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View Full Version : 85 ATC250R compared to 86 ATC250R



whyzee
02-23-2008, 03:57 PM
Everybody thinks since its a newer model the 86 is better than the 85. Well I have 2 nearly new 250R's and I rode them for a few hours this week side by side, here are my findings. These machines are bone stock.

The 85 motor completely blows away the 86 until mid 5th gear and 6th gear. It pulls way harder from bottom , mid and has alot more over rev than the 86, so much so, that the 86 will begin to wake up in mid 5th and 6th and pulls forever, where the 85 seems to be topped out, and actually starts to fall off.
The 85 will out turn the 86 all day long . The only time the 86 is better is when you start to get into the straight aways in 5th. It is slightly more stable. The 85 will begin to get al little "twitchy".
The lower seat height on the 85 makes for a lower center of gravity, hence one of the reasons it turns better, and a steeper fork rake, but it is tough on the knees if you are tall and hard on your spine.

All in all 2 really different bikes. I liked the 85 suspension better, the motor is a totally different animal from the 86, almost night and day different. Jetting was spot on in both bikes, started at stock and adjusted accordingly. Both needed the needle raised 2 clips, and minor air screw adjustment. I went both ways with the main jet on each bike and the stock main was dead on in each bike. The 85 having a 142 main, while the 86 having a 145 main.

Conclusion, in every department the 85 is set up stock as a race animal. The 86 is still an animal, more comfortable to ride for longer periods of time, but much more calm than the 85.

Think of the 85 as a race bike out of the box and an 86 as an ultra high performance, all day adrenaline producer. The 85 will tire you out much quicker, but out race the 86, hands down.

Both Bikes have similar hours on them. The 85 compression tested at 177psi while the 86 blew a 181psi. Both were with a cold motor and well within the original specs of 170-199 psi. :beer

ChrisD
02-23-2008, 04:12 PM
Spoken like a true scientist. I don't know if anyone has ever had the ability to compare stock for stock.

I have an 85 and 86 but both are way too far from stock to do an accurate test.

Awsome report!:w00t:

TravEX
02-23-2008, 04:50 PM
That's cool, having both! Let's see some pics of those beasts!

edog
02-23-2008, 06:17 PM
I have ridden both non stock.The 85 is just more of a racing trike.The 86 is set up a little more for comfort.I agree with you 100%.
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_4127.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_4129.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_4128.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_4130.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_4131.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_4132.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_4133.jpg

whyzee
02-23-2008, 06:37 PM
Dam Edog that is a fine looking photo. What a spot to ride those beauties.
Here are my current keepers. Thanks edog for the upload help!!

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x217/kumalogan/4a77_3.jpg
Don't sqawk about the 86 tool box !

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x217/kumalogan/new86025.jpg

Here is the 86 that I bought from the original owner. I just put the thumb throttle back on, tookoff a steering stabilizer, and added the front 250R decal
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x217/kumalogan/100_28201.jpg

and yes I have spare rear fender w/seat that I put on when I ride it, to avoid a very costly mishap ,and scratches!

SmurfanCoke
02-23-2008, 06:56 PM
Boyz, these are some dam fine pieces of kit, I hope I can get my 85 to look anywhere near as nice when it's done.

I only picked it up yesterday, and as you can see, minus an engine...but I think it's already off to a good start.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh98/SmurfanCoke/photos062.jpg

Twilight
02-23-2008, 07:08 PM
Nice trike man. Very pretty

Brockey
02-23-2008, 07:13 PM
Nice bikes guys. Good test results of the 85 vs 86. Spoken for sure like a test car driver. Very nice start to that R aswell.

edog
02-23-2008, 07:38 PM
Whyzee you are copying the direct link.You need to copy the bottom image code so they show up on the board.

Havoxx
02-23-2008, 07:51 PM
Lmao, I'm a bad enthusiast, I can't tell the difference between those bikes, except for the chrome pipe :D. I can't stand 2-strokes either way, great speed, but god I hate the noise lol :D. I may get :banned: for that statement :D.

whyzee
02-23-2008, 08:02 PM
Whyzee you are copying the direct link.You need to copy the bottom image code so they show up on the board.

Thanks Edog!!!
What a dope I am ..:lol:

edog
02-23-2008, 08:14 PM
Hey Whyzee did that 86 have a speedo kit on it at on time?

whyzee
02-23-2008, 08:26 PM
Hey Whyzee did that 86 have a speedo kit on it at on time?

