'86 Big Red Factory Plastic Tank? Edit: Now with pics of new-to-me Big Red

[MojaveRider223]

I found what appears to be a good deal on an '86 Big Red, going to look at it tomorrow after work. The owner claims it has an OEM plastic tank on it. I've never owned a Big Red (hopefully soon), but I thought they all had metal tanks from the factory, and this trike must have an aftermarket plastic tank.

So any chance it's a factory tank? I want to make sure and bring the tech on it tomorrow. Thanks.

Edit: See the pics below.

[3Wheelingfool]

No. If it's plastic it's aftermarket.

[MojaveRider223]

No. If it's plastic it's aftermarket.

Thanks. I thought they were all metal from Honda, but I knew someone would know for sure

[tri again]

x2 on that.
The 8 or 10 I know of up thru 87 are metal.

Unless it's from some foreign country.

Haven't heard many complaints about plastic tanks either,
but see if he has the old one.

[dougspcs]

Big Reds are the shlt!!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine.

My parents own 30 acres of river flats with lots of trees, puddles, tall grass, fallen logs..my BR eats that crap up!!

Never could get thru with my quad..I'd be off the machine lifting it over, shifting it sideways cause it couldn't go thru the tight turn.

Get freaky with it..you'll see what I mean.

[bucko]

^Ditto.They always seem like they go through anything

[MojaveRider223]

I really hope this one is as clean as he says. He claims the stock plastics are in good shape, no cracks, with the original mud flaps and everything, just needs a battery.

[thestud25]

99% sure it is a Clarke tank. Post some pics if you get it. Make sure to give it a good look to see any major problems. Check the rear end to make sure it is tight, make sure it shifts through all gears as well as goes into reverse, and that the forks are straight.

[MojaveRider223]

99% sure it is a Clarke tank. Post some pics if you get it. Make sure to give it a good look to see any major problems. Check the rear end to make sure it is tight, make sure it shifts through all gears as well as goes into reverse, and that the forks are straight.

Will do.

[pjschulze30]

Guys, I'm in a similar perdicament. I've been looking forever for a decent BR. I've found an '85 that's in really decent shape, everything works as it should with the exception of the kick-start......which slips. I've rebuilt most every other part of my 125m's but I've never had a reason or a desire to fiddle around inside the gear box. I don't have a clue what this will sot to fix if I can even find decent parts to do-it. Any thoughts?

[bucko]

Tons of parts on Ebay for the big red 250es...just type '' big red 250es'' in the search and there ya go.My brothers big red kicker slips some too but he just uses the electric starter

[MojaveRider223]

Well, it is an 85, not an 86, but I bought it. I would have taken some pics, but it was dark when I got home. I'll post some tomorrow.

[MojaveRider223]

Here are the details: '85 Big Reg, allegedly I'm the 3rd owner. Got it for $400. Runs pretty good, aftermarket plastic gas tank that is oxidized, no smoke from engine, shifts good, needs tires, battery, and the muffler has a hole in it. Plastic is pretty decent, one crack I didn't see until I got it home, but a patch on the back side should keep it together. Seat cover has a crack on the corner, so it's getting replaced. Front and rear brakes work great, maybe just some minor adjustments on the cables. Ordered a set of Dirt Devils, so it will have plenty of grip.

Anyone seen these mud flaps before? They say Honda and clearly look to be for a Big Red specifically, but I've never seen a set before.

Should be a fun trike!

[Jason125m]

Great looking find for 400 man!!! Huge score in my opinion! You will love bigreds, very fun, powerful bike. With the right tires, they will go through anything.

[Chazz of Blades]

Looks like the back left tire is original too. The petcock is definantly not stock.


I've never saw a mudflap like that before. Hondaline possibly?