Would like to also add that the Mugen 360 kit had 6 head studs. As well as slightly different style fins on the cylinder head compared to the Honda line 300 kit. Like tricycle guy above mentioned these are things to keep an eye out for at the swap meets lol
Thank you Chris. Still need to correct the record in a future video about how I mispronounced your name and mixed up your pictures. I failed big time buddy and I am sorry!
Man you bringing back memories. In 1986 I bought an 81 250R for 600 dollars with the cylinder base gasket blown and a dog had chewed up the seat. The guy had the base gasket so that was a quick fix. I recovered the seat with some tan vinyl that I had on hand and it really blended with the gold colored wheels. I was married two years and we had a kid so money was tight.I really had a good time with that machine but it did kick my butt several times. In 88 I bought a brand new red/white 250X like the one you have. It was awesome. Since then I've owned over a dozen different Hondas. Can't beat em. Im about to make 60 years and right now I have a 2016 Pioneer 700-2 and a 2023 Pioneer 1000-5
I remember my dad Bringing home his 250R it was an 84 he dearly loved loved it even got his picture in the parting shot in dirt wheels magazine on it coming out of the Creek I've been looking for one to restore beautiful bike buddy
Air cooled machines don't get enough love. I dig my 83 250R, it's still in resto mode I haven't ridden it yet since I bought it. I need a stock size carb and a thumb throttle (I'm anti twist) and rebuild my brake calipers. Asthetically, just needs dents out of the tank and a respray and she's ready to rock. Thanks for the info Preston I love the air hammers.
Love these videos ! As a kid in the '80s I had a ton of Honda dealer brochures which I would pour over comparing the differences. Kept them in a filling canbinet, dont know what ever happened to it but it still appers in my dreams from time to time. 👍🙂
I found your channel searching info on my 1981. It’s my favorite ride next to the 02 Xr 100. I found the 2 stroke is more forgiving to storage and gas. It’s carb slide never sticks but then again it runs on 20/1. To save my foot on first start I use starting fluid lol.
I noticed that the compression ratios increased on the 250's two or three times. When you videoed the huge collection the logger had I noticed the specs on the Honda literature he had on the wall
Its cool how they advanced from one gen to the next i see you left out the 3rd gen there's no comparison whatsoever you have some cool vintage stuff great video my bro..
@@ThisOldTrike Hey brother, love your Chanel. I’m trying to get my dads 350x back up and going for Christmas for him. It’s almost mint haha. I’m looking for a left side crank case cover. There is a hole in the cover right above the front sprocket. If there’s anyway you can point me in the right direction that would be awesome he loves that thing and would make him really happy. Not looking for any freebies I have cash! Anything helps thanks.
@@ThisOldTrike i know you covered the 3rd gen video it was right on point in my opinion awesome job. I guess what i meant to say is the 1st and 2nd gen don't ever come close to the design performance and greatness of the 3rd gen liquid cooled r keep the videos coming bro i always enjoy.
Very good video Preston, brings back a lot of memories. My first trike was a 83 250r that I bought new, my 2nd trike was a 86 250r which I also bought new. The 86 was about $50 cheaper than the 83 because I bought it in late 86 when the dealers were just looking to get rid of them. Wish I would have never sold them. Love your videos, keep up the good work.
Thank you very very much! I was too young to buy one new... my first new Honda was a 99 400EX when I was 19.... well, 18 because it was early in the year. I missed the hay day of the ATC, but I'm reliving it now!
Thanks for video been putting a 83 250r together been wondering how mount the fender lol I been looking for mounts on the frame 😂just learnt it’s mounted to the seat
Glad you got something out of it! Yeah, there's more three wheeler models that have the seat mounted to the fender than don't. The 2nd gen R's are machines I haven't really been into much. I'm sure at some point there will be more videos on them!
8:02 I was able to get my Uncle’s 1981 250r recently and it has that bent foot-peg on the kickstarter side but with a little more angle. But on the other side doesn’t have the bend which I can assume is how it should be. Now I’m wondering if my uncle crashed into something back in the day to make it look like that lol.
The airboxes are different aswell.The 82 airbox has a spot on the back where the rear brake hose goes. The 81 airbox fits 82 and vise versa but they don't fit correctly.Also in your video the 82 seat front bracket were it attaches by the gas tank is a 83-85 200x bracket.It may have an aftermarket plastic seat pan.