No, just the twist throttle, stablizer, and a crossbar brace.:beer

edog
02-23-2008, 08:29 PM
Well you have a part on there left from a speedo kit.
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_28201.jpg

It guides the speedo cable.

whyzee
02-23-2008, 08:36 PM
hmmm is that what that extra brake line holder thing is??????
I thought it was something left over from the stabilzer.

I still have that part, its like brandy new. Thanks for the heads up

Orangecnty250r
02-23-2008, 09:03 PM
:drool: Whyzee Those are some killer stockers!!!!!! :drool: :beer

tecat-z
02-23-2008, 09:04 PM
My god are those some beautiful bikes Whyzee! Sounds like a very accurate description to me. I know in working on 86 build and having a friend with a 85, there are many frame differences as well. I agree, they are really very different. But my personal opinion is the 86 is a much better looking bike stock for stock. And like you mentioned, the riding position is much better on the 86 for a taller person. I never really realized all of the changes made between the two years. I have to wonder though, if it's cylinder porting that makes all of the difference, or ignition curves? Or a combo of the two which smoothed out the 86.

TravEX
02-23-2008, 09:14 PM
Lmao, I'm a bad enthusiast, I can't tell the difference between those bikes, except for the chrome pipe :D. I can't stand 2-strokes either way, great speed, but god I hate the noise lol :D. I may get :banned: for that statement :D.


The main 'at a glance' way to tell a 85 from an 86 is: 85 motor is black, 86 grey. 85 seat says "250R", 86 says "ATC". You can do a search for all the other differences, but those are 2 that I notice right off.

edog
02-23-2008, 09:18 PM
The big thing on the 85 motor is the porting.
The 86 has less porting done to it.

Dammit!
02-23-2008, 09:52 PM
You have to remember that honda did a lot of their R&D in the desert (Baja 1000 anyone?). The increased rake for greater high speed stability and taller seat are direct results of testing in that environment.

I've always liked the '86 better even before I moved to the desert. I've never owned a bone stock one though. Motor wise there's hardly anything different about them. I think the most noticable difference you feel (power delivery wise) when riding them comes from the different carb.

stealthduner
02-24-2008, 02:26 AM
You have to remember that honda did a lot of their R&D in the desert (Baja 1000 anyone?). The increased rake for greater high speed stability and taller seat are direct results of testing in that environment.

I've always liked the '86 better even before I moved to the desert. I've never owned a bone stock one though. Motor wise there's hardly anything different about them. I think the most noticable difference you feel (power delivery wise) when riding them comes from the different carb.

I was gonna say that as well. My black "86" was an 85, it still has the 85 carb, shock and forks on it. I really didn't notice much difference between the two, even when they were 85 and 86. Power delivery is mostly the same between all three liquid R's in my houshold.

I am with alot of you guys in liking the 86 better (hence the update on my 85) I like the taller seat, the headlight is brighter and throws a wider beam, the CDI is different, and the rear ends are alot easier to get parts for.

whyzee
02-24-2008, 08:23 AM
:drool: Whyzee Those are some killer stockers!!!!!! :drool: :beer

Thanks OC. I paid an arm and a leg for the 86 (over 5K) :crazy: , and $1300 for the 85, so I guess it evens out :beer
Here are some more pics for ya OC. These are from the original owners camera when I bought it. His camera is waaay better than mine.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x217/kumalogan/100_28171.jpg

Check out this motor shot!!!!
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x217/kumalogan/100_28151.jpg

And my favorite for telling the true hours on a bike,
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x217/kumalogan/100_28181.jpg
I guess my point for this thread was, Alot of people say I want the 86, its newer, its better. Well in my book, I am liking the 85 alot more than the 86. You can find nice 85's on ebay all day long for well under $2k. You are going to spend well above $3k for an 86.

Any newbies here on a budget, or myself now (3 kids) , don't overlook the 1985 250R, it rips.

whyzee
02-24-2008, 08:33 AM
You have to remember that honda did a lot of their R&D in the desert (Baja 1000 anyone?). The increased rake for greater high speed stability and taller seat are direct results of testing in that environment.

I've always liked the '86 better even before I moved to the desert. I've never owned a bone stock one though. Motor wise there's hardly anything different about them. I think the most noticable difference you feel (power delivery wise) when riding them comes from the different carb.

