Should I save it.

[scottta1]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200422/ae58353e722593337c1489d3acebb351.jpg
A guy at work called me about a 1985 Big Red he came across. Was going to be scrapped with the truck it was in. After some tough negotiations, “a case of beer“ I’ll be picking it up this weekend. Not sure if I won’t to fix it or part it out. I guess it depends on the condition of the engine.


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[x-rider]

For a case of beer I’d try to start it!:w00t:

[ATC King]

It looks like the exhaust is still there and the air box. Original tires too?

How does something that looks like a low hour trike end up so bare.

Tough call. It kind of depends on the spare parts you have available or if you plan to keep it, but at least throw some fuel at it and see if it'll run. If it does, rig up a tank and ride it to see if everything is shifting a jiving.

Not covered in mud. Frame paint doesn't look like it sat in the sun for decades. Front rack doesn't look like hell. Both brake levers still attached. Headlight, meh.

It looks so promising if you have most of the other part to go back on it. The 250ES is the quintessential Bid Red. Nobody is thinking of a dumpy 200E or 200ES when they think...Big Red.

[jarr3d08]

It can be a cool project. Have you tried starting it?

[3Deep]

Save it! You have the ability. You have the technology. Make it better, faster, stronger.....

[3Deep]

Just don't spend $6 million...

[wonderboy]

So glad you saved it! Cost will depend on how particular you are getting it all back together. Using original parts as much as possible will take the price tag very high... If you just want a runner you should be able to get it going reasonably cheap (like you said as long as there aren't any major problems like a seized piston or shot rear end). Using it as a parts donor if you find another Big Red in better condition is never a bad idea either, or sell the parts to fund purchase of another machine.

You've got lots of options!

[scottta1]

If I can get it running, the hunt begins. I’ll be spending spare time scouring the web for parts. Probably just be a runner. Did this a couple years back with my 200x. Plans to restore but have too much fun riding it to break it down to restore.


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[MrConcdid]

Judging by the little amount of rust and mildew on the cables / grips/ frame I don't think it has been sitting out in the weather very long
Value as it sits $100-$250 easy

1. Check compression if 130-150 its a win, if not either topend or part it out.
2. Check for spark (replace coil, cdi or plug if needed)
3. Clean or replace carb (ebay $16)
4. Order full fiberglass replacement fender kit on Ebay for $150
5. Order 3 new $55 ocelot tires from chapperal atv in cali.
6. Order 2-pack LED round off road lights. $45
7. Order a new UNI air filter $22
8. Order a seat $200

You will have about $700, if your lucky. Even a free bike can cost you.

Now if you get it running for $700 and you sell it for $1400, you make $700 profit for your time
or sell it for $200 as is and make $175 and do nothing.
or Strip it and sell all the parts on Facebook/craigslist/ebay and make about $2000 in 6 months.

So, you have many choices, but none are losers when it comes to a Honda ATC.
Personally, I would save it, but I try to save them all- "I'm on a mission"

MrC.

[schlepp29]

That's a nice score no matter what you do with it. ��

[scottta1]

Well I picked it up and was a little disappointed. Its been out in the weather and the controls are seized. But his neighbor had a gas tank in ok condition and a seat. Cost me more booze. But well worth it. He might have an extra axle/rear end too. After I got it home was able to get it to fire and run off staring fluid.


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[x-rider]

I would say you scored. I’m pretty sure you can find control switches.

[scottta1]

After some trouble fitting the gas tank and seat. Did some research and they are for a big red Trx 300 atv. Bummer. Oh well. Carb needs rebuilt/replaced. Oil line to top of cylinder is missing a banjo bolt and washers. Starting spewing oil out when it started. So I’ll get those ordered if I can find them and try to find a gas tank.


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[350for350]

I've had luck in the past by spraying stuck switches with WD-40 or something similar. Sometimes that will free them up. Take the apart and spray the part that actually moves inside the housing. If it doesn't work, you're still not out very much.

