only owned one in my 35 years but it was awesome it was an 85 I fully restored it with a 290 kit and it was absolutely gnarly i sold it for 6 grand and moved on to rzrs.

[@350toocute]

The regular 85 250 Honda 3wheeler was a beast.I sunk my fathers 85 Honda 3 wheeler twice water up to the seat.each time I waited 20 minutes.It started right up each time.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

Beautiful collection

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thank you sir!

[@cainbeeping8480]

A nice collection. Some great info.

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thank you sir!! I should really re-do this video. I definitely left a couple things out.

[@jaysonburns4423]

Looks like heaven to me...so beautiful..

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thank you sir!!

[@Donny_Buysall]

Not 100% on this but other minor differences not noted I believe are different decals or lack thereof on the 86 tank shrouds. Also I believe 86 with its different arm, linkage and shock has a slightly fatter better shock in the rear and also I do believe the front shocks are a touch fatter and have a tad bit more travel. Otherwise you were pretty thorough and im not 100% on what I wrote before but pretty certain. 85s have the Keihin PE34 round slide (81, 82 are PE28 and 83 - 84 are PE30) and then the 86 gets the upgraded PJ34 Flat slider, a nice upgrade from the PE series. These videos are excellent for stickler collectors like myself so thank you for dropping your knowledge man. If you haven't done it already I think 83 - 87 200x features and differences would also be highly informative, as well as an 85 - 87 SX differences video! Ty for doing this!

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thank you brother!!

[@garyhopkinssr8561]

I wish I had my 185r man I miss that thing lot of fun

[@ThisOldTrike]

Gary, what is a 185R???

[@DirtyMikeHoncho]

@@ThisOldTrike lol he's gotta be thinking of a 185 s

[@keithstone4476]

I love your videos, I just subscribed. I will admit your uploads make me jealous and want to spend money 😅

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thanks Keith! I understand completely.... I still get jealous when I see somebody get a nice trike!! I'm not sure that will ever wear off...

[@keithstone4476]

It worked, I picked up my 6th one! Haha, definitely running low on storage space.

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Damn man you got one heck of a collection, just got mine about 2 weeks ago I can't tell if it's a 85 or 86 and I watched the whole video I think to many parts have been swapped out.

[@ThisOldTrike]

What is the VIN?

[@geraldhawkins2643]

On the motor it says 418916

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Can't find a Vin on the frame

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Don't know where to look for the vin?

[@ThisOldTrike]

@@geraldhawkins2643 Its up on the neck of the frame in front of the tank, under the handlebars

[@doghouse416]

84 mine had the kick-start missing the dogs problem as well.

[@patinabunker5340]

Awesome collection!

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thank you so much

[@caniblesavages]

I saw you mentioned something about a Kickstarter slip fix for the 85 mine has tried to break my ankle twice today I need that repair if you still have that repair kit?

[@ThisOldTrike]

Let me pull it out and get some pictures

[@caniblesavages]

@@ThisOldTrike thank you very much any info I can get before I split the cases would be great. I had one as a kid never had this problem the one I currently have I found in pieces in a card board box I got the manual so I don’t think I put it together wrong but my ankle can’t take another over extension I have to fix this before I ride it again

[@Donny_Buysall]

@@caniblesavages wasn't even aware there was a problem with 85 Kickstart, I will say the motors are pretty bulletproof and if your issue is your motor kicking back very hard, that's an ignition issue or way too much fuel. Just my 2 cents, take it for whatever its worth, not even really worth 2 cents lol. If it is indeed not slipping, and kicking back, make sure you have an oem cdi, make sure there's no oil in your stator side cover (know this from experience), make sure your ignition is working properly, also, if your carburetor needle leaks and your overflow is clogged, it's gonna literally fill your motor with 2 stroke fuel and your kicker is gonna wack the hell out of you from so much compression. Just a healthful tip, maybe your starter is slipping. But id look to what else I said first to be sure.

[@caniblesavages]

@@Donny_Buysall thanks for the info mine feels like you have the compression stroke then just as you put all your weight to start it there is nothing and you slam your heel on the peg forcing you to over extend your ankle forward causing excruciating pain I’m gonna take it apart this weekend I hope it’s just a weak spring but I will sharpen up the teeth if I have to, parts are getting harder to find for a decent price

[@Donny_Buysall]

@@caniblesavages yeah sounds like slippage and if Preston is correct (he usually is) hopefully he'll have a kit left for to fix it once and for all! Good luck!