Dammit you are right on the money. The 85 runs out of speed in mid 5th and mid 6th because of the rpm's. It's like it needs a 7th gear, where the 86 really wakes up and grabs your attention in mid 5th and pulls forever, click it into 6th and you better have alot of real estate, hence the desert testing. Gearing is identical with the 85 and 86 stock.
Makes perfect sense, along with the stability , taller seat, lower footpegs, almost unlimited top end. Direct result of long term testing in the desert.
I was into motocross at that time so I did'nt really follow the 3 wheelers too much.

Orangecnty250r
02-24-2008, 08:44 AM
Thanks OC. I paid an arm and a leg for the 86 :crazy: , and $1300 for the 85, so I guess it evens out :beer

I guess my point for this thread was, Alot of people say I want the 86, its newer, its better. Well in my book, I am liking the 85 alot more than the 86. You can find nice 85's on ebay all day long for well under $2k. You are going to spend well above $3k for an 86.


Makes Sense, My problem is that I like the 1986 model looks much better...the decals, motor color, seat. Same problem I have with women sometimes...I choose body style over long term performance, efficiency, and COST ;)

whyzee
02-24-2008, 08:52 AM
Makes Sense, My problem is that I like the 1986 model looks much better...the decals, motor color, seat. Same problem I have with women sometimes...I choose body style over long term performance, efficiency, and COST ;)

LMFAO..... I got lucky with my wife, beautiful and low maintaince!
hell,i might as well show you guys a pic since i figured out how easy it is to post. Here is my family before the twin girls 2 years ago, which really put the kabash on my toy budget!!!
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x217/kumalogan/IMG.jpg

edog
02-24-2008, 09:20 AM
I mean just look at the 85.It doesn't even have to be ridden to say it's badazz.:twisted:
Not a big fan of the seat or the motor color on the 86.

whyzee
02-24-2008, 09:33 AM
I mean just look at the 85.It doesn't even have to be ridden to say it's badazz.:twisted:
Not a big fan of the seat or the motor color on the 86.

Edog, I have also grown to like the looks of the 85 better except for the painted black motor and shroud decals. The Black motor looks cool but too many people can find Krylon Black, lol

I love the way it sits lower, but the stock Dunlops do suck compared to the Ohtsu's in the overall handling.
It's funny, I used to love the look of the 86's and wasn't a big fan of the 85's......but then again I see some brunettes that blow me away:D

Dammit!
02-24-2008, 12:10 PM
Dammit you are right on the money. The 85 runs out of speed in mid 5th and mid 6th because of the rpm's. It's like it needs a 7th gear, where the 86 really wakes up and grabs your attention in mid 5th and pulls forever, click it into 6th and you better have alot of real estate, hence the desert testing. Gearing is identical with the 85 and 86 stock.
Makes perfect sense, along with the stability , taller seat, lower footpegs, almost unlimited top end. Direct result of long term testing in the desert.
I was into motocross at that time so I did'nt really follow the 3 wheelers too much.

Yeah mine revs forever out in the dunes. It's not stock though. It's got great power for a 250 through the whole powerband actually. The delivery is nice and smooth and not like a light switch either which is nice.

You should swap carbs on them and do another test ride. It would be interesting to see the results since that's the most obvious change between them. Supposedly the squish is a little different with the 85 having a bit more compression than the 86 but I've never seen any numbers to back that up. My 86 has a lot more compression than my 85 did (again though, neither were stock). The only other thing that could explain the difference would have to be something in the ignition. As far as I've ever read there's no difference in stock porting.

As far as newbies choosing one, get whichever one you find the best deal on. We're splitting hairs here. They're both awesome bikes and the differences are pretty subtle in reality. Anything one might do slightly better than the other is easily adapted with mods.

TrikesRule_FOOL
05-04-2008, 10:03 PM
Boyz, these are some dam fine pieces of kit, I hope I can get my 85 to look anywhere near as nice when it's done.

I only picked it up yesterday, and as you can see, minus an engine...but I think it's already off to a good start.



Nice project!

TrikesRule_FOOL
05-04-2008, 10:24 PM
Well, I have read the entire post here and say it is quite impressive. Some killer R's there guys. I call mine an 85 and a half. A friend had his 86 stole years ago and gave it to me with out an engine, just a roller. I was thinking of doing mine over as it's been quite a few years now and the frame needs new paint cause it's dull now.

