Honda 85' 250ES Tire/Rim Recommendation

**R-N-D** · 10-07-2013, 11:25 PM

I'm looking to pick up a set of 3 tires/rims for my BR. I know that this is basically personal preferrence but I was looking for recommendations/suggestions/advice etc. I ride on all types of terrain, mud, rocks, what have you but I'm not sure what I should get. I'd like to see what some of you currently have as well so if you could include some pics along with tire/rim brand-type, that would be appreciated. Also, if there is a certain offset and size that I can go with other than the 25x12x9, please let me know that too. Finally, when shopping for the front rim, I'm assuming it needs to be the same size and offset as the rears?

I do like the Kenda Bear Klaws but not sure if they are too aggressive or not. And, would you recommend stock rims over aftermarket? Thanks.

Rich

**dougspcs** · 10-08-2013, 09:15 AM

I've already created a thread detailing my experiments on this subject since I've found some good alternate rims for the ES and SX to replace their stock rims with others that give better tire choices..

Anyway, for the ES I found the ITP Steel 12x7 Rim, 2+5 offset, and of course on the 4/110 bolt pattern..it's a perfect bolt on for the trike both front and rear. The front offset is spot on centred in the forks so no need to spacer!!

Then with the tires since you have a 12" rim..the choices are endless!! It's totally open to experiment with tires and tread patterns til your hearts content..

I chose these rims in black in my 'Back in Black' project, then for the front tire install a 26x8x12 Bear Claw..the rear got 26x12x12 MudSharks. The Bear Claws are definitely not too agressive, but we did the same update on my brothers trike and he chose Executioners..now they were really heavy and a bit over the top in my opinion. But he likes them just the same!

The bonus part of this is the improvement on the steering and handling of the machine!! Amazing mud and rough trail rider, but still you can sit in the saddle all day long comfortably!

Total cost on the entire project was around $400 shipped from Rock Mountain..don't forget to order 3 sets of tapered nuts since yours is an 85. The replacement rims need tapered, not the stock flat nuts!

Have fun with it and post some pics..several other members have followed suit and there are some cool setups out there using this blueprint!

Here's my project trike from last year to get a visual idea..looks awesome and it's an animal in the mud!!

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**R-N-D** · 10-09-2013, 12:04 AM

Man does that look BadAss!!! I love it. I want that look exactly. I'm going to start my 2nd build here hopefully by the time winter starts. However, I have to first finish my very 1st build, 250R. I'm just about 98% done with it. Then, gonna try and build an 85 Big Red. I appreciate the info, I'm gonna tuck that away for future reference. However, now I'm thinking that I may do this to my 84 200es since I really like the look. I believe they have the same tire size, correct? Here's my 84, I think it would look great with some new tires/rims...

**dougspcs** · 10-09-2013, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by R-N-D

Man does that look BadAss!!! I love it. I want that look exactly. I'm going to start my 2nd build here hopefully by the time winter starts. However, I have to first finish my very 1st build, 250R. I'm just about 98% done with it. Then, gonna try and build an 85 Big Red. I appreciate the info, I'm gonna tuck that away for future reference. However, now I'm thinking that I may do this to my 84 200es since I really like the look. I believe they have the same tire size, correct? Here's my 84, I think it would look great with some new tires/rims...

Nice looking 200ES BTW!!

The 200ES has the same tire size as the 250ES..correct, however this model uses a less common 4/150 rim bolt pattern.

I've never found a rim alternate for that model..so unless you have better luck than I, you are stuck with the stock rims and 9" tires which has limited options!!

But you may like this, the Bear Claw 25x12.5x9 are still available thru Bike Bandit..I installed them on one of my 1st 250ES and they were great. But they BARELY fit the front forks..as long as the 200ES fork width is the same they'll work with your factory rims!!

Here's how they looked on the 250ES for a visual aid! They'd sure BADAZZ your 200ES!

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**R-N-D** · 10-09-2013, 12:20 PM

I'm gonna get them for certain for the 250es, no question. Now, I need to see what I can do for the 200es. Gonna look today and see what I can find. I appreciate the help, I'll keep you posted. Thanks a million. Got me excited.