[scottta1]

Just got some parts in. Was able to track down the banjo bolt for the oil passage line. Took the carb off and cleaned it. Was able to get it fired up on a long fuel line full of gas to be able to shift through the gears. Going to order tires and a plastic tank next. Would like an original but having a hard time finding a good/affordable one.


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[MrConcdid]

Great Job,
I hear people say just a rider, I personally feel all but a few should be riders, enjoy it, you earned it, you took the chance, you fixed it.
My definition of a rider is a nice complete bike, NOT missing fenders, headlights and seats, that's a piece of crap.
All I can afford to build are riders, but there nice, I am proud of them, and people always comment when they see them.
My riders below.
MrC.

[scottta1]

Finally got the tires and tank in and installed. Was able to get it running to ride around the yard. Carb is dumping fuel out the bottom of the it. I have a rebuild kit but when I took the carb apart to clean it the air fuel mixture screw broke off. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200508/fad20be661b4f53ae511990b9176396a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200508/aae1659a747b0c9b72244e97bdb0fdd9.jpg
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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200508/7f2d61c7b98739931a293b1cc3f80ab4.jpg


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[ATC King]

Excellent tire choice. Super capable in the dry, smooth riding, and still perform in muddy field conditions, where work actually takes place.

The plastic tanks on those look good. Why fight a rusty metal tank when the aftermarket ones won't rust and don't look out of place.

Fuel tanks for the ATC 185/200 line in plastic look absolutely fugly compared to those.

[ps2fixer]

Defo a clean machine vs what it could be like. I could see the engine was in good shape, very few are in that good of shape, most of mine have the bolts rusted from sitting so long. Fenders are over rated for the short term, just stay clear of rainy days and mud and you'll have a blast. Personally would just keep an eye out for one that truely is trashed but is more complete with fenders and such and buy it purely for the parts to fix that one, no point in buying a set of fenders when you can get a whole parts machine for about that price with okish fenders plus the rack you need to mount them, and the other misc parts that nickle and dime you.

I'd dare to say with it running and riding (fix the carb leak), and leave the mis match seat off it, sold as is but running and driving on craigslist/facebook should get you $400+ if you don't want to keep it in the long run. Someone with the right parts already on hand could complete it and have a really nice machine.

Ironically I have a parts machine with most of the parts you need, I paid $350 for it because the engine wouldn't shift right and it's a beater. Already needed the gas tank and rear end for other machines and I still have a running engine and a bunch of more parts if I ever need em. If I came across a machine like that, I'd be throwing my parts on it to complete 100%.

For the carb leaking, I'd check where the source is, either it's at the over flow (float not cutting off the fuel, aka needle and seat) or the float bowl gasket is bad which is a preformed o-ring and the carb rebuild kit would have that. If I recall correctly, the drain hose is where the over flow dumps to as well.

Good luck with the project. Personally if I wanted a machine to ride, I'd try to source a seat for it and ride it as is until you can find another machine for the most cost effective way to fix it, or throw money at it for the parts you need and hope you don't get more into it than what it's worth. Values are different in different areas, here a complete rider is probably $1000-1500.

[scottta1]

Was able to fix the leak. It was some trash on the seat not letting the needle close all the way. Was able to ride it for awhile. Has plenty of power. Next is to locate a seat, fenders, and rack. And try to figure out the electric start.


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[ps2fixer]

Electric start is pretty simple.

Requirements (if all is good)

Ignition switch on
Good main fuse (20amp near battery)
Good secondary fuse (15 amp under black cover where headlight goes)
Engine in neutral (I've bought a machine non running that was just in first gear before lol)
Of course a good battery, they draw somewhere around 100amps, you could jump it off a car battery, just careful not to short anything out etc.
And of course starter button pressed


If all of that is check, then there's an issue in the system and a test light or better yet a multi meter would be really helpful. Here's a couple quick things off the top of my head to test though.