Current set up

86 Frame and Forks
85 Motor, carb and electronics
85 Swing arm mod done to use the 86 brakes
85 bearing carrier
86 rear axle and sprockets.
85 Seat love it compared to the 86 I'm 5'10"

I was thinking restore it back to an 85 or 86 by faking the paint on the engine but after this read I think I'm happy calling it an 85 and 1/2

TrikesRule_FOOL
05-04-2008, 10:58 PM
Ok, I just uploaded 26 picture and don't know if that would be considered a hijacking to post that many on here so I'll throw up a couple some are old scans from where I started, some are crappy cell phone picks and the last will be what I have to work with. I got new fork seals and oem boots waiting for me to do some work.


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/reviey/250r/85-side.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/reviey/250r/85.jpg
the beginning

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/reviey/250r/2.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/reviey/250r/4.jpg
A gift, Thanks Dave

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/reviey/250r/winter2.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/reviey/250r/studded.jpg
first time

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/reviey/250r/l_448ed0c8cabd320d88e5b12764652f96.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/reviey/250r/l_7266948852b9ee5c5c122b2311a3e7a7.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/reviey/250r/l_963f914d80b980f69f4ab91de5c2c0f7.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/reviey/250r/l_a5c947e259aac323760381137e320559.jpg
what I have to work with today.

whyzee
05-05-2008, 05:09 AM
You have some work ahead of you ....

Getting back to the 85 86 comparisons
I have been doing some more "testing" And there is a HUGE difference in the tire performance between the 85 and 86. The stock Dunlops on the 85 suck compared to the Ohtsu Pro Vectors or P/V on the 86.

The Dunlops tend to roll rather than slide like the Ohtsu's. I switched tires on the bikes to see if it was the bike itself and the Dunlops rolled in the corners rather than sliding like the Ohtsu's
By rolling I mean they want to roll the bike over.
If you compare the two tires side by side it is easy to see why. The Ohtsu's have a much flatter profile and larger contact area with the ground.
Conclusions :
Do not restore your 85 with the original Dunlops. Go with the Ohtsu P/V's . The difference is black and white

TrikesRule_FOOL
05-05-2008, 03:43 PM
Do not restore your 85 with the original Dunlops. Go with the Ohtsu P/V's . The difference is black and white
Good to know, I thought they both came with the Ohtus tires. I figured the Dunlops were around as a replacement. Where can you find the Ohtus tires? What about the front tire far as performance? Good God, I just checked my old dry rotted 85 front tire it is a Dunlop. Guess you do learn something new every day. After reading this thread I may just restore it as an 86. Heck, I'd like to restore them both but I don't have that kinda of money to play with right now especially seeing how I need to track down an 86 engine.

whyzee
05-05-2008, 06:35 PM
Good to know, I thought they both came with the Ohtus tires. I figured the Dunlops were around as a replacement. Where can you find the Ohtus tires? What about the front tire far as performance? Good God, I just checked my old dry rotted 85 front tire it is a Dunlop. Guess you do learn something new every day. After reading this thread I may just restore it as an 86. Heck, I'd like to restore them both but I don't have that kinda of money to play with right now especially seeing how I need to track down an 86 engine.

You cannot tell the difference between the front tires. The dunlops actually look a little bit more aggressive,but maybe my 86 Pro vector had a tiny bit more wear on it.
Yes the 86 is definitly more comfortable of a ride. The 85 is a screaming machine, ready for racing motocross right out of the box, it just rips, but it tires you out quicker. Welcome aboard, you will be hooked for life on these bikes they will blow your mind on how quick they are and how fast you can turn them ( and how easy you can get hurt on them)
They are alive with power

tri-Z ripper
05-05-2008, 07:01 PM
thats awsome review whyzee now i definetly cant ride with you till i have the tri-z ready!!

Dammit!
05-05-2008, 07:22 PM
You can't get Ohtsu tires anymore. They are no longer being made. Just get something aftermarket like holeshots. They're better anyway.

whyzee
05-05-2008, 07:39 PM
You can't get Ohtsu tires anymore. They are no longer being made. Just get something aftermarket like holeshots. They're better anyway.

dam it , you know better than that. You can still buy the Ohtsu P/V's all day long on ebay same tire same profile as oem w/o the spelling. But I agree a flatter tire like holeshots are beter anyway yet you loose the factory new look instantly. Depends what you want:beer

TrikesRule_FOOL
05-05-2008, 09:41 PM
dam it , you know better than that. You can still buy the Ohtsu P/V's all day long on ebay same tire same profile as oem w/o the spelling. But I agree a flatter tire like holeshots are beter anyway yet you loose the factory new look instantly. Depends what you want:beer
I haven't seen them. Guess maybe I should do a search with email alerts. I actually love the bandit xc's I have for trail riding. They slide sweet. I'm thinking restore the 85 frame roller as an original museum piece and just keep riding my current set up for now.

