1986 Honda 250R Restoration

[nofences]

Hi everyone

I grew up in the 80's and was 13 when I saw my first 250R. It was the coolest thing I ever saw. I was a small kid and had a TRX125. I knew someday I would have one!!

Well 30 years later I finally bought one and am bringing it back to that NEW Machine I saw back in 86.....

So I have been a member here for a few months and wanted to share some pics of the restoration project.
I bought an 86 250R off a buddy of mine and quickly realized it would be fun to strip it down and rebuild it. :wondering
So I stripped it completely down and shipped all the parts off to powder coat and metal finishing. The engine went to a local repair
shop where it was broken down, cases split, powder coated, and rebuilt with all new seals, bearings, piston, rings, dowels etc. It is now a completely new engine.

While I waited the month for the engine and powder coat I spent a lot of time ordering new seals, O rings, Rebuild kits, OEM parts etc. I also spent tons of time on EBAY looking for NOS Parts. I quickly learned that probably 60% of the 250R parts are no longer made by Honda. Not wanting to cheap out on the build I became an EBAY fanatic and was able to score almost everthing I needed.

If the parts looked too worn and/or could not be cleaned I replaced them with new. Nearly every part on this bike is NEW or NOS OEM. The only exception so far is the stainless bolt kit (I liked the bling) and the radiator hoses (It was tough to find nice ones on ebay).

All of the plastics are going out this week to be restored to new.

When complete the bike is going in my office believe it or not.
I don't plan on putting in fluids, just displaying it.

Here are some progress pics. I will post more as it progresses.

Thanks

BEFORE:

189233

189234

189235

189236

189237


AFTER POWDER COAT:

189238

189239

189240


AFTER METAL REFINISHING:

189241

189242


RE ASSEMBLY:

189243

189244

189245

189246

189247

189248

189249

[bkm]

Gorgeous bike. What color did you use on the engine?

[nofences]

It is called "Speedway Grey". I thought it was close to original. I used it on the calipers too.

[pipeline triker]

Lookin good, it will be hard not to ride it.

[JasonB]

Damn looking good so far. That was a clean machine before you tore it down, just crazy! Nice work man, some of us dream of having a bike as nice as the one you started with lol. Can't wait for the finished bike, awesome work so far and welcome to the boards

[ATC90JAY]

Thats some awesome work brother!!! What did you use to get the rear axle and parts clean?

[c_hustle]

Looks great. I couldn't resist taking it out at least once to the dunes :)

[desertlizard]

Ride it, don't hide it.
Shame IMO
Welcome, where in Ma u from?

[86125m]

I've said it once and ill say it again the only way to keep a honda in good shape is to use it every day. But I love what your doin to that bike man she's going to be pretty.

[jchale]

Sweet bike. I'm am just going to start a refurbish. I too am an ebay fanatic. Its like an addiction. I'm into this bike for $$$$$$ now just in parts. Guess its a passion. When I find the time I need to strip down and bring all of the parts to get powder coated. From this site I have learned that Bangle Red is a close color to the frame. Do you have a color for the swing arm, caliper etc? I may even do my master cylinders etc. Mine is an 85 so the engine is black. I like the grey although want to keep this bike original as possible. Does anyone know the engine color for an 85? I assume it is just a gloss black but maybe someone knows of an exact color. Where are you getting your plastics redone?

I'll send pics of before and after once I get to that stage.

[prairiedog14]

That is beautiful. Wish my trike looked that nice

[nofences]

I sent it to a metal finishing company where the acid dipped, pickled and dipped in cadmium yellow

[nofences]

Tyngsboro ma

[badandy]

Beautiful! I was super cool with this build until you said you were gonna park it in an office.... PLEASE RIDE IT....!

[honda200x1987]

It's always fun to see a 250R build, looking good! I know where you can find 2 NOS OEM HONDA gold rear rims stamped 1185 , period correct for the 1986 ATC250R, I never seen a new set before. Would be perfect for your restoration!

[85XMAN]

I am doing the same w a 350x roughly what did the frame powder coat cost u?

[nofences]

More progress

190655

190657

[nofences]

I am doing the same w a 350x roughly what did the frame powder coat cost u?

