We Bought a Neglected 1986 Honda ATC250 “Big Red” | Reviving a Legendary 3 Wheeler

The Honda ATC250ES was the top of the line utility 3 wheeler, before they ceased sales in 1987. The ATC 250 ES also known as the "Big Red" featured a 250cc four stroke engine with a five speed transmission. It has both electric and kick start, full suspension, shaft drive, and more very thoughtful features. We bought this neglected Honda Big Red after it had been sitting for 5 years, and we return it to service!
Thanks for Watching!
Our favorite fuel tank repair putty: amzn.to/4doHCei
Facebook: goo.gl/VR6mh2
Instagram: goo.gl/PqOIo3
Go Power Sports: bit.ly/3QKyODE
Get $100 off any Langmuir Systems Crossfire CNC plasma table using this link, or use code CARSANDCAMERAS at checkout: store.langmuirsystems.com/disc...
Join the CarsandCameras Pit Crew: / @carsandcameras
Subscribe to our PODCAST channel: / @atthewheelwithcarsand...
NEW MERCH: www.cars-cameras.com/
Equipment we use: www.amazon.com/shop/carsandca...
The following video features activities performed in controlled environments by knowledgeable persons. DO NOT attempt to duplicate, re-create, or perform the same or similar activities at home, as personal injury or property damage may result. CARS AND CAMERAS, the persons shown in this video and ANY CONTRIBUTOR, ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY such injury or damage. ALL CARSANDCAMERAS CONTENT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
Cars and Cameras makes no representation about the sufficiency of any safety precautions and equipment used in this video.

[@bostongeorge4839]

I was yelling it has kick start and the back flips up the whole time they had no idea lol

[@clintmccoy357]

Same here lol

[@justinmatthewl]

Yep same here lol.

[@bellhoppersaws]

Yep lol i said its kick start then i saw yalls comment

[@Bahh1245]

100%

[@Csc0287]

Yep same

[@justincase8239]

If you buy a pressure washer for Ike, you'd probably save some money on shop towels.

[@Wazaarbazaar]

Meh..

[@Buck1954]

No, they like scratching the surface.

[@ChrisBlagdonIsABoss]

@@Buck1954 its a big red do you really think the plastics are not already scratched to fuck from driving in mud and forests?

[@sanantoniocowboy82]

I grew up on my grandpa's farm and I rode this exact model for years around the farm doing chores, hunting, and working. Ngl I really want this exact 3wheeler. Relive some of the good ole days and ride again.

[@David-lh1vp]

The Stock yamaha blaster 200 and the big red are neck and neck for top speed. My cousin and I tested this. 😅

[@zeroackdraws]

That's my childhood right there boys. Treat it well.

[@musicauthority674]

It always cracks me up. John gets so excited when they start up.

[@toddschmidt206]

Old Honda 3 wheeler will take you into the woods and will always bring you back.

[@user-ij6qt8nt6x]

JUST DONT GO UP THOSE "PIPELINE" HILLS UNDER THOSE HUGE POWER LINES...IT COMES DOWN A LOT QUICKER THAN IT GOES UP...HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA....

[@topshopbuildandfabricate24]

Always

[@kylepuckett1254]

Yea until it flips and lands on top of u and drags u 100 yards down a hill riding on ur back while u slide on ur belly lol true story happen to me loved my 84 250 but I sold it the next day didn't wanna have anything worse happen and my kids loose their dad but I will say outside of the roll over hazard the 3 wheeler was far superior on ruff trails just hard going down hill I miss it but I also like being able to live better

[@kylepuckett1254]

Yea until it flips and lands on top of u and drags u 100 yards down a hill riding on ur back while u slide on ur belly lol true story happen to me loved my 84 250 but I sold it the next day didn't wanna have anything worse happen and my kids loose their dad but I will say outside of the roll over hazard the 3 wheeler was far superior on ruff trails just hard going down hill I miss it but I also like being able to live better

[@user-ij6qt8nt6x]

@@kylepuckett1254 MY DAD WAS DRAGGING US BEHIND ONE ON A GARBAGE CAN LID DURING A SNOW IN 89. I FLIPPED OFF THE LID HE MADE A TURN AND HUGGED A TREE AND IT KEPT GOING...BUMPED INTO THE HOSE AS IT LOST MOMENTUM...HE SOLD IT AFTER THAT..

