Im looking into buying a 1986 trx250r.... were there any known problems with this model ? What did they change in the later year models ?
motor differences ?
Frame issues ?

thanks in advance

 

The 89 us considered the best year. There are great "project quads", but if you want to ride instead of wrench...get something else.

 

Earlier 250R's had some tranny issues, the 89 had a different gear set that took care of that, but if it was taken care of,it would be a fun ride, and won't require all that much maint if you just keep it tuned up and keep an eye on your jetting.

 

I know you can no longer get a create engine from Honda. Not sure about other parts or a frame, etc. The aftermarket was huge for this model a decade ago, before the 4-stroke boom. Not sure if those companies are still around?????

 

Hello,

I had the same questions about the availability of parts for the 250R about this time last year. I have an '88 that I've been lugging around for the last 13yrs. I started racing again this year. I've had no problems finding OEM parts and after market parts for the 250R. My motor was originally done by Duncan racing in the mid 90's and they are still making all the motor kits and after market stuff that was available then. I've been looking at Eddie Sanders Racing as well for after market parts. As far as OEM goes Service Honda sells their Honda parts at 30% off list price. They have all the 250R schematics on their web site and you can still get just about any OEM part. Service Honda Home of the CR500AF 500AF 500AFX Junior-X - Honda Motorcycle Parts
If I were going to buy an R I would get an '88 or '89.

There's a guy at the local track that had a 250R, and he was beating all the fourstrokes. For some reason he decided to sell it and bought a brand new Yahama YFZ 450. He's had nothing but trouble with it all season and he's already sold it. Word is he's looking for another R. In my opinion there's still nothing as stable as a 250R as far as motocross goes.

 

I have an 86 TRX 250r and I have also owned an 88 between the two I can honestly say I like my 86 more. Either way, if you find a 250r that is in nice shape you can't go wrong with picking it up...The only thing I have had to do to my 86 is have the rear shock rebuilt, the motor/trans is still all stock.

 

The 86 and I believe 87 too have a more open intake area inside the actual intake(use same reed valve) which makes different type of power I believe less bottom end then later years.The jugs are said to crack easier with extensive port work.The 88-89 and have a longer rod too and theres a bearing that goes with the clutch lifter at the end of the rod but 86 can be updated with that kit which makes clutch smoother.all in all the 250R is still one of the greatest bikes from the 85-86 ATC all the way to the 89 TRX its a fact