Found myself a nice 86' Honda 250r. Its bone stock with the exception of the rear tires and grab bar, has never been rebuilt but it runs AWSOME, better than some of the late model banshee's I've looked at. Its a very fast machine. The only things I noticed it needs are: a new air filter (still has the stock air filter in it), maybee a new steering stabilizer and new front tires (original) the tires are a little dry rotted but they still hold air just fine and drive great and a few rust spots. Anyways the guy wanted $2,750 for it I got him down to $2,600 deal no deal?

 

BUMP!! Anyone????

 

well if it isnt ragged out, it is a decent deal. when i got my '86- 4 yrs ago, in great condition, was on it's first ever rebuild and still had original tires, etc. still had stock air filter but was amazingly jetted right for the pipe, rad valve that came installed in it. i put a UNI filter in mine, bought new tires & wheels and a Q silencer (looks good with that silencer but it doesnt make it quieter, just changes the tone; decibels are the same). everytime i ride it, people come over...esp after it leaves their new technological marvels sitting there. its a great, light, balanced handling machine and rips pretty good for 250cc. has better handling than the 450R, IMO.

in addition to the air filter and a compression test, id get new all tires around if i were you. you dont want to be hitting top gear and have something screwy happen just b/c you wanted to be a tight@ss and not get new tires. the hospital bill will cost allot more plus the pain...granted that you survive. not trying to be a @ss or negative here but just want you to see that the tires are dangerous like that on a machine this fast. would you want them on your car like that?

I dont think stock they come with stearing stabilizers unless i am a complete and total dum@ss on that. i havent noticed one on mine or any other one stock over the last 20yrs. do you mean steering stem? how are the bearings, bushings, etc? is everything tight- no wobbly action? no cracks in the frame? shock mounts? are the shocks ragged out (20yrs they prob are getting close)? if you look close at an 86 and latter 88/89 frames youll notice the 86 had extra gussetting on it so its technically stronger in places but still can crack. take the rear fenders off(comes off like a 400ex seat and all) and look everywhere closely!

and if the comp test shows it could stand being rebuilt, then do it. It isnt hard, doesnt cost that much and will run a little stronger...

 

Still seems too much to me, but I do not know what "legendary" bikes go for in your area. Where I live the same bike is around $2,300 mint (needs nothing) great buy, ready to rock. And in my area there are plenty of these kinds of rides to choose from. However, I can tell you this, buying a used two-stroke, the details are important.

I would focus on what type of person you are buying from...... Example.

Seller A) he has is stuff together. Everything he owns is well cared for and in good working order, garage is mostly neet and tidy and has a sound reason for ditching her... Okay drop a few extra bones because you trust him and it feels right.

Seller B) lives in a junk pit, drives a junk-box and does not care much about anything and all his other stuff is "rode hard put-away-wet" no deal!

We are talking about a few hundred dollars here and you could put way more into it by buying something you think is tight, but is not.

Bottomline, Check the people out from which you are buying from. If it feels right...(not focusing on the beauty of the machine.).... (kind of like a girl, but slighly different) then do it. If any part of the program gives you dought, then it's best to walk away and find better...

Kind of like girls! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

i dont disagree about checking out the people, but not all people that may live in a lesser house than you treat their stuff bad. in many cases here in the south CARS are more important to some than houses! its not uncommon and (though sad) to see a brand new corvette or something parked outside of a mobile home....and they are always washing, detailing, etc. i think southerners in large part are more meticulous about car maintenace than some others around the country but thats another story......

i sure would like to see this bike in MINT condition for $2300. it isnt probable, if they know what they have. you will not find a MINT 250R for that price anywhere. even on ebay, atvtrader, etc. i searched for awhile before I bought mine from a meticulous dude in california - he was a mechanic and took very good care of all his stuff. and it wasnt no $2300 either.

if you do see them all the time id like to see some pics and phone #s b/c id buy another MINT one for that price.

 

Okay, let's clarifly. Perhaps mint was a poor choice of words. What I meant was excellent condition for a 20 yr old bike. all orginal plastics , not faded and scratches/wear marks in the typical areas but not excessive. Also, Are we talking ATC or TRX? My bad... sorry I was commenting from a ATC point. definatley add a few bengie's for a TRX. My ATC is as close to what I was calling "mint" and I don't think I could get more than $2,300 if I sold it in my area.

As far as my point of the seller, I was not saying they had to live in a mansion. What I meant was to observe how they take care of their place, stuff, selfs. that is how I evaluate and it has worked for me.

Also, if the Corvette is new in front of the trailer, someones' got an identity issue!

 

Ok let me start by saying it's not in mint conditiout but, for being 20 yrs old its in extremly good condition. I'll have to get some pics posted. Anyways the guy I bought it from was pretty much the original owner since the original owner was killed in a plane crash (flight 255) pretty much right after he bought it. The guy did take care of the machine but it has a couple cracks on the rear plastic but it runs like it just came out of the show room. I'll have to post some pic's.

 

If it is a TRX and you feel good out the guy your buying from, then I think you have a deal my friend. Good luck and enjoy!