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Thread: Trying to make the best of my mistake: new to me 1984 ATC 200ES

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    WA, USA
    --
    10

    Trying to make the best of my mistake: new to me 1984 ATC 200ES

    Hello everyone. Recently I was at a small auction and there were 2 ATCs there a 250ES and 200ES. Well, I got confused about the lot numbers (because I'm an idiot, see my username) and as you can tell from my post title I ended up buying the 200ES (and overpaying for it to boot) when I really only wanted the 250ES. Anyway, I'm trying to make the best of it and still be excited to get back into riding (after a 20+ year break) despite everything.


    My first most pressing question is if anyone has any advice as to what can I do to prolong the life of the front shocks. They both seem to be working fine right now, but is there anything I should be draining/changing/lubing to keep them that way as long as possible? I know they're apparently non-rebuildable so when they go they're gone.


    Obligatory trike pic: https://imgur.com/BUAD5sE


    Thanks, and I'm sure to have tons more questions in the future!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    CT
    --
    206
    A similar thing happened to me... Years ago a craigslist ad said 85 Big Red with a few bad pics taken in a dark shed. I emailed the guy and he agreed to deliver the trike to me and the price was right so I told him to bring it figuring it was worth more than what he was asking in parts even if it was beat. Well he shows up with an 84 Big Red but I felt kind of obligated to buy it since he delivered it and all so I did. It wasn't what I wanted but I've never regretted it, it was in really nice shape after all and it's done everything I've ever asked it to do no problem.

    There's really nothing you can do to the front forks other than clean them good and maybe replace the bushings. Mine have always worked OK but I know some day they probably won't.

    Good luck with yours and be sure to check out justbigreds.com

    P.S. - try 4psi or less in your tires for a smooth ride! Who needs a rear shock? lol

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    Florida
    --
    1,044
    Find a 200m and buy it, then swap the front ends and sell it, this is the best option, it allows you to keep the larger 9in wheel and larger 25in tire.
    If you swap a 200s shock front end you will be stuck with the smaller 8 inch rim and smaller 22inch tire.
    a 83/84 200x will also fit, that would net you a front disc brake and aluminum wheel, this is a common upgrade.

    Mrc.
    the 200es is a great bike if you got an 84, great I think the 84 is the best it is the only shaft driven, low and high and reverse. I would take a 200es any day (with a 200m front ) there perfect, I just sold one set up like that.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails 20200601_191235.jpg   20200601_191246.jpg  
    mrc_builds on YouTube Channel

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmw...confirmation=1


    My Addiction
    85 200m "Tallahassee"
    84 200x "SouthPort"
    84 200x "Van Halen"
    84 250r "lucky"
    85 250sx "Enterprise"
    85 350x "The Money Pit"
    85 350x Code Red
    86 250r "Unicorn"
    86 trx250r
    88 Lt250r Suzuki

    mrc_builds saves trikes like Jimmy Swaggart saved souls back in the day -said Patriot1

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Edmond, KS
    --
    2,531
    Even though you paid more than you wanted to, it's only a mistake if you think that it is. You have a very nice looking trike. The money's gone, so I say enjoy it. I wouldn't mind having a 200ES, but I haven't seen any for sale around me for what I considered to be a reasonable price.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    Florida
    --
    1,044
    I don't know what you paid, but that's a very nice looking bike. Id keep it and enjoy it BUT if your a dead set against it then
    sell it, Hondas always sell, who knows you might break even or make some money.
    Post an ad in your local craigslist, facebook market place, and any free classified, list it for $200 more than you paid for it, when they call let them talk you down $200
    they think they won, and you just got your money back.

