1987 250R/350X - Update Dec 2014: 1987 250R-H Parts Catalog Located *Pics!*

[kzr800]

I would ad this small bit of my hunch on the topic of possible new model R's and X's.

The 250r lived on 3 more years in the TRX platform. 2 reasons I seriously doubt bigger mills were in the works for the 250r in the near future at that point.

#1: The R's were made for the racing circuit, 250cc was the main event and if my limited understanding of the racing scene back in those days is correct, they had a displacement limit of something like 265cc. (any racers from back in the day please feel free to correct me if my inference is wrong)

#2: If they were at the point of releasing ATC 250r's with larger mills for '87, one would assume we would have seen those mills in the TRX.

As far as the 350x... Again, I would assume we would have seen bigger mills show up in the Honda sport quad line-up if they were on the verge of releasing those new models in the ATC. In fact, we didn't see a performance thumper larger than the old 350x till 1998 with the release of the 400ex.

Seems as though there was a witch-hunt against performance oriented models almost as intense as the witch-hunt against the trikes.. Despite the racing still going on, the TRX250r, Quadracers and Tecate-4 all bit the dust. Yamaha got out of the 250 2-stroke class all together when they quit with the Tri-Z. It was as if they gave up on ATV racing all together. Anyone else remember how BORING every ATV magazine was throughout most of the 1990's as far as new production sport/race ATV's? The racers were all still running R's and Quadracers on the tracks long after the demise of both.


This is just my opinion and in no way do I imply I have seen this in black and white or otherwise.

I like your thinking, very level headed and good use of common sense.

[kzr800]

That is some good work Slash. If you're still in school, you get a ,,A + .. I'll end there

Agreed, good job.....Please keep digging. Who knows this may turn into a sticky?

[slashfan7964]

Thanks for the support everyone, I will have my full response when I can get on the computer for a bit. Right now I just want to let you all know I will e uploading the other video after I edit out my personal information for privacy reasons. After this, I will attempt to get in contact with Honda Japan to see what I can find. Right now, things are looking up with 2 sources directly from Honda claiming their existence. Other than this, I probably won't be able to find much more information on them so this is probably the best you'll ever get until someone actually locates a physical example now that we know they were indeed built and sold by Honda. As far as the VIN number supplied on the engine cylinder, its worth a shot but I don't think it will go far due to them likely wanting a number off a frame. I will give it a try. This is a very big day in three wheeling history.

The hunt is on!

[6speedthumper]

Very cool Slash! Keep it up dude!

Ride-Red, ditto on the atv scene through the 90s. Talk about boring. Also, I agree with your opinion on the displacement size of the bikes. You WOULD think that a larger mill would have been carried over into the TRX platform, IF Honda had one in the works.

Here's some more food for thought; Honda had a kickass engine with the 350x, it has now been confirmed that they were produced in Canada, and a few other trike models were produced in 87 here in the U.S. That being said, why on earth didn't Honda put the 350x engine into the damn TRX250X!

Now, yes they had to watch their asses after the whole "ban", but, that ban was mainly for 3 wheelers, and the 250R powerplant carried over for several years AFTER the "ban" in the TRX chassis. Even the mighty Quadzilla lasted until I believe 1990 (correct me if I'm wrong). So, if these two beasts of engines were continued to be built after the "ban"; and the Banshee's crazy power twin was lasted for 20 years; why put that teeny tiny 250cc mill in the TRX-X? It's not like everyone wasn't swapping them into the damn thing anyway!

Also agreed totally with the RANT from earlier about our country and it's downfall. I see and deal with it everyday at work as well.

[tripowersport]

Yep, lt500r 87-90. agreeably best stock atv!

[slashfan7964]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesnt the quad version of the 250r have less power than the ATC? That's what I've always heard.

[Ghostv2]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesnt the quad version of the 250r have less power than the ATC? That's what I've always heard.

I think its more of a power to weight kinda thing. So i guess you could say that.

[slashfan7964]

I've always heard that after the trikes were discontinued, that the engine in the quad was factory detuned by Honda to produce less power so everyone would deem it safer. Interesting, that's for sure...

I find it funny when people talk about how fast the 250R quads are and I'm silently thinking in my head "if only you knew what the 3 wheeled version could do"


Anyways, back on topic. I think it's great to finally have a confirmation that these machines do indeed exist (provided they all haven't been scraped). I would love to own an '87 R, or at least a look alike.

[threewheelin-feelin]

just in idea here. there was a member a couple years back that claimed to atleast have a 87 350x frame. he produced pics of the frame sticker and there is a video on youtube some where of the bike. i believe his name a packhamstruck of something like that. maybe try the vin on his frame if you can find it. i do believe the bike was sold to another member

[slashfan7964]

Ill take a look around for it. Do have any idea where to start looking? Could you provide me with some links?

[atc500x]

And what about the engine serial number from the possible 87R this page

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/content...onda-250R-350X

Maybe they can find something this this number.....

[6speedthumper]

There is a vid on youtube of an 87 350x up in Canada. I believe the guys whole "caught" it on video where members on here.

[LastFoolerInVA]

My brother build an 87 350x replica bike & even had the frame sticker made to read "1987 350x"... the sticker doesn't confirm anything... you would need serial numbers...

[Ghostv2]

just in idea here. there was a member a couple years back that claimed to atleast have a 87 350x frame. he produced pics of the frame sticker and there is a video on youtube some where of the bike. i believe his name a packhamstruck of something like that. maybe try the vin on his frame if you can find it. i do believe the bike was sold to another member

It sucks there is not a member list anymore to look him up and find his threads he started. If he is not active anymore it'll probably be a little while of searching.

And what about the engine serial number from the possible 87R this page

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/content...onda-250R-350X

Maybe they can find something this this number.....

I already suggested that on page one of this thread.

[New2Tri-Z]

Ill take a look around for it. Do have any idea where to start looking? Could you provide me with some links?

Slash, here is the link to the old packhamstruck thread they were talking about http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...hat-year-is-it. I dint see a VIN in there but dig around you might find some info.