Other than my father's Honda fourtrax I am fairly new to ATV's. I have been looking to purchase a Honda Big Red 3 wheeler for a while now. I ran across a 250 with automatic start and reverse with all of the plastic intact for $800 - - I have not seen it myself yet. The owner says that it is in decent shape with the exception of a leak (crank case?). My question is how much would one of these be worth? The few that I have seen for sale locally are beatup 200's with no reverse and they seem to be going in the 6-800 range. Also what are some of the things that I should be looking for If I decide to take a look at it in person and drive it?

 

Welcome to the forums, and yes it sounds like a good deal for the 250. But you should ride it to make sure everything is ok on it.

 

I have to finnaly agree with Ryan on something, J/K [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] 86SS86LS That doesnt sound too bad, and welcome!

 

Mike, when have you ever disagreed with anything Ive said?
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] I think you are always correct, and Im glad you think Im right now.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

There are currently 2 for sale in my area. One is an 84 250R, he is asking $800 - has elec start and reverse gas tank has a small leak and needs a battery. The other is an 83 200 elec start no reverse, he is asking $700. Are these reasonable prices and does anyone have a breakdown of the different years with available models and options for each year? Do all Big Red Honda's come with a four stroke engine? I plan on looking at both of these over the weekend. What are some common weak points or areas that have a tendancy to breakdown and what are some things to look for when test driving and looking at a Big Red? I have very little knowledge on the subject so any help would be appreciated.

 

The 84 atc 250r does not have an electric start or reverse. It was honda's badboy race bike. $800 is a good price if it is nice.
If it is a 250 honda trike and has electric start and reverse it has to be either a big red 250 or a 250sx. I think they only made these from 85 to 87. I'd stay away from the big red 200's or any other atc 200 except the X. None of the 200's have rear suspension except the 200x. If you are set on a big red, get one of the 85 through 87 models. These were really nice bikes. They usually sell for around 1000 if they are in good shape. The 250sx is a racier model with the same engine and most of the features. They sell for about the same amount as the big red 250's.

When you are checking it out here are a few tips:

check the oil

look at the air filter (you'd be surprised but some morons run their stuff without one)

find the crankcase vent tube and while the engine is running put your finger over it to see if it is blowing oil by (a small amount may be
ok but if there is alot of pressure this can indicate that the rings are bad)

check for oil leaks around the crankcase and the head

check for physical damage or cracks on any part of the engine (if they penetrate the crankcase, this can be a costly repair)

check out the tires (this will be at least $100 if they are all bad)

are the plastics in good shape (this can be one of the most expensive parts to replace)



now for the test drive:

make sure it shifts through all gears including reverse (If you can't find some of the gears, that is probably a sign of prior abuse and in any case is one of the tougher, more expensive repairs)

check the brakes (both front and rear)

check the suspension (are the shocks blown?)

check the bearings

Does it smoke?

Will it idle?

Don't worry if everything is not 100% perfect, just factor in the cost of the repairs. If you are not sure, don't buy it immediately. Just come back to the forum and report what you find. We can help you decide whether you want to fool with it.

 

Thanks for all the info Madwolverine!!

What are the differences between a 250 and 250sx and how do I distinguish between the 200x and other 200's?

 

The difference between the big red 250 and the 250sx:

The SX has a smaller frame.

The SX came with shorter tires.

The SX is geared higher. (I think the only difference is the rear differential)

The SX weighs less

The SX is more sport oriented but still may be equipped with racks and a tow hitch

I believe the SX has more suspension travel.

The big red 250 is more of a work horse than the 250sx.

Both of these bikes are shaft drive, full suspension, electric start, and reverse equipped bikes.

The difference between the 200x and other Honda 200's:

The X has full suspension (front/rear) None of the other 200's have rear suspension.

The X is a kick start None of the other 200's have a kick start

The x has a hand clutch and shifts like a motorcycle All the other 200's are autoclutch bikes and do not have a hand clutch


There is nothing wrong with the other 200's, I just advise getting something with a front and rear suspension. The "hard tail" 200's will beat you to death and do not handle well in rough terrain. The 200x is a smooth riding trike as is both the 250's.

The 200x and the 250sx have similar power. (With the exception of the 86 up 200x which was redesigned and thus more powerful than the older 200x's)

 

I looked at both Big Red's over the weekend.

The 83 200 had an offer on it of $675 (and I assume it has since sold). I told the owner no thanks.

What was supposedly an 84 250 turns out to be a 200. It had good plastic, no visible oil leaks, decent tires. The speedometer was not hooked up, the gas tank has a slight leak, and the battery is dead - took a while to pull start it in 20 degree weather. Otherwise it drove straight and shifted strong. The owner is wants it gone and is willing to take $600 for it. Seems like a decent price.

 

That sounsd like a 200m, good machine. 600 dollars sounds ~ok~ but see if he will go down anymore, because of the little things like the battery and the tank leak.