Jump the battery, turn ignition switch on, turn on lights, do you have any lights on at all with machine not running (dash lights, tail lights, or headlight if you install one). If no lights at all, then could be blown bulbs, start the engine and see if they light up (directly powered from the engine in this case). If you have lights while running, but not while on battery only, there's an issue between the battery and main power source wire, most common is the fuse, but the battery positive wire has a small lead that is somewhat common to break off. Another possible thing is the ignition switch. Can dig into more diag work once I know a bit more about the situation.

If you have dash lights, does the neutral light work as normal? If it does, it *should* mean the wiring is working for the neutral safety for the CDI box (no spark if not in neutral), and it's also the ground wire for the starter solenoid (only can crank while in neutral).

With working lights and working neutral light, if still no click from the starter solenoid, the starter button might not be functioning as it should, or internal damage to the wiring inside the left handle bar controls. Could give more diag info if this is the case. The Yellow/red wire is the wire that goes from the starter button to the starter solenoid, that's the +12v if you wanted to "hot wire" it to test the solenoid.

If you get the solenoid click, but no starter action, make sure the battery cable from starter to solenoid has good connection and you could bypass the solenoid by jumping the two big lugs with something metal. It will arc and such so not really a good thing to do all the time. Also you have to not hit the frame while doing it else you really get some fireworks going (more amps, more arcing lol). A bit safer way would be to jumper cable the postive to the starter lug and have the ground wire hooked up on both ends, and use the jumper cable as the "switch" and have the arc at the battery cable end.

FYI, don't use the cheapest lowest quality jumper cables if possible, it should have a fair sized copper wire inside else you might not get much cranking power through it (voltage drop and the wire heats up). My jumper cables I've used for years now is around 6 gauge wire and about 10ft long. Works well enough to start any smaller engine or atv, 1970's era V8 it would probably struggle a lot with. My dad's jumper cables are for those machines, 0 or 00 gauge heavy welding cable leads and something like 15ft long. He could jump a semi with them no problem.

Good luck with the diag work for the electric start, it's a pretty simple system, if you can read wire diagrams, I can upload an image, or just download the service manual, it starts on page 273.

http://www.oscarmayer.net/atc/manuals/

[scottta1]

It’s missing the headlight/taillights. When I jumped it the neutral light would not light up. When I crossed the solenoid with a screwdriver it cranked over and the neutral light lit up. It only works when the engine sends power to it. Not getting power from the battery to the the ignition switch or right past it. So I have a problem somewhere just not sure where yet. While running the neutral and reverse light work. Really haven’t dug into it yet.


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[ps2fixer]

Sounds like the main power supply wire then. Primary fuse by the battery or the wire damaged there would be my guess. When the engine is running, it runs through the secondary fuse and ignition switch, so both of those should be fine. That should narrow it down pretty well lol. The solid red wire near the battery should be the wire you want to look for.

[scottta1]

Was able to get the it start with the starter. Had a bad fuse and had to clean the spring and little contact washer on the starter button.


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[ps2fixer]

Nice, lot cheaper than handle bar controls or a starter =).

[scottta1]

Got more parts in. Changed oil and filter. Oil that was in it looked fairly good. Installed headlight cage rack and a led after making some brackets. Also put on rear rack that came in today. It’s been a lot of fun so far. In need of a seat and fenders. In my search for parts came across a gas tank,front and rear rack for a 200 big red. Got them cheap, so I bought them. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200517/c932ed0ad98ccd11d19de7e46e2cce5a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200517/ed97e0ecc450fb396baf9ab95dedfebd.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200517/c69ec0393ee33529049161997862b3df.jpg


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[x-rider]

Looking good. I’d ride it!

[scottta1]

Was riding around the yard I put it in reverse, it sounded like there was something rattling in the crankcase transmission area afterwards. It made the noise in any gear and in neutral while revving the motor. After missing with the reverse lever it stopped. Has this happened to anyone else. I went ahead and ordered some aftermarket fenders and bought a seat off eBay. I will probably end up with more money in it than it’s worth.


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[MrConcdid]

Down here there worth 2500-3000.
So it's a good investment.
MrC.

