what are the main ways..cosmetically...(ex: plastic, frame..looks and appearence) to tell the difference between the year models of 250R's?

Thanks For any Help...pictures would be great!!!

 

I haven't ever been big into the R's so I'll tell you what I know from a stock appearance standpoint.

'86 and '87 were offered in white/red and white/blue color combinations.
These had a handlebar mounted headlight.

'88 models were solid red with the headlight set in the hood.

'89 models were solid white with the "fourtrax" logo in red on the tank sides.

That's about all that I can rememner from them. Ofcourse, you can always get the serial number from the frame and call your dealer to find out the year model. That would probally be best since you will be hard pressed to find an R that still has the stock plastic.

KNOWSALOT

 

The 88-89 had headlights in front hood, 86-87 on handlebars.
The 88 was the only all red year.
The 89 was blue/white only.
The 86-87 were blue/white or red/white with gold wheels and gold swingarm.
The 88-89 have aluminum swingarm and aluminum wheels.
Different graphics but I couldn't tell you what.
Cosmetically that's about all.

 

http://www.macdizzy.com/trx_specs.htm... this link will give you some more insight into the different model year changes, more focused on internal changes but none the less it may halp

 

trapperb1: actually the 89 was available in white/red only [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]


the 86 has a few other cosmetic differences. it has an extra frame reinforcement under the front engine mounts. the front engine mounts are welded on tubular type, while the later years are a stamped peice. The front a arm mounts on the 86 are much larger than the later years.

 

Go to my site, there are pictures of each year. But like mentioned above, the in 86 and 87 you could pick blue or red to go with the white plastic.

It is hard to tell the difference now days with all the aftermarket parts and plastic. People even mistaken mine for a BLASTER! Man that hurts!

ERIC