theres a 1986 Honda 250R for sale that i was thinking about getting, the ad says "86 Honda TRX250R very fast, new ESR pipe & silencer, K&N filter and pre-filter, DG nerfs, Maier plastics, 400ex brakes and shocks, new axle, bearings, electrical $3000"
i was going to call tomorrow and ask a few questions, and in the ad it also says he has picts to email so i'll get some and post a link here,

has anyone here went from a 250r to a ds? i've heard alotta great things about them, but not sure if i'd want a 2 stroke again or if i should just stick wit 4, i used to ride 2 stroke bikes, i'm not that big of a guy only like 5'10" or so, so i'm not worried about being cramped or nothin,
and any suggestions on questions to ask?

 

For that price you would be stupid to not check it out. Make sure it isn't beat to hell though. A LOT can happen to a quad in 18 years...

 

ya i was planning on callin 2morrow and find out some info like when is the last time rebuilt, reason for sellin, etc. , call the insurance company, see how much for that, maybe try to convince my bro to go check it out
and that price is canadian just so ya know

 

Be sure to check the frame out really good for cracks or whatever.

RoughRider01

 

Isn't it the 1986 Hondas that had the worst frame of the 250Rs? (Of course the first year) I'm pretty sure those are a square tubing frame, you should check every single joint for cracks and also check for fresh paint to cover up cracks as well. You and your brother are sharing one ATV right now, correct? If it is in decent shape that could be an excellent way to add another machine. Look for rust also - rust just sucks. You can check to see if the compression is good just try to push the kick starter down with your hand - if it is easy then it doesn't have much compression. Also make sure the shocks aren't pogo sticks (IE: all spring and junk on the inside.)

 

i was planning on looking for cracks, the fresh paint is a good idea, and i was planning on bringing my brother with me and he knows alot about two strokes(all he ever had before the ds) and you are right we share the ds, hes not really liking this plan though, thinks it will be just like his 84' CR125 needing new pistons alot, but i'm thinking there more to why it went through so many pistons(ie. wrong jetting), orignally i was going to get another ds but the cheapest i've found is like 6700 for a stock 01, no way i'm payin that, especially from the dealer its at, 3000 don't sound bad for a 250r, i didn't think it would be a bad second machine, i'm just worried i'll have alotta problems with it, ionno, i'm gunna do some calling 2morrow, my parents said they'd prolly get me a loan since i already have 1000 saved up, so hopefully everything will go for the best

 

Very important: Check for cracks in the frame where the swingarm pivot bolt goes through. They were prone to cracking there if abused. Sounds like a great deal if it's in good shape.

 

I had an 86 250R for about 7 years before selling it and buying the DS. I was a fool for selling it for two reasons, first I sold it too cheap and second because the fun factor has yet to be reproduced by another quad. It wasn't a rocket ship by todays standards but it did have a durablue +2 axle and good suspension which made it handle like a slot car. I raced it for a couple years and rode it hard the whole time I owned it and NEVER had a problem with the frame cracking. I did have to replace the swing arm once then have the new one reinforcd because it was prone to cracking but never the frame. I only put two pistons in it the whole time I owned it, the first of which was right after I bought it. I always started on the third kick and never left me stranded.

When I switched to the DS the weight was the hardest thing to get used to and I soooo wanted my 250R back. Its a great quad and I'm sure you will enjoy it...if you get it.
I personally will not pay the going price for a 18 year old 250R nowadays though. Maybe just because I only paid $1400 for mine back in 1992 with all the goodies on it. But thats my just opinion.

 

had a 88 R, if you do get it here is a couple of things you should know about. 1. you can use a 89 CR250 head gasket gives you more compresion, they also have a clutch push rod update kit. the old works with ball bearings. the new works with needle bearings on a washer. I would check for the cracks to and make sure it runs good starts ez. rides good no pulling to one side, clutch feel good not grabby or sliping. check sprockets for wear.pick up on the rear grab bar listen for clunks. two strokes are fun but I think you will miss the 4 stroke tourqe 2s like to rip. it is a lot lighter though. and tons of hop up parts.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Stand it up on it's grab bar a look under it, you can always tell more about a quad from the bottom. Look at the frame close to the swing arm, that's where they usually crack.