[coolpool]

Was riding around the yard I put it in reverse, it sounded like there was something rattling in the crankcase transmission area afterwards. It made the noise in any gear and in neutral while revving the motor. After missing with the reverse lever it stopped. Has this happened to anyone else. I went ahead and ordered some aftermarket fenders and bought a seat off eBay. I will probably end up with more money in it than it’s worth.


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It's worth looking into. All your other unknowns have worked out by the sounds of it. Might be why it was parked originally? There might be a small ball and spring that holds the FWD/Rev gears apart in a detent that is causing some slight clashing. IDK the machine but could be something simple.

[scottta1]

Finally got a seat and fenders. Got those installed along with the trunk lid. Have the side covers ordered. Was wondering if there is anyway to get the plastic tank to match the Maier fenders. The no is kind of dull. Not sure if it can be sanded/polished. I can figure most things out mechanically. Never missed with paint or body work. If anybody has any tail light parts I’d be interested. I need the whole assembly. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200615/1b21c3089c33fc3f91b80a515f966a11.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200615/4e79cb1e3a66fdcf4a53a50b39448cda.jpg
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[350for350]

At this point, I'll bet that you're glad that you picked it up and saved it. You're getting close. Keep up the good work.

[trevorakm]

looks damn good.

[deejaycee_2000]

Looking really good! I am sure you can put a clear coat on the tank (would need to be fuel safe though) or perhaps sanding it with a very high grit water sandpaper until it is smooth and then you can buff it to a shiny look.
Here you go ... first hit on google .... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYbWf8dqzms

[coolpool]

There's a multitude of posts on here on how to renew plastics, it seems like a simple but time consuming venture but worth the results. Did you get the transmission sorted out?

[ATC King]

There's a multitude of posts on here on how to renew plastics, it seems like a simple but time consuming venture but worth the results.

Me sanding plastics back to showroom new is like the owl with a tootsie pop. 1,2, and spray paint.

I'm pretty certain someone sanded the plastics on my Yamaha. I can practically breath through the fenders, but they still have evidence of sun damage.

[coolpool]

Me sanding plastics back to showroom new is like the owl with a tootsie pop. 1,2, and spray paint.

I'm pretty certain someone sanded the plastics on my Yamaha. I can practically breath through the fenders, but they still have evidence of sun damage.

Well there's a limit to everything. Get it to where you're happy with reasonable results and ride it. That tank doesn't look bad at all.

[trevorakm]

Throw some decals on the tank and ride the thing. You'll soon be less concerned about shade differences in color.

[scottta1]

I think the transmission was just the reverse assist stuck on while I shifted back to first. I think I was rolling forward when I engaged reverse. Hasn’t done again.


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[MrConcdid]

I am glad you saved it, I try to save them all.
You have a great tool/toy now to use, it can last you a lifetime, or you can sell it and make some money. in Florida I can sell that bike in that condition for $2000 all day, and twice on Sunday. A tail light and and detail will net you $2500.
Good Job,
MrC.- patron saint of lost atc.

I just picked up another one myself

[scottta1]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/492ddf92dff9b557882ca5af379995db.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/63b8d56e901a174f3174be1b3b014692.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200623/70ce1cc58f63f5d0108b8b9335e4069d.jpg
Installed the new front fender and side covers. The mud flap bolts on the original fender are seized pretty good. Goin to let them soak in some sea foam deep creep over night to see if can break them loose tomorrow. That’s my ‘84 200x. It’s getting a top end rebuild in a couple weeks.


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[ATC King]

A success story, for sure. You've got a fine Big Red now.

[AbsoluteZer0]

That thing looks awesome, you’ve done one hell of a job with it!

A guy I work with was just offered a big red 200 for his built up 400ex but he’s not interested in it.

It’s probably the cleanest big red I have ever seen. I don’t know if it’s been restored or if it’s original but man that thing was so clean you could eat off of it.

I’ll have to see if he will send me the pictures. He showed me thinking I’d be interested in it but I told him I already have a 3 wheeler and don’t plan on buying another any time soon lol