heh guys, Im looking at getting hunting machine and pretty much decided for a mint condition atc, just wondering what are the better models to look for and what models I want to stay away from. From my research I figure I want to find a 1984 or newer 200m big red or 250 big red since they have shaft drive and the 1985 big red has a rear shock. Is it a issue with a older one with chain drive and no rear shock for the bumps?

 

I've had many ATC's for hunting. Believe it or not a 1983 110 was the best machine I had for bird hunting. Easy to maneuver, light, quiet and good power.

For deer/moose a Big Red is the way to go. I had an 82 and 84 and an 85 over the years. 85 is the big daddy with shaft drive and full suspension and a bigger motor. Awesome machine. 84 had shaft and reverse but no suspension but has the dual tranny (hi/low) which will outpull the 85 in low (good for pulling out of the bush, but the 250 has gobs of low end torque too), this thing is a tank. The shaft dif on the 84 is MASSIVE but all these machines are pretty heavy (at least for their day).

You want reverse which makes it an 84 and up. Suspension is nice but for hunting not really necessary if your putt-putting around slow looking for something to shoot. If you get a good price an 84 is fine. I sold my 85 like 15 years ago and regret it ever since. I've been looking for years for a another good one but they are rare to find in good shape now-a-days! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

Good Luck

 

Defenitly no compition it has to be the big red 200es or 250 they are both bullet proof tanks with massive low end torque. I have a 200 friend has a 250 both are awsome they will get through the mud and the muck steep terrain ( as long as its not side hill). mine will PULL I hook it up to downed trees that fall in my trail, I just hook up and pull. You've got to start slow so you don't flip if its a heavy load. The largest thing i pulled was a 20-25 foot log I am going to take a guess at the weight maybe 800-900 pounds, that however exeeds the tow capacity so if you plan on doing this be careful. I also have had three people riding on mine not including me driveing it took first gear in low but i did it. That was just screwing around in the yard though. Both of these machine fit the bill the 200 doesn't have rear suspension though like the 250 but that doesn't matter if your just putting around the woods. both are a good choice its your choice i would suggest riding booth an decide which you like best.

 

Big Red with a silencer. there you go.

 

Hey the only problem with the Big Red is everyone who has them or wants them is willing to shell out the dough for them. One good way to go would be a 250 sx, it has rear suspension, shaft driven with reverse. A fun bike that has top speeds around 50 despite its weight and will really pull. I love this bike, but i have never had or ridden a Big Red so i don't know to much about it but the SX is a great way to go.

 

I ended up buying a 1984 honda big red 200 es shaft drive with reverse and electric start. Although Im already having problems with the electric start it seems to be a good machine though for going through serious muddy, deep water trails that 4x4s go through

 

i bought a 1985 250 big red this summer i LOVE it. but i just think the first gear is basically pointless. i can almost start off as fast in second as 1st.. but i wish it had lo/hi