What do you guys think the best year 250r is? and what is the difference between the atv's of the differnt years

 

First, the TRX 250R was made from 86-89. The 86-87 had steel swing arms which were 1 inch longer than the 88-89 which were aluminum. The 86 motor was diffrent from all the rest. It had a short rod set up compared to 87-89's long rod. I perfer the long rods only because thier easier on the cylinder walls. All years have the same bore and stroke. 86 had a tall tall 6th gear. They have a hard time turing it if thier stock. 87 got alittle better but 88-89 had the best spread trannys in most peoples opinions. The boysen ports and tunnel ports got slightly better as the years went by. Also, 86-87 had a 2 degree more retarded flywheel than the 88-89, and the 88-89 also had a better CDI unit. Thier are a alot of other little changed but it would take a book to write them all down.

 

Also, I believe that the 87-89 cylinders had bridged intakes, while the 86 cylinders did not. This led to many of the 86 cylinders cracking more easily, especially if ported.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

86-87 had the ugly gold swingarms, wheels and a-arms.
88-89 had silver swingarms, wheels and a-arms.
(Just thought I'd add that little bit) [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Oh yeah, a-arms were 1" further forward on the 88-89 models too. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

typically the 250r cylinder would crank from port work only when the intakes were too big and the transfer walls were taken back too far. The bridge itself was added for ring stability, and didnt do much for structural strength as it was on the wrong side of the cylinder [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

One of the best improvements engine wise is the torington bearing that is used in the 89. This eliminates the chance of welding the cluch ball to the rod. Big no no. If you get an 86-88 there is an update kit to install the 89 style pusher. Best 50 bucks you'll spend in the motor.

 

Also, the 89 body work was different(and better IMHO). 89 models had a built in headlight assembly built into the front plastics of the quad. The 88's might have this too, can't remember though. If you are picky, get an 89 if you can find one in good condition for less than $5000!!

 

I believe the 88 had the integrated light as well. I much prefer it to the upper mounted light.

We had an 86, 87, and 88. 88 was my favorite, but the 87 had been built up more. All great bikes, but the later the model the better.

 

i actually preferred the 86 style front hood. I liked the smooth look, made it look more stealth

 

Those were better for racing, imo. On the 88 I did a lot of trail riding, so the integrated light was nice. The smooth hoods w/ light removed worked better for me on the track.

 

Ah Dabeech......
Actually the EX had his cylinder crack on the INTAKE side, and yes, it was probably due to some excessive porting, but our motor builder made the recommendation of going to a bridged intake as it would have more support.
So we went with an 89 (I think)[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] cylinder, had it ported, and never had a problem with it after that, so I am assuming he knew what he was talking about.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]