85 ATC250R compared to 86 ATC250R

[whyzee]

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.

[ChrisD]

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!

[TravEX]

That's cool, having both! Let's see some pics of those beasts!

[edog]

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%.

[whyzee]

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!!


Don't sqawk about the 86 tool box !



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


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]

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.

[Twilight]

Nice trike man. Very pretty

[Brockey]

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]

Whyzee you are copying the direct link.You need to copy the bottom image code so they show up on the board.

[Havoxx]

Lmao, I'm a bad enthusiast, I can't tell the difference between those bikes, except for the chrome pipe . I can't stand 2-strokes either way, great speed, but god I hate the noise lol . I may get for that statement .

[whyzee]

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 ..

[edog]

Hey Whyzee did that 86 have a speedo kit on it at on time?

[whyzee]

Hey Whyzee did that 86 have a speedo kit on it at on time?

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

[edog]

Well you have a part on there left from a speedo kit.


It guides the speedo cable.

[whyzee]

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