[@MotoRacerx22]

I have a 85 250r and the chain wadded up and broke the engine case. Based off your collection, would you happen to have an engine case or cases? Thanks in advance

[@ThisOldTrike]

I'm sorry to hear that sir. Unfortunately I do not. I'll keep my eyes peeled for you!

[@landonleffler2106]

Does the 86 trx250R and 86 ATC 250R share same engine?

[@faronf2006]

Which ones are for sale 🤔

[@ThisOldTrike]

Make me an offer I can't refuse.

[@robertraft]

Such a sick trike, Love tecate 3's and tri z's too.

[@reddfoxx2861]

Are the mufflers the same. Thanks. Would an 86 in VGC be worth 4800.

[@duckworthatvandmxadventure6601]

Love all those machines

[@michaelthomas788]

Why no mention of the 1986 limited edition 6-speed transmission

[@ThisOldTrike]

I guess because both 85 and 86 are 6 speed transmissions... No such thing as a limited edition 86 6 speed transmission.

[@mariomessinese5287]

I also learned not too long ago that the front seat Hook and the rear seat bracket is different between 85 and 86. Honda revised them.

[@TheChristonline]

Hello Sir , I have a 86 -250R , I am wondering if you have tried a Wiseco Armor glide coating piston for your Awesome mean machines. I have used Rocky Mountain ATV for parts in the past, do you have a better supplier? Thanks/ Really like the machines / subscribed

[@ThisOldTrike]

I personally have never tried one. One of my close friends works intimately with Wiseco and I'm sure could answer that question. His website is www.jrtrikesports.shop He's on instagram under @jrtrikesports as well. Track him down and ask him that question. I use Rocky Mountain also for parts, but not exclusively. Some things I have to go to ebay for or search on different facebook groups. Or I ask around to other trike friends I have. Eventually what I need turns up! Thanks for the question and subscribing!

[@TheChristonline]

@@ThisOldTrike Thank you

[@smokeybandit4910]

Anyone know a good place to buy a cdi for an 86 250es? Awesome video and really really nice bikes!

[@ThisOldTrike]

Powersportssurplusllc.com sells awesome reproduction/modern cdi's for big reds. Check him out!

[@danielwalters8646]

Great video

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thanks brother!

[@zachouimet3348]

Hey man just got a quick question I have a 1982 250r and the tires need replacing, do you have any recommendations?

[@ThisOldTrike]

I'm in a similar boat. I'd probably recommend Kenda Scorpions... but it's all your preference really. Depends what look you like. To be as close to the original look as possible, you'd want just a small square knobbie...

[@zachouimet3348]

@@ThisOldTrike You’re the man! Thanks for the help. I also am looking to get a new rear disc brake setup. I found a few on my own, but do you any recommendations for that?

[@ThisOldTrike]

@@zachouimet3348 Good question... I don't have much knowledge on that. I'd be checking ebay i think.

[@Fives-gm2bv]

Awesome machines

[@ThisOldTrike]

They definitely are. Thank you!

[@doc_teamwaxoffroad]

#makeatcsgreatagain 👍👍👍 Very informative video...

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thank you!!

[@dannydepino3874]

Very nice!!!!

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thank you!!

[@mikelisamiller5190]

You failed to mention chain tensioner is different between 85 and 86

[@ThisOldTrike]

You are absolutely correct. I feel like I mentioned the carrier being different... but maybe I missed it! There are so many subtle differences it's hard to spout them off all off the cuff with no notes! I should probably do a fresh video and catch them all.

[@jamesg5025]

Very well done video you should get more likes and subs ngl

[@ThisOldTrike]

Thank you!!

