I found a 86 trail boss for sale today and its dirt cheap!!! I was wondering if you all could tell me how good of a machine this is and its reliability. I would also like to know the top speed of this machine. It needs a piston and new rings, but thats it.

Thanks,
liftkit
Parker Racing

 

I have one, it has A LOT of miles on it. They are very reliable myn has never left me stranded, my 300ex has several times. My only problems were front brakes went out and I had to put a master cylinder rebuild kit in ($20), and the starter needed brushes. Go for it, I love myn and that's coming from a honda owner. They are 2 stroke and don't rev high but they have torque.

Like a typical 2 stroke you shouldn't have to deal with burning pistons or new rings every 30hrs, they don't rev enough to wear. I have re-ringed myn but it didn't need it, it still had compression, I had it ported, while that was getting done I put a set of rings in it. I think the way you treat them is how they will treat you. Always use some quality 2 stroke oil.

Oh I don't really know top-end stock but myn that's been ported, has 22" holeshots will run 52.

 

My brother had one for about 6 yrs and then sold it to a guy we hunt with. It still starts and has great compression. The only problems we have had so far(as I am the one that usually gets stuck fixing it) is: A broken transmission case from the chain flying off(welded it back together and it works fine) and currently the clutch spring is either weak or it needs a new clutch. Otherwise it has hauled many a deer out of the woods and will probably haul some more this weekend.