[@chevymontmarlo]

Junkyard digs Kevin would be proud

[@mathieulachance151]

I agree 😂

[@bodine2537]

I grew up on 3 wheelers 250x, 200 m, and a 250 big red exactly like this 1 and could ride the piss out of all of em, people riding them with no common sense caused them to stop making them, all you had to do is remember no matter which way you’re going, always lean up hill and into the turns and never any problems, you got a steal on this gem at $1200, id buy them in that shape all day long at that price 👍🏼

[@luisanthony1385]

I fell in love with these after seeing them featured in the “In A Big Country” music video.

[@mikeferreira247]

When you mentioned that it was one of the best 3 wheelers ever...It brought back a great memory . My neighbor got one of the baddest 3 wheeler I had ever seen. It was called DuneCycle. It had a 30 hp Rockwell twin 2 stroke in it. That thing scared the crap out of me. (Granted I WAS only 15) The first thing I had to do was crack that throttle wide open (just gotta to see what that baby will do) It pulled me back in that seat like nothing I've ever experienced. Almost pulled my hands off the grips. I'm 66 now and I still remember that feeling. Again...I was only 15. Probably wasn't Super Fast But back then...It sure seemed like it. My neighbor said they come with a 15 or a 30 hp Rockwell engines He chose the 30 hp not the Briggs and Stratton. Just an idea for your next project. There's also a Trisport Z340cc that's street legal which is supposed to be very fast also. I think one of these would be a good project (If they're in your price range). There's a Dune Cat 4 wheeler. Man I loved the 70's. All kinds of dangerous vehicles were made back then. Any body have one of these or agree about the crazy the 70's vehicles were?

[@terrylandon7578]

Ive owned every type of 3 wheeler 185 and up and every year big red, the best. 3 wheelers are not even close to a 4 wheeler. When Honda came out with the 4 wheeler it was bad but they improved allot. One of the best was the 300 4X4. rode good, steered good and almost bullet proof like Hondas are.

[@thagingerninjer5391]

I bought a 1981 Honda 185s two Christmas’s ago. I got a new cbr1000rr the august before that, and my three boys were wanting something to ride. I paid $250 for it, because they couldn’t keep it running. I got it home, pulled the amazon carb, and the clip came off the main needle. It had fallen in the main jet, and wouldn’t let fuel through. I wrapped a wire around the needle where the clip would go, and put it back together. It started right up, and hasn’t stopped since. lol. You literally can’t kill it. I had to unfu€k a lot of stuff they messed up doing terrible repairs, but the thing is a beast. I’ve only upped it once. 😂

[@JonAustin-vu8cc]

I love the old 3 wheelers wish the world bring them back

[@kevsumner2064]

3 wheelers rule and my 200ES rules around here. 40 years old and with the snorkel installed, it still loves a swim across the pond. Did you know that guys ? They float.

[@JETHO321]

Those things had a ton of torque and is also why they came with a freaking trailer hitch. Theyll do more than a 4 wheeler can.

[@Mike-dr5vc]

I knew it would start. I’ve had way worse looking Honda 3 wheelers that I got running when other people told me I couldn’t. These were the best in my opinion. Lol

[@KENNETHREAGAN]

I love three wheelers when I was a kid. We grew up with only three wheelers.

[@millermdiehl]

You should for sure do a restoration on this beautiful machine!

[@JeffKopis]

Bah. Just ride and enjoy it. They dont need to impress anyone else with it.

[@millermdiehl]

@@JeffKopis yeah.

[@davewarrender2056]

I luv wen u guys and are genuinely excited about a project , its like watching a couple of teenagers tinkering in their dad's garage.😅

[@delandbrooks3291]

I knew a couple of Firemen from OKC. I lived 4 miles from the "Little Sahara State Park" and they were there any time their days off were during the week. They raced a 56 F100 weekends but did buggies and bikes when they had days off M-F. They bought an ATC 90 that was pretty worn and proceeded to finish it off. Then installed a 175 Yamaha with 6 speed in it and it would scream but also had a lot of low end torque. One of their favorite games was to double up on it and each hold a beer while wheelieing to determine when it was time to swap places. They were a lot of fun to watch. And party with.

[@travisedwards6837]

Before video games or cellphones this was the most fun thing to do on my grandparents farm

[@douge8132]

Man when you guys fired it up it took me back to being 12 years old riding with my dad all over again, and they are tanks thank you for this project so much

[@804_Rider]

It was awesome seeing this thing at mini mayhem!!