**dougspcs** · 10-09-2013, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by R-N-D

I'm gonna get them for certain for the 250es, no question. Now, I need to see what I can do for the 200es. Gonna look today and see what I can find. I appreciate the help, I'll keep you posted. Thanks a million. Got me excited.

To me, tires/rim change ups are the most exciting mod for my trikes..

The results are immediately obvious unlike an engine mod that has no visual impact..

New rubber and rims gives that BLAM factor and a huge change in handling..don't feel you have to follow my idea to the T, but use it as a suggestion of possibilities and have fun with it.

Then it will be uniquely your idea and no one else's...

Your 200ES with it's odd rim bolt pattern you are a little more stuck in the mold with because of limited 9" tire selection, but I'm sure there are still a few ideas out there!

Go have some fun with it!

**ericmreimer** · 10-09-2013, 08:41 PM

That's a freaking SWEET BIG RED!!! I'm in the exact boat right now. I have all of Doug's pictures for reference and love that look! I'm definitely going with bear claws.

I was thinking a spacer/adapter for the front. I know it's not a direct bolt up but it may solve the problem.

So the 200es has a 2/5 offset? And a 4/150 bolt pattern correct. So I'd need an adapter that goes from 4/150 to 4/110. If that could be found than the offset would need to be adjusted depending on the width of the spacer. This is just the front. There is a company called adapter kings that could make a 4/150 to 4/110 adapter for $70. I'm sure you could find it cheaper though.

Back I guess source a set of 4/110 hubs and just use the size and offset as a 250 would.

**jeswinehart** · 10-09-2013, 09:31 PM

I have just found my XMAS presents for my 85 Bigred ! Sweet, thanks Doug !

john

**R-N-D** · 10-10-2013, 02:55 PM

I found a guy on Ebay who sells 4/150 AMS Steel Rims. I think he only has the silver/gray ones though. Waiting to hear back from him. $38 each I believe. Also, found another company on Ebay who sells the Bear Claws (25x12.5x9 for my 200es) for $93 and some change. Free shipping w/order over $100. Anyone want the name of the place. I believe they are in CA. Set of 3 is like $283 out the door.

**ericmreimer** · 10-10-2013, 03:37 PM

Bear claws on amazon go on sale for 83 every now and then in 25x12.5x9 free with prime. Rocky Mountain has a good deal on tires and i believe you can buy rims and tires and have them mounted and shipped for free.

**dougspcs** · 10-10-2013, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by ericmreimer

Bear claws on amazon go on sale for 83 every now and then in 25x12.5x9 free with prime. Rocky Mountain has a good deal on tires and i believe you can buy rims and tires and have them mounted and shipped for free.

You gotta watch with Rocky Mountain on that..they have several different warehouses in various US states.

They will only install if the rim and tire you buy are located in the same warehouse location..if they are coming from two different then they won't be mounted.

I've ordered tires/rims from them before..some came mounted, some didn't..I called them and asked why and that is the explanation I was given.

Secondly, it seems they no longer carry the Bear Claw 25x12.5x9!!

**UPNATM** · 10-10-2013, 05:20 PM

Tons of size choices for Bear Claws here.....

http://www.atvtires.com/kenda-bear-claw-k299.html

**rg97** · 10-10-2013, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by R-N-D

I found a guy on Ebay who sells 4/150 AMS Steel Rims. I think he only has the silver/gray ones though. Waiting to hear back from him. $38 each I believe. Also, found another company on Ebay who sells the Bear Claws (25x12.5x9 for my 200es) for $93 and some change. Free shipping w/order over $100. Anyone want the name of the place. I believe they are in CA. Set of 3 is like $283 out the door.

you could send the rims over to me and I can powder coat them any color you want.

**R-N-D** · 10-10-2013, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by UPNATM

Tons of size choices for Bear Claws here.....

http://www.atvtires.com/kenda-bear-claw-k299.html

$96 on their site. Can get them cheaper elsewhere, thanks though.

**R-N-D** · 10-10-2013, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by ericmreimer

Bear claws on amazon go on sale for 83 every now and then in 25x12.5x9 free with prime. Rocky Mountain has a good deal on tires and i believe you can buy rims and tires and have them mounted and shipped for free.

I'll definitely check over there, thanks.

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Honda 85' 250ES Tire/Rim Recommendation