first of all hello from OK. i am looking to purchase a 250r and was wandering what i should look out for or bad years? thanks guys,

 

I own a 1988 250r and it has been good to me so far. I am on my 3rd season and all is well. I bought it from a freind who was the 2nd owner so I was lucky to see it in action before I bought it plus I knew that he really took care of it. It was hard to start cold at first but a upper rebuild did the trick. I think the best thing when you look at one is try to start it cold and ride it first. Check for any cracks in the frame, oil leakage , ask alot of questions, and a clear tiltle is a must. Good luck in your search when you get one you will love it!!

 

thanks, I am in OK though and we dont require titles on quads before a certain year. i think it is in the 2000 year range.

 

a title assures it is not stolen, i highly recommend getting one or having the vin run

 

Any year newer than 86 would be a good start. The new bikes have a longer crank and the 88-up models upgraded the clutch basket components. If you get an 87 model just becareful when buying aftermarket parts for the swingarm. The 87 differs from 86 and 88-89. Aside from checking the normal things concerning the engine, make sure to check the upper and lower a-arms, swing arm and steering assembly. If there is any play in those parts you'll probably need to rebuild them. It's not hard but it does add to the total cost of the bike.

 

i have no complaints with my 86 model. im the 3rd owner, i bought it 6yrs ago and it was on its first ever rebuild. yes 17yrs! amazing machine. as for as it being the short rod vs long rod - i think the pin is clipped with a 5mm differnence; if you read the specs on every year - they all have the same displacement. the 86 model has a taller 6th gear than the others so it is allitle faster but in stock form but you have to wind it out to get it there. mine is not stock just a few bolt ons and its is very quick, it rips. it will pull your arms off and roar into 6th gear like nothing.

the 88 model is the most sought after and looks the best; the 89 model actually started using parts from the 86 again if you read the microfilm parts carefully.
to me and this is my opinion partly based on fact and how i seen them run, im just not that impressed with the 87 yr. it is a different cylinder and the factory porting i think is alittle off. some call it the bastard year for the bike. id try to find an 88 or 89 simply because of the newness and the absolute best (factory) refinements are on the 89. but an 86 in great condition may be rare but if you find one buy it. you will love it. nothing comapres to the 250R in handling, not even most 450s; i dont care what kind of hype people say. i have them both and have ridden most everything.

 

IM in favor of the 88-89.

 

That would be my choice. I've owned the 86 and 87 and have no complaints but the 88-89 look much nicer. The clutch is upgraded, the swingarm is upgraded and aluminum which means you can polish it :^) and it has the longer crank. I've riden and owned some of the new models and although they have some nice features (like pushbutton start and reverse) they don't handle as nice. For example, my friend bought the new 700r Raptor and although it has the latest and greatest technology, it rides like an old cadillac (big and marshmellow like handling). The 250R (any year) handles more like a corvette and is very forgiving when jumping.

 

Go to www.trx250r.net

 

Like everybody said the machine is a great machine any year, but the 88 is the most sought after year. I have a 86 with some race mods and can rip past 450's on the track, not all of course. I had a beat up 87 but it still ran great and ripped. One thing to look at is the shift shaft, if the case saver is broke off its a good possibility the chain broke and broke that off and it has been known to bend the shifter shaft when the chain hits it and gear oil leaks out. one thing i didnt check was the case good enough and a tooth broke off and there was a huge crack in the case, if its possible lift the four-wheeler up on the grab bar (make sure to turn the gas off) to check any leaks in the case. But all this stuff is just ideas, be smart and dont be to anxious when u find one and pay more for one then you should.