[@eugenesbackyardrepair4593]

I'm betting a lot of us old school fans laughed when u said that foam would get sucked in.. That two parts mess they used back in the day about stopped everything from getting through. I owned the 250sx what beast

[@jimmytittle4848]

So good to see a video like you guys used to do. Low budget builds. Especially the old 3 wheelers and motorcycles for me

[@jondahl9826]

My first ATV was a 90cc Honda 3 wheeler bubble tire with zero suspension. I loved that thing, even though it would eject me off the side every time I landed wrong off of a jump.

[@unknow5955]

I grew up with Honda three wheelers love to see people keeping them alive. Keep up the good work.

[@yeehaw502]

I’m with John. 3-wheelers are superior. I’ve had an ‘85 Kawasaki 110 since new (best birthday present ever!). Also have an ‘85 200X, I love these things. Most injuries were due to inexperienced riders who tried to ride them like a bike (don’t put your foot down!) and/or didn’t understand how to stay balanced while cornering. Nothing corners or wheelies like a trike! Keep ‘em comin’

[@notajp]

Had a 200X once. Total blast to ride!

[@denox420]

in the winter our neighbor would pull all the neighborhood kids around with rope on sleds on his 250 big red! the three wheelers are freakin awesome!

[@micah119]

My uncle had one and loved being able to ride it growing up

[@JeffKopis]

My neighbor bought a new ATC around 1977 or 78. I dunno what size, I was only about 11. He let me ride it, but I couldn't make it steer. I ran right into the side of his brand new GMC "Gentleman Jim" pickup. Kids are stupid 🤣

[@JoeMaxFpv]

I had a 200s and a 200x. Most of my life. I always loved 3 wheelers. Wheelies for days and just a totally different riding experience. Once you’re proficient in one they are more fun to me. There’s something about sliding then around corners and the sketch factor that just makes a ton of fun.

[@PurplePikachizard]

Yes! Another Honda Big Red vid 🎉

[@michaelhernandez2106]

When I was growing up my neighbor's dad had the exact same one I used to get to drive it all the time because he purchased a banshee and that was just back up I freaking love it so awesome that you guys got one

[@kacperbobrowski7444]

This would make the best full restoration project. I really hope you restore it fully and put it up on KZbin

[@Improvisebydesign]

I had so much fun on our Big Red back in the day. We had a little Suzuki Quad runner too. I also got hurt on the 3 wheeler quite a few times acting stupid but I still got back on it. I miss those days.

[@boa2143658709]

I grew up and learned on a bare bones 82 Honda 185s with Carlisle trail pro tires, I could do laps on a side wheelie around the house. Watched my dad sink it three separate times in the licking river just for it to float up when he got off and it floated right back to the bank.

[@user-cg1ki9gt4p]

thank you for the show.

[@paulcooper9135]

The Big Red rules! Indestructible and Amphibious!!! It's only weakness was hill climbing .. but for any other type.of off road, nearly unstoppable. Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@graffitifxnewcastle2954]

yeahhhhhhhhhh boys...... finally some viewing pleasure!!!! this is cars and cameras baby!!!! atcs are siiickkkk

[@thephoneman1]

I have a 1985 Honda ATC 250es that I've swapped a FourTrax 300 engine into I love it I've had it for around 10 years. You guys have found a gem with that 86!

[@johnnyrocket7922]

I had a 77 atc 90 and I loved it now I have a 2005 Polaris predator 90 and I love it

[@hardhead5700]

Glad to see you fellas enjoying your dreams. You deserve all the success you want.

[@jakeds84]

Great video as always. Yes we all want a RZR build!!!

[@jamesbarron9355]

Grew up on my grandpa's farm and he always made sure i had a ATV ...started with a honda 70 and when i got older i got a 110 and then a 200. It was awesome to ride around 40 acres with a 5 acre lake. Wouldnt trade those memories for anything. Good find!

[@lenardweldon33]

You all doing a good job

[@RonI-qz2tz]

Had a 350X. Loved it. Just remember don't put your foot down when moving. And the big red was for work. You need the ATC250R for racing. or at least the 350X

[@casperseibel7865]

Love the builds from you guys

[@musicauthority674]

An exhaust system doesn't have to be loud to sound good, and perform good. I know this because I worked in a muffler shop.

