both of my side cases on my ct 310 r are in bad shape. im looking to buy new or used in good shape. my question was, are all the cases the same on all year trx 250r's? ( 86-89) . mine is an 86 i think because my connecting rod is embossed with a ka4 9 number on it.(the short rod) should i also think about running a "long rod", and spacer plate? what is the benefit of running a long rod compared to a short rod? these are the questions i have. please help.. i have to get my bottom half done soon so my bike will get back on track soon.. thank's a bunch for your time and help.

 

The clutch side covers are different. The shaft from the kickstarter on two years have a collar on it and the other years have the collar built into the case. Other than this everything is the same except for 5th and 6th gears, which can be switched. Good luck racing.

 

As far as the side cases, you could use any year as long as you have the correct spacer in, which was covered in the previous post. Leave the long rod in though, your motor will be faster because of it. As long as you keep the top end tight, you will not lose any reliability from the short rod. Reliability is about the only reason to use a long rod, that is why Honda switched it.