Dammit!
05-05-2008, 09:53 PM
Ohtsu tires are no longer being made. You might find some old stock on ebay sometimes but they are definitely out of production.

TrikesRule_FOOL
05-05-2008, 11:39 PM
are these the larger ones they used on the Baja races?

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/productr.asp?pf%5Fid=62%2D0050&gift=False&0=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D148%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tr ee%3D%2CATV%20Tires&1=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D145%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tr ee%3D0%2COHTSU%20ATV%20Tires&HSLB=False&mscssid=47D83AF5C6FE4CB59B55697A7953*Edited**Edite d*53

Dammit!
05-06-2008, 12:14 AM
No. Those are stock 350x tires (and I'd be surprised if they really have those in stock). The tires they used in Baja racing were the stock 200x tires (22 inch tires on 8 inch rims). I can't remember the actual model number of those though.

3Razors
05-06-2008, 02:29 AM
The 85 flywheel weighs about 60 grams less than the 86 on ones. The heavier flywheel was added in 86 to help out with the added weight of the quad.

whyzee
05-06-2008, 04:52 AM
Ohtsu tires are no longer being made. You might find some old stock on ebay sometimes but they are definitely out of production.

Correct!
I just sold my last set ( had 6 sets) of the P/V 3 weeks ago . I know somebody who has ALOT of them....ahem,....adam...ahem :crazy:

TrikesRule_FOOL
05-06-2008, 03:34 PM
The 85 flywheel weighs about 60 grams less than the 86 on ones. The heavier flywheel was added in 86 to help out with the added weight of the quad.

that makes a difference for sure.

Marty
05-06-2008, 10:33 PM
I agree with you that the 85 feels more of a race bike with more power but at Glamis it"s a different comparison the 86 with it lacking power feels more comfortable with it"s progressive front suspension and that thicker seat. But don"t get me wrong I love my 85 wouldn't trade it for the world it will smoke my 86from start to finish. Both trikes are almost the same reeds, piston size, gearing, but my 85 with that ESR blows the 86 away.

Tecate250
12-01-2009, 08:44 PM
So there is almost no change to the frame? I just got my 250r parts and have no idea what year.

deathman53
12-01-2009, 08:50 PM
the 2 frames are different, there is something like a 1/2 degree difference in rake w/ 86 frames and it makes a huge difference. It doesn't turn as fast, but is more stable.

Tecate250
12-04-2009, 04:10 PM
So unless you know what you are looking at the frames are identicle? I have seen a few 250rs break in the same spots.

deathman53
12-06-2009, 01:35 PM
the easiest way to tell the year of the frame is the cross brace that the tank mounts go to, on a 85 its really thick, on a 86 its fairly thin. Also on a 85 the footpeg bolts are fairly short 10mm1.25 bolts, on 86, the bottom bolt is a fairly long bolt that is 10mm 1.25 and the top is a kinda short 10mm 1.25 bolt. Those are the easiest ways to tell the difference. There are more, but you need to have a 85 and 86 frame in front of you to really see a difference.

Tecate250
12-06-2009, 07:31 PM
Where are the bad areas on the 85 frame? Thinking of building it into a atc 5 huny

Cadaver Dog
01-09-2010, 06:36 PM
Ohtsu tires are no longer being made. You might find some old stock on ebay sometimes but they are definitely out of production.

I was flipping through a Dirt Wheels at the grocery store and they had a "Winter Tire Test" and there were tires that were EXACTLY the same as Ohtsu Pro-Wedges even down to the sizes they offered.

NOS_350X
01-26-2010, 01:16 PM
I want to clean a few things up here.

85-86, NO PORTING DIFFERENCE. The 85 has a smaller squish band, different cdi and a lighter flywheel. SO in stock form it is a tad better.

The Forks on the 86 has different springs and valving. IMO there is no comparison between the 2, the 86 is 1000 times better.

The 86 swingarm and axle is also interchangeable with a TRX, Makes the difference worth it just in that (IMO) TRX stuff will always be around.

Dirtcrasher
01-27-2010, 01:09 AM
Many guys claim the porting to be different??

I like the 86 myself too :D!! Maybe only 100X better though, not 1000X :lol:

Downrangecop
04-07-2010, 08:17 AM
Maybe I can help settle this. I wasn't aware of how many differences there were between the two years until I bought my current 85. All I had previously owned were 86's, both stock and modified. The stock 86 I bought from the original owner , a friend of a friend. My current 85 is stock except for a barnett clutch, new tires, and silencer. I just bought it from the original owner, who happens to be my new wife's uncle.