Well that explains why I was having such a hard time finding a difference! I'm apparently learning about my own threewheelers through these videos too! lol
Your gona make me write you a book again.... it wasn't hondas entry to the racing... it was honda creating the 250cc race class.....the 84 had higher compression then 81 to 83 not sure if head, or piston compression height... 250r had dunlop tires its entire life except 86 used ohtsu.... Ive heard rumors mugen was Hondas brother as was showa suspension..... Rumors..... any how... the 81 82 triple clamps are different one is machined and uses nuts, other is just threaded holes no nuts... the 81 82 swing arm is different also because of the mounting of the drum and caliper.. goes with out saying but ill say it any way.. the 300 kit has 7 head bolts that's wat to look for at flea markets... all air cooled had 8 inch rear wheels steel, first aluminum second... liquid jumped to 9 inch rears I do see a few spark arrestors they usually left before the first ride.... I love the old water cooled heads and dg.. old school big power... ive straighted a few foot pegs they come right back you can't even tell..... tricycle guy,....he's a clown he don't know s&%!t hahaha oh yea 82 had a chain tension decal at swing arm bolt 81 did not... 81 82 has aluminum top triple clamp and steel bottom triple clamp, aluminum on all from 83 on.... I think the increase in length was rake angle increase, not sure on that though, 85 was pulled back (less rake) then 1 degree added back in 86..... I am ANTI twist throttle
@dave himlin other manufacturers I cant say, im not sure if the early Tecate were air.... or tri-z either.....honda was not 6 speed until liquid cooled
@dave himlin I can't really say maybe close ratio 6 speeds weren't on the table of design and engineering were the 2 wheelers of the time 6 speeds? I know nothing of vintage bikes but maybe the manufacturers hadn't yet seen the benefits of 6 speeds I csn tell you bikes got better porting bigger carbs and more flat out racing equipment then 3 wheelers as far as honda goes
@dave himlin I'm not up or Yamaha or anything outside of 3 wheel hondas, but I can agree...200 air cooled is limited on performance, and aftermarket options
Well sir, there you go again! You know I intentionally leave info out and leave things a little ambiguous at times to give you something to comment on! lol. You are truly an asset when it comes to info on these great machines. I look forward to getting a tour of your underground lair one of these days! Long live the Honda ATC!!!
That explains why I had such a hard time finding any difference between the two! I'm normally really good at those puzzles in Highlights magazine at the dentist's office too... It's always good to learn something about your own machines while making TH-cam videos about them!
sorry to bother. do you know if 81 and the 82 front brake calipers are the same??im haveing trouble tracking down a good 81 front brake caliper. thanks
Hi, You mention in this video that a friend Ryan Co... painted the tank of the '82 ATC 250R. Would he consider painting a tank and fork uppers for a 185S? Or is this a detail that any good paintshop should be able to do? My goal would be to get it very near to factory color.
We have chatted a few times and I have a new question? I don't mean this to come off rude.. I'm just curious if you have a certain goal to where you'll consider the collection "complete" or do you plan to get as many as possible through the years? I know you've said in previous videos you do sell and trade some of them. I have much respect for your passion and the trikes themselves!
The goal is to get one of each model, year and color. I'm missing only one... which wasn't sold in the US. I'd like to get the nicest possible version on each one, so I do buy and sell to upgrade where possible. That's the goal and plan!
@@ThisOldTrike I'm guessing the one you need is the 88 super red. My main objective is get one of every year with full suspension all done up different than oem. And the '85 tri z and 86/87 tecate 3. Would love a tiger trike but I honestly can't see that happening haha. Also collecting parts and info for a trike conversion on my '87 cr500. I couldn't imagine what I would do with the number of toys you have hahaha
They both have 84 swing arms on them that's why they look the same. 83 linkage bracket sits about a inch back closer to the shock on the carrier housing. And linkage is different.
Moo - Gin (not like Gin the drink, hard G.) If anyone else needs a super nerd to know how to properly pronounce Japanese powerssports names, ill be here all night and there will be absolutely zero women around. Thank you. Love ya Preston !
Would like to also add that the Mugen 360 kit had 6 head studs. As well as slightly different style fins on the cylinder head compared to the Honda line 300 kit. Like tricycle guy above mentioned these are things to keep an eye out for at the swap meets lol
Thank you Chris. Still need to correct the record in a future video about how I mispronounced your name and mixed up your pictures. I failed big time buddy and I am sorry!
You can use fl350 jug and head too but have to mill for the sleeve to fit
Brantley page is the most knowledgeable guy I know about any ATC ever built
I've chatted with him! When you get on the phone with him, you better have at least an hour to spare!
