when I was little my dad raced 3 wheelers and I had a atc 70. he had a 85 and 86 atc 250r's every time he raced there was a guy he couldn't beat on a tri-z 250. I was wondering what was the best all around for top end mid range and low end. reliability and overall owner satisfaction my dad freind got a tri-z about 3 months ago so we got out the 85 atc 250r we had left and got her running again (put new gas spark plug change the tranny oil and oil the chain and she fired right up and runs great. the tri-z pulls him in the straights. but my dad gets him on a flattrack rider difference my cousin has a 85 tecate and he says it will beat my dads but he lives in florida and I don't see him much. what do U guys think and will a 85 atc 250 motor bolt into a 86 TRX 250r frame? thanks

 

Well, the Tri-Z was more of a low end motor, the 250R should be able to pull it. The Tecate was known more as a top end motor and I have heard several say it was faster although I have never drag raced or ridden one (I also believe at least, the kaw had a 5 speed tranny and maybe the Tri-Z too). I have ridden a Tri-Z and felt my 250R was faster, but never raced the two. Also remember that Honda made a lot of changes to the 86 250R vs the 85.

Everyone seems to be a fan of the Tecate (3 and 4) now, I guess it's because they are rare these days and everyone likes the underdog, so you will probably see a lot of PRO Tecate posts. Too bad Kawasaki didn't have that support back when these things were still being made.

I really like the blend of low, stout mid, and top my 250R has, it's a great all around motor.

I think the reliability of the Tri-Z was good, but the Tecate was marginal at best (again, from what I remember). The Honda was again the best handler, the best suspended, and of course, the best looking .

Yes, that 85 ATC engine should bolt right up to the TRX, although I think the TRX had one additional clutch plate from the factory to help pull the extra weight.