My first ride impression of the 85 was it HAD to have motor work done. In fact, I called my new uncle-in-law up to see if maybe he "forgot" to tell me about something he did to that motor. The hit on it was intense, but caused a major flat spot on the top end. The best way I can relay the flat spot is to compare it to riding an 86 that hasn't fully warmed up yet. The power just falls off. Since I ride primarily in the desert or dunes, I missed that 86 top end.

In an effort to gain some top end back, I went on the classified forum and picked up an FMF fatty pipe and silencer, as well and an 86 carb. They're due to arrive today. Unfortunately I don't have anywhere to test it oustide of my neighborhood sidestreets (and around my parts that's not looked upon too highly) but I will definitley give her a spin and see what I can tell via my "seat of the pants gauge."

Also, I didn't see anyone bring it up, but the 86 has one more clutch spring. I know that because my uncle-in-law put an 86 clutch in the 85 250, and no-one outside of a 400 lb guerrilla can manipulate that clutch lever. Fortunately for me, I'm damn near a 400 lb guerrilla myself...

DixiePlowboy
04-07-2010, 10:27 AM
I have had several '85s since the mid '80s, but have only ridden a couple of '86s. Since my first '85 was heavily ported/modded, I couldn't give an impression of any difference between the two year models(stock to stock that is) until about 2003. That year I bought an '85 (completely stock) from a guy that also had a cherry(stock of course) '86.

The price difference between them was small, but the '86 was nice and clean(original tires with 75%+ of the tread left) and the '85 needed some love to look worth much.

After riding both and actually drag racing them against each other(cool seller...huh?), I took the '85. I know the '86 was worth more in it's condition at the time, but the '85 was faster. What ever the differences were, they were different.

Downrangecop
04-08-2010, 02:09 AM
Wish I could tell you I had the carb mounted up and give you my ride report, but, as usual, the US Post Office is behind schedule. So I wait... not so patiently.

Downrangecop
04-08-2010, 09:57 AM
BTW Whyzee I just noticed it was your thread... Too funny. The pipe/silencer and carb are still a no show, but I know how the USPS can be. I'm just hoping it gets here in time for my up-coming Pismo trip this weekend. If you close your eyes and listen closely you can hear me trying to WILL that package to my house.

Downrangecop
04-08-2010, 11:02 PM
Okay I swapped the carbs only and I will go in the record as saying that is the major contributing factor to the powerband difference.

jeopardy98
04-08-2010, 11:23 PM
This thread is cool because I have an 85 and an 86 roller right now and I'm trying to make one out of two using some 85 and some 86 parts so I'm trying to take the good stuff from each.

Downrangecop
04-08-2010, 11:57 PM
Well jeapordy, what kind of riding do you mostly do?

jeopardy98
04-09-2010, 12:17 AM
Well jeapordy, what kind of riding do you mostly do?

Well I will be doing mostly trail riding and hill climbing with this one. Maybe some light MX at the local track.

Downrangecop
04-09-2010, 01:22 AM
Definitely go the 85 route on the motor. The smoking mid range will make every hill seem like a bunny hill. It would probably make sense to use the 85 frame with the 86 forks. That way you get tighter steering with the progressive forks.

dirtbiken
04-09-2010, 06:05 AM
man there are some nice trikes on the front page boys

Dirtcrasher
05-27-2010, 09:56 PM
Any idea how or if we can visually tell the 85 from the 86 ATC250R forks??

NOS knows his stuff (and at a young age mind you :D)

But, I have a couple sets I want to mod onto the 87 200X or 350X (yes I know about the rake changes in all 4) but if the valving is changed and possibly better, I have 2 sets I'd love to identify even if it requires examining the internals.............

THANK YOU!! for any help guys !! :beer

NOS_350X
05-27-2010, 10:58 PM
I will have to doubble check the outsides.

a quck easy way if the fork is off the bike just hold it up right, take off the top cap, if there is a small 3" or so spring on the top, then the long one that is the rest of the length of the fork, then it is an 85.

If the fork is on the bike just put the bike on a stand so the forks have no pressure on them. and check.

juggaloclownz18
06-25-2010, 08:11 AM
thats awesome reading right there, great to hear the differences, its amazing how different they can be, all while looking identical, most people wouldnt even think there would be that much of a difference in the two years!! Great trikes guys, mine will look that nice someday i promise :-)