    MrC.
    mrc_builds on YouTube Channel

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmw...confirmation=1


    My Addiction
    85 200m "Tallahassee"
    84 200x "SouthPort"
    84 200x "Van Halen"
    84 250r "lucky"
    85 250sx "Enterprise"
    85 350x "The Money Pit"
    85 350x Code Red
    86 250r "Unicorn"
    86 trx250r
    88 Lt250r Suzuki

    mrc_builds saves trikes like Jimmy Swaggart saved souls back in the day -said Patriot1

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    WA, USA
    --
    10
    Quote Originally Posted by 350for350 View Post
    Even though you paid more than you wanted to, it's only a mistake if you think that it is. You have a very nice looking trike. The money's gone, so I say enjoy it.
    As you said, the money is gone and the trike is here; and I really am stoked overall. Just a little self-flagellation over making a dumb mistake when there was a 1985 250ES that was just as clean right there that I would have preferred because of the problematic 200ES front shock design. Otherwise I think all this machine needs is a good carb clean to be ready to go. A this point I plan to keep it and keep an eye out for a 200M front-end donor for the inevitable future need.
    1984 Honda ATC 200ES

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Saskatchewan, Canada
    --
    661
    What part of the '84 200es front shock assembly causes all the problems and ultimately fails??

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada
    --
    3,001
    Quote Originally Posted by bkvette3 View Post
    What part of the '84 200es front shock assembly causes all the problems and ultimately fails??
    It's not a sealed, wet hydraulic system but more of a spring/damper/plastic bushing setup. They are prone to seizing up and are marginally effective, conversely they can wear out causing front to rear slop in them. I lucked out when I bought my 84 200es as it had a 85 250ES front end on it; and the mod was well done too boot! Not a common upgrade but works great!
    Trikes
    1970/71 US 90 (Aquarius Blue)
    1970/71 US 90 (Future Project)
    1972/73 US 90 Camo Project (110 Big Bore)
    1972/73 US 90 Green
    1977 ATC 90 w/83 110 motor (Fugly)
    1982 ATC 70
    1983 ATC 70 (Ladybug)
    1973 ATC 70

    1965 Marketeer 3 Wheel Golf Cart with 1986 Honda 250 drivetrain

    TF 2015

    Other
    1983 Honda Z50
    1978 Honda XL75

    Feedback http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...ck-for-coopool
    http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...k-for-coolpool

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Saskatchewan, Canada
    --
    661
    Quote Originally Posted by coolpool View Post
    It's not a sealed, wet hydraulic system but more of a spring/damper/plastic bushing setup. They are prone to seizing up and are marginally effective, conversely they can wear out causing front to rear slop in them. I lucked out when I bought my 84 200es as it had a 85 250ES front end on it; and the mod was well done too boot! Not a common upgrade but works great!
    Thank - you for the clarification, coolpool. My low hour '84 200es front end has no front to rear slop in the shocks - knock on wood for luck. Is it the plastic bushings that wears out?? If so - can't the plastic bushings just be replaced??


    Hope all is well with you and your family.
    Last edited by bkvette3; 07-09-2020 at 07:25 PM.
    Presently own:
    1986 Honda atc350X
    1985 Honda atc250r
    1984 Honda 200es Big Red
    1983 Honda atc185s
    1985 Honda atc70
    1975 Honda Z50 mini bike
    OEM Hondaline Utility Trailer (mint condition - as new)
    1989 Honda FL400R Pilot - newly acquired.
    1968 Corvette L36 427/390HP convertible

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Arkansas
    --
    2,196
    Quote Originally Posted by VillageIdiot View Post
    My first most pressing question is if anyone has any advice as to what can I do to prolong the life of the front shocks.
    If you really want to keep them working as long as possible, disassemble them, thoroughly clean, and put some rust preventive lubrication on all the parts then reassemble.

    By now, they've probably got a fair amount of abrasive material bouncing around, and the chrome on the integral fork legs is not nearly as durable as that on regular forks. Once the chrome is worn through, the steel will rust, then pit and destroy the bushings, along with the wipers.

    The dampers are similar to car hood/trunk lifters and not rebuildable. They hold the fork parts together though, so have to be in there. Even if the seals are blown and they aren't damping, if they at least still move, that's all you can ask for.

