I am looking to buy a 250R for agressive trail riding and harescrambles. Should I try to find an 88/89 or is the 86/87 model as good or even better (longer stock swingarm)? I ask this because the '86 and '87 models seem to be a lot easier to come by for a reasonable price.

 

the 86 is a bit faster because it is bassically acr250 top end. plus the 86 has a very thick sleeve, so it does not disipate heat as good but you can bore it over and over again if need be. so far i have never had a problem with mine over heating and it is pretty much stock still. i'v never ridden and 88/89 but my 86 is really good for handleing and jumping. the 86/87 chassis are the same but the motors are a bit different.

 

it doesn't really matter. find one you like and buy it.

 

quality 250r's with a few mods for a decent price are becoming rarer and rarer every day, so you may not have the option of being too choosey over a particular year

 

The reason the 86 models were faster is because they had higher ratios in 5th and 6th gear. I like the 88-89's better meyself but with a -1 swingarm I'd like the 86-87 just as much.

 

The 87 had the long rod engine and as a result is compatable with the 88 and 89 engine kits instead of the 85(atc)-86 kits. The long rod engines tend to make more torque due to a longer duration at TDC and BDC, but the short rod engines rev quicker. 87 was the last year for removable ball joints on the a-arms, but if you're going aftermarket this doesn't matter.
Whatever year you get check the frame carefully for cracks, especially where the subframe meets the rest of the frame.

 

and the tube that the foot peg's mount to im not sure if u can fit your hand under the swing arm there it bolt's to the frame but id try remember if it has the stock chassie it's not new remember your buying a quad that's been beatin for a str8 15 to 11 year's