[@1underground747]

oh man i grew up riding the big red three wheeler thank you guys for the great memories reminded me of ty

[@Niterider73]

Man that cobra exhaust sounds good! I have an old cobra on my big bear 350. These old bike just won't die!

[@QuestRader]

I still have my 1982 200es honda 3wheeler. It has a utility trailer attached. Its a great work horse and it never breaks down as long as you look after it.

[@ToddBerthiaume]

You are correct, the 3 wheeler is soooo much fun!!!

[@mikemaclean1332]

Im a 90s kids and have had 6 3 wheelers still have 3 of them, 1981 Honda 250R 1985 Honda 250SX and a 1986 Honda 350X

[@That1E_K1129]

I had one of these and a 200x when I was a kid. Wish I had them still I'd have some gems on my hands.

[@Tommy5337]

I had one like that around 1990. Trailered it down to Rocky Point Mexico from Arizona one time, so much fun in those dunes! I’ll never forget that trip or that three wheeler.

[@Trevinator1990]

that is the three wheeler i have always wanted growing up! my uncle had one and i never got to ride it because i was too little. i have had a yamaha tri moto 200 before and absolutely loved it. once i get my current tri moto 200 to run correctly its going to be a blast again! they are just so much fun! my friends 200s was SUPER heavy compared to my tri moto 200 though! his was not as sporty and i would not want to get his stuck.

[@bowtie0069]

The number of injuries is what I recall about their demise. I had a real tall friend in high school, and he tended to run over his legs a lot--never really got hurt bad, just had to look for help a lot!

[@burmese434]

Had one years ago and had tons of fun.

[@smallgaragebigdreams6032]

I have the exact same three wheeler! Love it ride it every other day

[@nathanlovern5283]

You guys have so much fun I miss that for me.

[@user-cg1ki9gt4p]

love seeing that mechanic's grin. this is cool. hell i'm grinning to. that removable head light is good when your doing a lot of stuff.

[@derbydriver7431]

I had a 78 110 three wheeler. I loved that thing

[@BigHintBaikal]

Glad you guys finally learned how to find the kickstarter and open the rear lid. I get it, it was your first Big Red.

[@richardze535]

Keep up the great stuff guys 👍🏻

[@dennyjenkins4651]

They're great for going straight!!

[@jeffkeene6571]

I think you're right John I grew up on a Yamaha 225dx on my grandfather's farm. It outperformed all the other forms four-wheelers and all of their Honda 3 wheelers. Thanks for the videos

[@rastaralph7154]

I have a Honda trx350d 1988 foreman and it's the first actual 4x4 quad built and all the others were designed on them.❤️💛💚

[@BUILDNIGHT]

You guys are learning my language! ATC’s forever! Woohoo!

[@user-cg1ki9gt4p]

i remember using those things on the ranch while in college. they were a life saver repairing fence.

[@codywhittle3151]

I have a 1985 200 S and I love it 3 wheelers are awesome.👍

[@OscarVaughn]

Parents got me a Honda 110 in 1984 and it was so much fun and I always wanted a big red I'm jealous that thing is a beast.

[@mikechristopher7513]

My first machine was an 85 200 M, loved that machine!! IMO they were dangerous when ridden irresponsibly but if you respect. 3 wheeler it will take you anywhere you want to go. Great buy guys!

[@willierule3744]

That is a very clean nice piece of Honda from the past very clean rig. It’s in very good shape. You guys got a good one. That’s awesome.

[@shanewright6958]

Another great video guys 👍👍

[@shk2564]

I think it was the 300R or 350R that my buddies were boring and racing back in the 80’s. They were an absolute blast! ❤

[@johntugwell957]

Oil doesn't break down just sitting and after riding a 3 Wheeler in the 70s and 80s I love quads

[@42green]

If it's got an engine (and even electric motors) and any number of wheels it will be some kind of fun. Some more than others yes, but I think a lot of us enjoy them all.

[@leehuffstetler9600]

i finally got my first minibike because of yall

[@jr8043]

By far the most capable 3 wheeler. I wish they still sold the original fourtrax 300 4x4 atv today…

[@byrongilbert3720]

that honda is super sweet. looks like it was just born to work. also yes to a video on the razer.

[@380.motorsports]

Honda ATC 3 wheelers rule!!! I have a 125ATC and may never sell it just because they are fun and getting more expensive all the time.

