Hi guys,

I am contemplating purchasing one of the following:

1983 250r:
Rebuilt engine bored .60 over w/Wiseco piston (2 years ago -said to be ridden a >dozen times since)
Rebuilt tranny and crank (same)
Brand new Swing arm, swing arm bushings and bearings
New Axle carrier and new bearing and seals
New chain and sprockets
New blue fork boots
85-86 OEM front fender and headlight
ITP Black water tires
Dura blue axle
DG pipe
Said to start on 1-2 kicks and is very fast
The guy owned and it for 7 years and has done all the work himself. Bike said to be always garaged and only sparingly ridden. Said to be 90% restored just needs a new rear taillight and rear brake cylinder (which he said if I was serious he would do)
Price is $850

1985 250r
100% original, all stock and as far as owner knows nothing was ever rebuilt on it. He thinks he is the third or 4th owner but is not certain. Said he and the previous owner strictly maintained it and has always been garaged. Looks real nice in pictures.
Price is $1500

Haven't seen either bike in person yet, but curious What do you guys think I should do? Is there a huge difference between the 83's and 85's? I know the 85's are liquid cooled and look nicer, but are there a lot of other advantages to them? How will the 83 with those mods compare to a stock 85?

Thanks!
Kevin

 

The 85 in stock form should beat the 83.The 85 will also handle better than the 83.

 

Why will the 85 handle better? Does it have better suspension, etc?

 

i would never pay $1500 for a 3-wheeler, it would have to be a one owner mint condition to be worth 1500

 

Heh, they are going for a lot more than that. Just check on Ebay. ATC 250r's appear to be very much sought after. Personally, I can understand why. They are a great looking bike and the performance is right up there with some of the fastest ATV's of today. They are also extremely reliable and easy to work on. And have you ever driven a 3-wheeler? They are a blast. Only reason they were banned is because of fools who had no clue how to ride them.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: kbreese
And have you ever driven a 3-wheeler? </end quote></div>
i own 3


you can buy a trx250r for $1500, that is a lot better machine all around

in this area you could never get $1500 for an 85 atc 250r that is on its 4th owner. Pay what you want though, its your money. I would buy the 83 if it was me. You asked for an opinion and i gave you mine.

 

I am looking into buying the 83 as its 90% restored. Its got more new parts than I listed and he dropped the price to $800. With that said a nice and clean ATC 250R can fetch $2500+

As far as a TRX250r being a better machine all around, please explain.

 

im trading a guy my 91 kx 125 for a nice 85 250r trike! I own a 82 big red but I no nothing of sport trikes! are they good?
Im going to put some maxxis razr tires on it becuse there cheap and can corner well!!!

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: kbreese

With that said a nice and clean ATC 250R can fetch $2500+
</end quote></div>

not around here


88 and 89 had the best 250r engine
4 wheels which means better high speed turning and stability

you do loose the uniqueness of a 3-wheeler(i would never sell any of mine) but the trx250r makes up for that and then some.

and before you ask, i just sold an 88 250r that i owned for 6+ years and i have ridden an atc 250r.

its all opinion though, get what you want. The 83 is a lot better bang for the buck. If you don't plan on racing then liquid cooled wont really make any difference most likely in your riding. Chances are the stock one will need something, they all seem to when they get that age so keep that in mind.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: snorulz

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: kbreese



With that said a nice and clean ATC 250R can fetch $2500+

</end quote></div>



not around here





88 and 89 had the best 250r engine

4 wheels which means better high speed turning and stability



you do loose the uniqueness of a 3-wheeler(i would never sell any of mine) but the trx250r makes up for that and then some.



and before you ask, i just sold an 88 250r that i owned for 6+ years and i have ridden an atc 250r.



its all opinion though, get what you want. The 83 is a lot better bang for the buck. If you don't plan on racing then liquid cooled wont really make any difference most likely in your riding. Chances are the stock one will need something, they all seem to when they get that age so keep that in mind.</end quote></div>

NO WAY A 86 250R WOULD SMOKE A 250R QUAD ANY DAY! MINE HAS MAXXIS RAZR'S AND WILL CORNER JUST AS WELL AS A 250R QUAD! IF NOT BETTER!!! ITS WAY BETTER ON THE DUNES TO! 3 WHEELS IS WAY FUNNER THEN 4!