    A little oil can be added through the bolt holes on the top of the forks (once they're back together), but don't get carried away. It'll just be for preventing rust. There are no real seals on the forks, just wipers, so if you add too much oil, it'll just leak out and make a mess. A few ounces maybe, just enough to splash around.


    A big thing to remember about a 200M conversion, is new (even aftermarket) front fenders are NOT available and the 200ES fender is not a direct replacement. You can use the 200ES fender, but if you're persnickety about it, it's not correct. The 200M forks won't be correct either, so maybe that's a wash. You'll have to fabricate headlight and rack mounts for the 200ES parts to work on the 200M forks. It will require welding.

    If you came across and entire 250ES front end, that's probably the better option. Larger diameter fork tubes, and a larger brake are two advantages.


    One other thing, change that rear axle oil. That stuff usually doesn't get changed near as often as it should.
    Last edited by ATC King; 07-09-2020 at 01:17 PM.
    The story of three wheels and a man...

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Saskatchewan, Canada
    --
    661
    Just putting mine back together - all new OEM NOS plastic parts - springs show no rust. Chrome all intact. Lower shock housings clean inside - no rust or scale. Love my '84 200es - great ride.



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    Last edited by bkvette3; 07-09-2020 at 06:29 PM.
    Presently own:
    1986 Honda atc350X
    1985 Honda atc250r
    1984 Honda 200es Big Red
    1983 Honda atc185s
    1985 Honda atc70
    1975 Honda Z50 mini bike
    OEM Hondaline Utility Trailer (mint condition - as new)
    1989 Honda FL400R Pilot - newly acquired.
    1968 Corvette L36 427/390HP convertible

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Saskatchewan, Canada
    --
    661
    Click image for larger version. 

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    OEM parts - pretty sure I have 2 or 3 sets of these.
    Presently own:
    1986 Honda atc350X
    1985 Honda atc250r
    1984 Honda 200es Big Red
    1983 Honda atc185s
    1985 Honda atc70
    1975 Honda Z50 mini bike
    OEM Hondaline Utility Trailer (mint condition - as new)
    1989 Honda FL400R Pilot - newly acquired.
    1968 Corvette L36 427/390HP convertible

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Saskatchewan, Canada
    --
    661
    OP - I don't think you were an idiot for buying the '84 200es. It looks like a clean, OEM unit. Electric start, reverse, dual range transmission makes for an enjoyable, comfortable ride. I love mine - owned for for 8 years now. First trike I purchased. Never let me down - never, ever thought of selling it.

    Enjoy your 200es and if a nice '85 250es comes down the line - add it to your fleet.

    Cheers.
    Presently own:
    1986 Honda atc350X
    1985 Honda atc250r
    1984 Honda 200es Big Red
    1983 Honda atc185s
    1985 Honda atc70
    1975 Honda Z50 mini bike
    OEM Hondaline Utility Trailer (mint condition - as new)
    1989 Honda FL400R Pilot - newly acquired.
    1968 Corvette L36 427/390HP convertible

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    WA, USA
    --
    10
    Quote Originally Posted by ATC King View Post
    One other thing, change that rear axle oil. That stuff usually doesn't get changed near as often as it should.

    Oh yeah, for sure. All on the agenda for this weekend. Only 80W-90 gear oil I could find in stock at either Oreilly Auto or Autozone was some Lucas but it says it exceeds all GL4 and GL5 specs so I assume it should be fine.

    Gonna get that changed along with a full oil change (including rotor) even though the oil on the dipstick looks clean.
    1984 Honda ATC 200ES

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    WA, USA
    --
    10
    Quote Originally Posted by bkvette3 View Post
    Click image for larger version. 

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    OEM parts - pretty sure I have 2 or 3 sets of these.
    Selling or just bragging?
    1984 Honda ATC 200ES

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