TRAPPERB is exactly right! Every TRX250R has the SAME bore and stroke..... Anyways, the 86 frame had a couple extra stuff on the frame making it more durable. IMO, this frame sucked compared to the 87-89 because 1- It was heavier than needed, 2- cant switch hardly anything with the 87-89' frames. Even though the 86 frame was more durable its not in-destructable, and I have prouf of that one[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Also the 86 reved slightly faster and when it hit the power band it was slightly more aggressive. Most people wouldnt be able to tell. The long rod motors had slightly more tourque, and acually 88-89 motors were a tad bit faster because the port mapping got better.

 

I respect all of what you said but I really doubt that the extra gusseting (now that I compared my 86 to my friends 88) added more than a pound or two if even that. Switching parts from year to year isn't really an issue becuase the aftermarket for these things is so large. Why swap from another bike when you can buy a new part that is usually stronger at a fair cost.

 

All years of the TRX250R have the same wheelbase. When they made the shorter swingarms for the 88-89 models, they also reconfigured the a-arms forward 1". So, 1" shorter swingarm plus 1" forward a-arms = no change in wheelbase or length of quad.

The swingarms don't suck; they're plenty durable and last as long as the aluminum 88-89. They are a bit heavier that the aluminum, but the amount is really negligible.

Depending on how and where you ride might make a difference in which year you choose, but I see all years out doing the same things I do (desert and duning) and doesn't seem to matter which year you get, you still get a great ride!

 

I've had my 86 for about a year now. Thursday I picked up a brand new 88. Just got home from my first ride with the 88. Took a few hours to get it tuned. Gotta say the 88 is everything I wanted in a quad. It wheelies at will. the power hit feels about the same as the 86 and it does rev higher. The feel of the seat, maybe foot position is different. Feels like you sit on the 88 and you sit in the 86. the lower front frame is different.
Wish they would have came up with the removeable subframe in 88.