[@Donny_Buysall]

Other fun facts about 2nd generation R's, 1st gen and 2nd gen have nearly the same motor. The 1st generation 81 82 has a longer shift shaft, and is also lowest in compression of the four air cooled years. The compression gets bumped up slightly from 81 - 82 to 83 and more compression on the 84. Still kind of a debate how this was done, 83 and 84 have different part numbers for the heads but everything else is the same. Either smaller dome on the head, or thinner head gasket to guess. But 84 motors technically should be the most powerful in stock form for for the air cooled motors, this is not a well known fact. 300 kits are awesome upgrades for any 1st or 2nd gen air cooler, but do require larger expansion chambers and carburetors. The 81 to 84 ACR motors are for all intents and purposes de tuned versions of I believe the '78 - 79' "red rocket" CR250 air cooled motors. DG heads are also a wildly expensive, beautiful looking upgrade for an 1st or 2nd gen, but it is not generally know that they bump up compression to the point where race fuel is required. This is why you'll see alot of them with damaged domes. Also, given that these are essentially modified red rocket Elsinore CR250 motors, stealing a jug, piston, gasket and head from a red rocket is a nice upgrade, like all atv motors, they are always de tuned versions of the motocross bike they're scavenged from. So taking whatever was possible to take from a red rocket for your ACR is gonna be helpful. For laughs, an 81 250R uses a 27mm Round slide Keihin PE series carburetor. By '84 they had went hog wild and went all the way up to a PE30, wow! So though I do not know if this is possible or not, id expect taking the ignition off a red rocket would probably wake it up some as well. Red rocket cylinders I do know for a fact have more radical porting and are a chrome lined bore while the ACR is your standard fare cast iron sleeve. All 3 of the big 3s Sport two stroke trikes are highly de tuned from their 250 dirtbike counterpart, with the kawasaki being the least de tuned of the 3 stock. They vibrate very bad but they make really crazy power. What I've gather on how cork up the atc motors of the time as far as I know, if anyone knows for a fact im wrong something please feel free to chime in. The 85 86 250R gets de tuned in several ways. Porting of course, the stock ignition has been retarded quite a bit compared to the CR. Compression I believe is lowered. Carb is smaller for better torque and throttle response but less top end. 85s use garbage outdated round slide carbs, always a smart choice to take an 86 pj34 and swap it to the 85, nice little upgrade.

[@sleezzzyp]

What are your thoughts on a 82 250r atc stock

[@Donny_Buysall]

@@sleezzzyp are we talking like all stock, as in stock tires, plastics etc, or just a rider. If you are in possssion of a nice original '82 ACR, id keep it as it is and not monkey with it. If it's just a rider w aftermarket parts there's a few ways to make it angrier and wake it up. I think the best would be a red rocket cylinder, with its chrome lining and more aggressive porting compared to the ACR. Also the ignitions are always tuned down from their CR250 counterparts so that's also a good upgrade. And then as with all two strokes, a properly sized for the motor Keihin Air striker would make a world of difference, not only in how high it will wind out but also the throttle response and instant extra torque from idle, air strikers are really amazing. And then to top if off you'd need to ditch the oem super restrictive expansion chamber and silencer and find something that will also let her wind out more. Though it's worth noting that smaller expansion chambers provide better low end torque and throttle response on the low end, at the sacrifice of how much it would wind out with a big fat pipe on it on the high end. Hope this helps, any more questions feel free to ask but keep in mind I'm just some idiot, no expert by any means, at anything.

[@sleezzzyp]

@@Donny_Buysall idiot huh? Im just a brother from la with nobody to talk or ride with on e wheelers. Question 1. Why are you saying ACR. 2. I dony know what a stock rider is but yeah my bike (motor,carb,exhaust ect) is stock and iwant to re jet the carb

[@Donny_Buysall]

@@sleezzzyp 81 ‐ 84 are ACR'S. "Air Cooled R's". And stock bike or survivor I guess would be a better term is a bike that still has all of its original parts, right down to the tires, original clean machines are always the most expensive and in demand.

[@Davido50]

Suzuki had the Quadracer 250 an then Quadracer 500 bk then! They INVENTED the 4-wheel ATV gosh darn it. They are highly desirable & amazing machines. Yamahas Tri-Z while not as big a seller as the Hondas or Suzuki in late 80s was a very good machine! Yamaha Tri-Z 250s are hard to find an fast.

