Just got this '84 200 atc and it runs great. Starts right up, good power and so on. The only problem is that after riding for a day or two at a time the plug has to be changed. Any ideas?? Thanks

 

Hey there, my cousin has a big red 200, 1984, and it does the same thing, all ive heard is that its a common problem with some older honda's to "burn up" spark plugs. I'm not sure why this is, I have a 83 200s and it works fine.. check to see if theres any oil burning, is there much smoke from the exhaust when you run it?

 

What color is the plug and what does it look like when you have to replace it.

 

Sorry for the late follow up (vacation).

Sometimes it starts up with some white smoke coming out, sometimes it doesnt.
When I change the plug it's black and smells of gas.
Also lately I've been having trouble starting it (no electric start), and it often chokes when I try to engage to first and accelerate.

 

I would suggest a good cleaning of the carb and air filter and make sure the choke is operating properly.
You might be able to clean the carb with some spray or you may have to take it off and soak it.
Not a bad idea to put some carb cleaner in your gas also.
You may have a stuck float or some dirt stuck some place and a good cleaning even if you have to take the carb off and boil it in water - just make sure you get all the plastic parts removed. But K1, diesel fuel will clean it ok or you can use carb/injector cleaner - don't use gas - not the greatest cleanser.

 

Well, the choking problem must of been due to the carb. There was about a tablespoon of sediment in there. I cleaned it all and I'll get some new seals before putting it back together. While I have the carb and gas tank off, is there anything else I should be looking at or cleaning? The air filter is finished also, a lot of rips in it and it feels like some one poured syrup on it...very sticky.