[@musicauthority674]

Honda was really thinking putting shaft drive on this three wheeler. it's too bad that they didn't make one of these in a quad configuration.

[@user-vj6qb1fh3h]

I have a 1986 Honda Trx 250 I absolutely love it

[@brettgl21]

What a great find! Im 57 and have ridden 3 and 4 wheelers but never owned either. I was a 2 wheel guy. 3 wheeler is way for fun than a 4 wheeler in my opinion.

[@robertletkeman790]

Most fun you can have on two wheels! I had the exact one and they’re well built. Did a lot of mudding with mine and I could keep up with the quads. And they’re a heck of a lot cheaper to fix

[@Mr.SloppyJoe]

I have a Honda 250 Fourtrax 1886 Four-wheeler and I just knew your three wheeler would have a kick start. Ps: Honda's never die

[@lencrainer8570]

Just a garage hack you might like. An older, used car mechanic showed me what he used to clean up the engine bay in his used cars. it is "Tire Foam " used for cleaning tires and wheels. It works great and does not harm rubber or plastic parts. Just spray it on, let it set and rinse it off with clean water, give it a try. Len

[@garyjohnston8000]

No surprise she ran, it's a Honda! Sweet machine boys

[@chrishoff1360]

Cool little revival, John in the mud hole you got to give it gas going in you can't walk it in and then expect it not to spin that rhymed. Drag race get your weight on them back tires just before you start wheeling get that traction rolling. Very entertaining watching you guys rebuild that stuff keep it up. Remember you have a throttle and a clutch The clutch is your best friend.

[@chrishoff1360]

Three wheelers have all the disadvantages of a wide body. They quit making three wheelers for a reason never ridden one Don't want to they would be fun to tool around on so is a trail you guys need to hook up with Cletus McFarland and go to some of their races down there you guys would fit in very well.

[@bigjay6743]

We have the exact same 1986 250 big red when I was 9 years old. We put that thing through hell and back and it loved every minute of it. It's still sitting in the back of the barn Transmissions shot. Man we had fun on that thing.

[@Wil_Liam1]

Where you located at ?

[@tristanalleman5015]

Would you be willing to sell I'm definitely interested

[@shk2564]

“Follow the leader…He’s on a Honda!” 🎶

[@brandondavies8407]

I owned one growing up, fun fact about the big red. The headlight detaches and can be used as a spot light.

[@paulheart5178]

I absolutely loved the 3 wheelers. I was in my teens when they were popular and in my late teens I think when they were banned from being manufactured any longer. I LOVED mine. A man had taken the 200M and a smaller 110cc to the bike shop to get them worked on and maintained but on his way home they both fell out of the back of his truck and cartwheeled down the highway. He put them back in the truck and took them to the bike shop and said "Get what you can for them, I'm done*. So my old man bought both of them. One for me as I was 16 or 17 and one for my younger brother. I put motocross handlebars on it and ANY three wheeler I ever had the first thing I did was change the thumb throttle to a twist throttle. I can't describe with words how much I hated the thumb throttle. Oh the 200 also had a fairly bent axle. I used a press at school to straighten it as best as possible and then the dangerous shenanigans started. Looking back now at 53 years of age it is absolutely incredible that I survived my teens and 20s. I should have died multiple times on my three wheelers and bikes. I loved every damn second of it :). Fearless, healthy, strong, young and dumb as shit lol. Like you guys I would be much more careful if on another one but I'd still go for miles on the back ties. So much fun. I really enjoyed watching you guys with this classic piece of dirt biking/three wheeling history. Thanks again from Canada.

[@ryanschanfish279]

My brother had a 200 that he re-did. Blue frame and white plastics. It was sick

[@JohnHill-jm7tm]

Early morning and this Old Man from Washington NC enjoying with my coffee ☕. As always another great video guys👍. 🛵🧔💝💝

[@loriannbendit6296]

Dang I used to have a 3 wheeler . Spent a lot of time on it as a kid .🥰fun times

[@brwed]

cool that we are getting videos other then minibikes and go karts i love those they are the reason this channel is amazing but these unique vehicles like the cb350 four and the atc are pretty cool too

[@christophermorris2951]

when i grew up my grandpaw had one my brother had one so i love them

[@MotoMoosh]

You guys should do a video with the 250es competing with the ATC 200!