Hes special that's for sure
Man you bringing back memories. In 1986 I bought an 81 250R for 600 dollars with the cylinder base gasket blown and a dog had chewed up the seat. The guy had the base gasket so that was a quick fix. I recovered the seat with some tan vinyl that I had on hand and it really blended with the gold colored wheels. I was married two years and we had a kid so money was tight.I really had a good time with that machine but it did kick my butt several times. In 88 I bought a brand new red/white 250X like the one you have. It was awesome. Since then I've owned over a dozen different Hondas. Can't beat em. Im about to make 60 years and right now I have a 2016 Pioneer 700-2 and a 2023 Pioneer 1000-5
Just rebuilt my 1983 250r aircooled. Cant wait to get it out
I remember my dad Bringing home his 250R it was an 84 he dearly loved loved it even got his picture in the parting shot in dirt wheels magazine on it coming out of the Creek I've been looking for one to restore beautiful bike buddy
Awesome. Do you have that magazine??
I got the parting shot page laminated I'll send you a pick of it if possible
Air cooled machines don't get enough love. I dig my 83 250R, it's still in resto mode I haven't ridden it yet since I bought it. I need a stock size carb and a thumb throttle (I'm anti twist) and rebuild my brake calipers. Asthetically, just needs dents out of the tank and a respray and she's ready to rock. Thanks for the info Preston I love the air hammers.
Thank you for watching brother! Can't wait to see picks of that 250R when you get it done!
Love these videos ! As a kid in the '80s I had a ton of Honda dealer brochures which I would pour over comparing the differences. Kept them in a filling canbinet, dont know what ever happened to it but it still appers in my dreams from time to time. 👍🙂
That's awesome Andrew... I did the same and wished I knew where they all went too!
Dang, the parts for my '81 haven't showed up yet. Good weekend to watch 205R videos and learn something before I dive in to mine 😁
Woo hoo! Thanks for watching brother!
Not a big two stroke guy, but I can appreciate the history and the machine for sure! Good video.
Thanks Pat! I'm definitely a 350X / 4 stroke guy, but these are very cool machines!
Great video. I have an 84 currently in pieces that I need to rebuild. This was very informative.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate it!
I found your channel searching info on my 1981. It’s my favorite ride next to the 02 Xr 100. I found the 2 stroke is more forgiving to storage and gas. It’s carb slide never sticks but then again it runs on 20/1. To save my foot on first start I use starting fluid lol.
Well thanks for finding me!! I hear ya about 2 strokes!
I noticed that the compression ratios increased on the 250's two or three times. When you videoed the huge collection the logger had I noticed the specs on the Honda literature he had on the wall
i just love the 81 and 82 250Rs they just look so cool i would love to own one
They definitely do have an awesome look to them!
@@ThisOldTrike you think you could do a ride video on the 1981 250r
Its cool how they advanced from one gen to the next i see you left out the 3rd gen there's no comparison whatsoever you have some cool vintage stuff great video my bro..
Thank you so much man! I covered the 3rd gen R's in a different video back in the Spring.
@@ThisOldTrike Hey brother, love your Chanel. I’m trying to get my dads 350x back up and going for Christmas for him. It’s almost mint haha. I’m looking for a left side crank case cover. There is a hole in the cover right above the front sprocket. If there’s anyway you can point me in the right direction that would be awesome he loves that thing and would make him really happy. Not looking for any freebies I have cash! Anything helps thanks.
@@ThisOldTrike i know you covered the 3rd gen video it was right on point in my opinion awesome job. I guess what i meant to say is the 1st and 2nd gen don't ever come close to the design performance and greatness of the 3rd gen liquid cooled r keep the videos coming bro i always enjoy.
Thanks brother! Very much appreciated. Got another about to hit in about 20 minutes!
Very good video Preston, brings back a lot of memories. My first trike was a 83 250r that I bought new, my 2nd trike was a 86 250r which I also bought new. The 86 was about $50 cheaper than the 83 because I bought it in late 86 when the dealers were just looking to get rid of them. Wish I would have never sold them. Love your videos, keep up the good work.
Thank you very very much! I was too young to buy one new... my first new Honda was a 99 400EX when I was 19.... well, 18 because it was early in the year. I missed the hay day of the ATC, but I'm reliving it now!