[@ThisOldTrike]

Well, I don't agree that Suzuki invented the 4 wheel ATV... I mean... Honda was making the Odyssey since 1977... But you are correct in that a 4-Wheeler as we know them... Suzuki was the first. I'm just not a Suzuki guy.... only a Honda guy. I've heard people sing Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha's praises (When it comes to trikes/80's machines) but I've had a LOT more people sing Honda's praises. Honda was the best. Are they still the best... probably not unfortunately... but, they ruled the roost back in the day!

[@duckworthatvandmxadventure6601]

I Really miss my 86 250R

[@350toocute]

What about the 85 275 Honda 3 wheeler?Any one out there ever ride a 275 or own one before?It was Red white and blue.

[@ronaldseabury734]

Did you know that they made an 87 and sold it in Canada

[@ThisOldTrike]

There is no definitive evidence of that.

[@ronaldseabury734]

Geez that's funny when Honda itself released promotional photos of one....it looks like a 350x with white fenders and radiator shrouds

[@ThisOldTrike]

You're absolutely correct. They also released a promotional photo of an 87 350X too. A picture of a genuine, confirmed 87 ATC 250R or 350X has ever been seen other than that one photo released by Honda. I'm willing to bet they were all tooled up and possibly in production with them, but they were never sold. Lots of claims out there of somebody's dad's buddy's cousin knew a guy who bought one the morning of the day they implemented the ban.... but that guy doesn't exist.

[@RadioReprised]

I bought one of the earliest 85 ATC 250R's in California and it said ''ATC'' on the seat just like the '86. It did not say 250R. I was there when it came out of the crate. I am not joking, and I don't know why it was this way because every video says that it was on the 86 only.

[@tricycleguy2657]

I could see an ice oval out on that lake

[@ThisOldTrike]

Yes sir!! I separated my shoulder out on an ice oval back in February! Good times!

[@tricycleguy2657]

@@ThisOldTrike if your ever near PA you gotta stop by and see my experimental/prototype 250r

[@Honda_xr80]

My dad as this 250r and it was an 86 with a 85 five motor an he put 18 in. tires on it and went 120

[@ThisOldTrike]

Seems very unlikely.

[@Honda_xr80]

@@ThisOldTrike well he went passed a car that was going 120 but he had lots of after market stuff on it

[@Honda_xr80]

He actually had everything as an 85 besides the frame wich was an 86

[@davecoxx7082]

Also..86 250r has slightly bigger footpegs and pivot pins than the 85.

[@ThisOldTrike]

Interesting! I didn't know that!

[@christopherkoenig9557]

@@ThisOldTrike the 350x did too, 86 200x had a similar foot peg too

[@lkoz5800]

Wow your so lucky!!

[@ThisOldTrike]

I prefer to think I'm very blessed and a hard worker!

[@mturley8414]

The best wheelers on the face of the earth for fun factor !!… They can really scare the shit out of you if ya don’t know what you doing🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@garyhopkinssr8561]

Actually it wasn't a 185 are it was I think it was 185's anyway love that thing

[@961jj]

First year of the LT250R was 1985 so suzuki did have a machine to compete

[@ThisOldTrike]

I was talking about a three wheeler, but you're definitely correct.

[@stevetremblay9323]

The 1987 existe in canada i got the brochure

[@ThisOldTrike]

The brochure exists... but the 87 ATC 250R never made it into the hands of the public. Nobody has ever been able to show one in real life other than the picture of the one in the brochure.

[@zackgibson250]

Hey I'm Zach Gibson Wilmington North Carolina could you sell me a 250 r 86

[@ThisOldTrike]

Hi Zach! I don't currently have any 86 250R's that I want to sell sir.

[@MAD450r2]

Shit id be happy to own any 85 or 86 250r 200x or 350x only owned atc 90 firget the year and two different 1985 200x. In 2001 i bought my first ever 4 wheeler a trx 400ex and stupidly sold my last 200x for 600$ i look them up after i sold it and realized hiw bad i screwed up should have kept it seeing they sell for more than i paid for my first 1985 200x new from dealer

[@Honda_xr80]

Oh and with a leaky carb a bad one

[@jeffherron3844]

You could do without the music.

[@ThisOldTrike]

I agree. I recently remade this video without the music and with more information. Check it out!

[@Scott-gt6od]

Great video