About 250$

[Northernbear]

Sweet looking ride! Hope my projects come out looking as good when they're done.

[Northernbear]

Curious about this whole plastic restoration though. Trying to refurbish the plastics on my tri-z myself but they are quite oxidized and the previous owner spray painted over top, making a huge mess. Already spent countless hours scraping away with a razor blade and then wet sanding. Little heat gun action to get rid of any white stress marks. Just need a way to get the shine back into them now. Any help there would be great.

[350for350]

I think it's a shame to just look at a trike that nice, but I guess it's yours and so is the money going into it. At least if you ever do decide to ride it, it should be ready.

[Schmitty]

I can't imagine the money sunk into this project, but I can't wait to see it finished. Well done! Hope you have a change of heart about keeping it parked....

[kennymp3]

Incredible build! Thanks for posting.

[atc007]

I can't imagine the money sunk into this project, but I can't wait to see it finished. Well done! Hope you have a change of heart about keeping it parked....

I'm not picking on you solely Schmitty lol.. Please don't take this personal,as my opinion differs greatly :) But WHY. WHY in Gods Earth would he RIDE this bike?? There are Thousands and thousands of rider R's out there. They're everywhere. I see these posts ALL the time and am truly baffled..One ride,,,and it is Used again. Don't matter if it's snow,sand, sunny dry grass,,or mud! It is then used again. Grab a rider R,tighten and tune it and ride the living crap out of it. But I can tell you 1st hand. To have these to ogle at 24/7 inside your home or garage . Is a very nice thing too. It takes nothing away from the owner to have riders and show pieces....Sorry,JMHO,and now back to regular programming lol. I await to see this stainless garbage bolt kit replaced with Oe Honda hardware lol :)

[nofences]

Sweet bike. I'm am just going to start a refurbish. I too am an ebay fanatic. Its like an addiction. I'm into this bike for $$$$$$ now just in parts. Guess its a passion. When I find the time I need to strip down and bring all of the parts to get powder coated. From this site I have learned that Bangle Red is a close color to the frame. Do you have a color for the swing arm, caliper etc? I may even do my master cylinders etc. Mine is an 85 so the engine is black. I like the grey although want to keep this bike original as possible. Does anyone know the engine color for an 85? I assume it is just a gloss black but maybe someone knows of an exact color. Where are you getting your plastics redone?

I'll send pics of before and after once I get to that stage.

This is the guy I am using

http://jsdracing.com/tank.html

His work looks great. I will post pics when I get them back

[nofences]

I was able to get a few things done today

First the NEW Repro Front Brake Line thanks to soilmec on ebay!!
This is a perfect reproduction

190895


Then the NOS Air Filter Body and Filter Stay

190896


Finally the axle

190897
190898

More to come.........

[honda atc guy]

WOW!!! I'm looking forward to more pics. Looking fantastic!

[atc007]

Note to self. Install Bib before opening this thread again.

[desertlizard]

Why have a purpose built machine hidden away from the world, build a model of one then.
There are vintage bikes and cars being raced all over the world and if all were to be locked away that would seem extremely selfish don't u think.
Vintage machines should be enjoyed by the many not kept as museum pieces for the few.
I certainly don't mean any offense but a blast or two isn't taking anything away from a clean well restored machine.
DL

[nofences]

Well I was able to get a few more things done tonight. It's really coming together now!!!!

Axle (check)
Rear Caliper (check)
Parking Brake (check)
Chain (check)
Tires (check)

Now just a few odds and ends while I await the plastics!!
Probably another month or so.
Wish they were here now so I can finish!!

190948

190949

190950

190951

190952

[jakep53]

wow that looks amazing I cant wait to see it when it's finished!!
very good work!

[sg5492]

Looks great!! I hope mine turns out that nice.

[bkm]

If you still have all of the oem hardware, do yourself a favor and clean every piece with a wire wheel and have them replated. This is a beautiful build that deserves nothing but the oem hardware. Its the little details that seperate a great build from a good one.