Thanks for video been putting a 83 250r together been wondering how mount the fender lol I been looking for mounts on the frame 😂just learnt it’s mounted to the seat
Glad you got something out of it! Yeah, there's more three wheeler models that have the seat mounted to the fender than don't. The 2nd gen R's are machines I haven't really been into much. I'm sure at some point there will be more videos on them!
Thanks for another great video!
You're very welcome! Thank you for watching!!!
Love this channel.. You rock my man. Cheers from Alberta//
Thank you so much sir! I appreciate the kind words and you watching! It's been very fun putting these all together!
8:02 I was able to get my Uncle’s 1981 250r recently and it has that bent foot-peg on the kickstarter side but with a little more angle. But on the other side doesn’t have the bend which I can assume is how it should be. Now I’m wondering if my uncle crashed into something back in the day to make it look like that lol.
The airboxes are different aswell.The 82 airbox has a spot on the back where the rear brake hose goes. The 81 airbox fits 82 and vise versa but they don't fit correctly.Also in your video the 82 seat front bracket were it attaches by the gas tank is a 83-85 200x bracket.It may have an aftermarket plastic seat pan.
Very interesting tip! Yeah, I think my 82 was bastardized a bit in it's life. Who knows for sure what's really going on with that one!
80s Hondas are the best.
Not gonna lie, you would be my best friend if i knew you lol
I appreciate that brother! Where are you from?
The shock linkage on the 83 is noticeable shorter than the 84, your 83 has a 84 swingarm and shock on it.
Well that explains why I was having such a hard time finding a difference! I'm apparently learning about my own threewheelers through these videos too! lol
Your gona make me write you a book again.... it wasn't hondas entry to the racing... it was honda creating the 250cc race class.....the 84 had higher compression then 81 to 83 not sure if head, or piston compression height... 250r had dunlop tires its entire life except 86 used ohtsu.... Ive heard rumors mugen was Hondas brother as was showa suspension..... Rumors..... any how... the 81 82 triple clamps are different one is machined and uses nuts, other is just threaded holes no nuts... the 81 82 swing arm is different also because of the mounting of the drum and caliper.. goes with out saying but ill say it any way.. the 300 kit has 7 head bolts that's wat to look for at flea markets... all air cooled had 8 inch rear wheels steel, first aluminum second... liquid jumped to 9 inch rears I do see a few spark arrestors they usually left before the first ride.... I love the old water cooled heads and dg.. old school big power... ive straighted a few foot pegs they come right back you can't even tell..... tricycle guy,....he's a clown he don't know s&%!t hahaha oh yea 82 had a chain tension decal at swing arm bolt 81 did not... 81 82 has aluminum top triple clamp and steel bottom triple clamp, aluminum on all from 83 on.... I think the increase in length was rake angle increase, not sure on that though, 85 was pulled back (less rake) then 1 degree added back in 86..... I am ANTI twist throttle
@dave himlin other manufacturers I cant say, im not sure if the early Tecate were air.... or tri-z either.....honda was not 6 speed until liquid cooled
@dave himlin I can't really say maybe close ratio 6 speeds weren't on the table of design and engineering were the 2 wheelers of the time 6 speeds? I know nothing of vintage bikes but maybe the manufacturers hadn't yet seen the benefits of 6 speeds I csn tell you bikes got better porting bigger carbs and more flat out racing equipment then 3 wheelers as far as honda goes
@dave himlin it looks like technology just didn't get them to that... until liquid cooled
@dave himlin I'm not up or Yamaha or anything outside of 3 wheel hondas, but I can agree...200 air cooled is limited on performance, and aftermarket options
Well sir, there you go again! You know I intentionally leave info out and leave things a little ambiguous at times to give you something to comment on! lol. You are truly an asset when it comes to info on these great machines. I look forward to getting a tour of your underground lair one of these days! Long live the Honda ATC!!!
your 83 has an 84 swingarm, thats why they look the same. 2nd gens have a bigger carburetor. 2 gens stator has a longer harness than the first.
That explains why I had such a hard time finding any difference between the two! I'm normally really good at those puzzles in Highlights magazine at the dentist's office too... It's always good to learn something about your own machines while making TH-cam videos about them!
Thanks for sharing brother.
My pleasure!
sorry to bother. do you know if 81 and the 82 front brake calipers are the same??im haveing trouble tracking down a good 81 front brake caliper. thanks
Ughh these things are so freaking cool! It's killing me that I don't have the disposable income to just go out and buy up a few.
I like 3 willers and 3 willer accessories
Heck yeah! Hope you feel better too brother!
