Greetings,

So from what I've been reading only the 86 250R had the same rear end as the quad? Does anyone know how much "worse" the 84 rear suspension is? harder to get parts for? The 84 engine is also air cooled, but its probably not too far down on power is it, plus less to go wrong with it. but again might be harder to get parts again.

Thanks for your time,
Rod
2002 400EX
1986 TRX250R

 

Power between and 84 and 85 can't be compared. The bore and stroke is totally different, to the 85's advantage. The air cooled motor doesn't have a chance against the water cooled.
The swingarm, axle, shocks, carrier is all different between 84 and 85. In 86 the made the carrier slightly larger diameter and kept this size into the quads. I think the 84 even uses different sprockets.

 

My neighbor has a '86 250r ATC, and it is a little faster, I stress little, not a lot.

Ron

 

My brother has a completely stock 84 with about 25 hours on it, tops. My shelled out (used to be) 85 would eat it alive with equal weight riders. If you keep the topend up to snuff on an 84 they go pretty darn good. The 85 and up motors are able to be modded to much higher performance levels and the parts are easier to get. If you need parts for an 82-84 motor you can get them off ebay for really cheap. There are always people parting them out on there. Just ask questions to make sure you know what you're getting and don't pay very much for any of it. If you want to check out what is available for factory parts..go to Partsfish.com and register for your machine and year and you can see what all is available as far as factory goes. There may be some other sites (like Bikebandit.com) that will help you out also. The 84 has pretty decent suspension, just beware that any machine you buy will likely have been neglected in the shock and fork fluid change and rebuild department. I've never understood why some guys, especially ATV-only guys, think that the suspension needs no service until it breaks.

PS. I've got and 85ATC200R (250R de-bored for special racing class) that will beat a 84 or earlier R pretty easy. For Sale