[nofences]

If you still have all of the oem hardware, do yourself a favor and clean every piece with a wire wheel and have them replated. This is a beautiful build that deserves nothing but the oem hardware. Its the little details that seperate a great build from a good one.

Actually I am already working on that. I've started to gather them all up and have contacted a guy that replates. Originally I thought the stainless kit would look good, but I have so much into this now I have to give it what it deserves. I have thought of getting all new (what I can anyway) OEM from Honda but I think that may take away also. I think it would be better to have the ORIGINAL hardware?? Thoughts?

[Tyler 54]

Looks super good! I too would have loved to has it before the tear down. I agree oem hardware would be the best.

[atc007]

Looking great bud. She's gonna be a true stunner!

[8686]

Awesome build!

[YTZ drew]

Amazing work! I totally understand displaying it when you're done, after all, how many people get to do that with something that was their childhood dream? But, I wouldn't be surprised if after looking at it for a while, you get the itch...

[slashfan7964]

Looking fantastic!

[rdonald1979]

This is a beautiful build and can't wait to see the final product.

[nofences]

Well it's been a while since I last posted. I got my tank and front fender back. Still waiting on the rear.
They came out great!!
Here are some progress pics.......

197879
197880
197881
197882
197883

[dirtwheels]

Everything so far is over the top! Love it! Great job. I just finished an 87 200x with this same level of detail.

[aldochina]

awsome to see right there!! Have no idea why someone would suggest riding something with parts that are utterly becomeing irreplaceable! I would build an office just to put it in! The world is seeing it, hence the thread!!

[ScAwN7]

This has got to be one of the most awesome restorations I've seen in a long time. So jealous.

[nofences]

Thanks for the kind words!!
It has been a long and costly process
but when done it will be a showpiece!!

[nofences]

Well I am 99% complete with the restoration!!
Just a few squawks to work out.

Thank you for all the positive comments throughout the past year, it really helped
to keep my mind in the game!!!

Any thoughts on what this puppy is worth?

Now, on to another project!!

More pic's soon.....

201999

202000

[Dirtweed]

No pictures....

[nofences]

Sorry about that...
Lets try again...

Keep in mind I have not washed it yet, just wanted to get some pics up on here first

20204220204320204420204520204620204720204820204920 2050202051202052202053202054202055202056202057

[jakep53]

Wow mate That is amazing!! great work!!

[old trike guy]

Very nice work. I have no idea what its worth it would be priceless to me.

[bigo5552000]

That is a beautiful build!

[MPDano]

Very good work and very clean.

[Mr. Clean]

It is up for sale on EBAY. Good luck with your sale.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-Honda-ATC-250R-Museum-Quality-/121487665793?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c493aaa81&item=121487665793&pt=ATVs

[Codymans]

Beautiful bike hope it brings the money you are looking for

[Jmoozy27]

Dam man after all that work your gonna sell it? Oh well to each is own. Good luck. At least it's not getting parted out or converted to a quad...

[atcryder250]

Is $7600 what this sold for ? Beautiful trike. The market must have really bounced back. I remember a few years back unrestored complete oem bikes in good shape would fetch around 3K and decent restorations Not to much more . Wish I stocked up in the recession.

[onformula1]

I would of had Mr. Clean do the plastics, it would have sold for more!

His work is- off the chart!!!

[jakep53]

I would of had Mr. Clean do the plastics, it would have sold for more!

His work is- off the chart!!!

the plastics were new nos oem!! can't get any better than that!

[dabody69]

Well I was able to get a few more things done tonight. It's really coming together now!!!!

Axle (check)
Rear Caliper (check)
Parking Brake (check)
Chain (check)
Tires (check)

Now just a few odds and ends while I await the plastics!!
Probably another month or so.
Wish they were here now so I can finish!!

190948

190949

190950

190951

190952

Was the person that did your tank the same that did your plastics??

[250rgirl]

I am sooooo jealous!! You did a fantastic job on that restoration!! Damn! Are you possibly looking to adopt a 45 year old with an 86 250R that I'm the second owner of. You can gladly restore mine to original. Although, mine is all OG minus the pipe. Even has the helmet holder and tool box still in it.

Anyway, just wanted to say your bike looks HOT and thanks for sharing!!