Were all the first gen motors red? My 83 has a red motor, also know what i can buy to replace the shift lever
I have those same bars that you have on the 82 on my 85 200x, curious as to what they are called..
I had a 84... my buddy got it from me still has it....
Hoping to get it back??
@@ThisOldTrike he knows what he got ...I won't see it back lol I wish
Hi, You mention in this video that a friend Ryan Co... painted the tank of the '82 ATC 250R. Would he consider painting a tank and fork uppers for a 185S? Or is this a detail that any good paintshop should be able to do? My goal would be to get it very near to factory color.
Any decent paint shop should be able to do that for you.
We have chatted a few times and I have a new question? I don't mean this to come off rude.. I'm just curious if you have a certain goal to where you'll consider the collection "complete" or do you plan to get as many as possible through the years? I know you've said in previous videos you do sell and trade some of them. I have much respect for your passion and the trikes themselves!
The goal is to get one of each model, year and color. I'm missing only one... which wasn't sold in the US. I'd like to get the nicest possible version on each one, so I do buy and sell to upgrade where possible. That's the goal and plan!
@@ThisOldTrike I'm guessing the one you need is the 88 super red. My main objective is get one of every year with full suspension all done up different than oem. And the '85 tri z and 86/87 tecate 3. Would love a tiger trike but I honestly can't see that happening haha. Also collecting parts and info for a trike conversion on my '87 cr500. I couldn't imagine what I would do with the number of toys you have hahaha
@@keithstone4476 no sir, I've got an 88 250ES. I need an 85 200ES Big Red though. I've got a lead on one, but shipping is so expensive.
They both have 84 swing arms on them that's why they look the same. 83 linkage bracket sits about a inch back closer to the shock on the carrier housing. And linkage is different.
I believe I've got a head light and housing looks to be very nice if ur still looking
Do a segment on the 83 Christmas special 70s
Check back in my videos a few months.
How does the liquid head circulate fluid?
The Rs are my fave. Love the 2 stroke.
They're awesome machines man.
Who did you say made a chain guard for the 81-82?
Man I want one badddddd in my collection
Where abouts are you located Markeith? I can keep my eyes peeled for you!
the handlebars on the 82 are greyden proline V bars
That's right! Pretty cool looking.
You should get itp holeshots for a 250r
I'm not a fan... they just don't do it for me.
Pretty sure that's a cr480 motor on Picarelos bike. Kickers on the left
Yes sir. I didn't make that clear and I also mispronounced his name! I've got issues...
@@ThisOldTrike lol we all do brother. I only knew because i pushed that machine out of my way for 2 years making stump guards at Scott's 🤣
I believe that your “1983” has 84 rear suspension as well.
First! Love the 250r's
I heard you have a nice one.
Would you be willing to help me out on a price for a 85 Big Red with a speedo on it?
Condition is everything... can you send me some pictures? Are you on Facebook or Instagram?
Moo - Gin (not like Gin the drink, hard G.) If anyone else needs a super nerd to know how to properly pronounce Japanese powerssports names, ill be here all night and there will be absolutely zero women around. Thank you. Love ya Preston !
New phone, who dis?
@@ThisOldTrike I wanted my real name off of here, there and everywhere lol.
Trike Detective Don Johnson of the 87th ATC Forensics Investigation Unit?
Those early ones are really angry beasts
And they have an amazing sound...
I have to be at least 1000 of these views!
Ha! Love it!
Do have any 3 wheeler for sale
Not at this time.
@@ThisOldTrike where best to look for them at
The 86 250R is the only one that mattered tho LOL
I hear ya there... but this video was only about the air coolers...
@@ThisOldTrike I know bud LOL
Im in the begins of building a 85-200x
73-mt250 elsinore mashup
That sounds pretty crazy man! Should be a monster! Lot of fab work??
I can buy a 86 for 1600 just needs rings and piston is that a good buy it original
Absolutely. People are selling just motors for more than that now...
@@ThisOldTrike go figure it just aold ive been looking for 1 only got 2 grand for 1 now geuss I gotta save up
Hello mate i look for a saddle atc250r 1981
Still has the heat sheild on exhaust
You should start them up Compare the sound difference
Your 2nd Gens both have 84 swingers and shocks
I had an 84 but someone stole it from my garage.
Well get rid of those balloon tires on the rear and put racing tires on the, you know the small flat ones.
Ii like how you destroy the muga
n name.😂😂
Well why don't you educate me, Rodney? How is it pronounced?