--What year 250SX's had a key?

[TatTooL23]

Got my hand on a 250SX. Wanna know what year it is. It's pretty crazy looking but runs nicely. I know I can post up the vin but I am just curious what the distinguishing characteristics are for the years.

[tapper190]

They all had keys, the '85 were all red, the rear swing arm was different, along with the rear brake drum.
Tapper

[250Eddie]

The 85s had the small rear brakes and the swing arm is a little bit wider the 86 87 the brakes look the same as the 85 87 big red

[TatTooL23]

Hmm I'll have to look. It has one rear drum off on the right side. Seems to be a very wide swingarm. I'll have to look at my big red and that compared. Thanks for the info.

Any other really distinguishing things?

Oh and it's been all spray painted but the plastic under it is red.

[Dirtcrasher]

If the drum spins, it's an 85.

If the drum is covered and you see nothing spinning, it's an 86/87. They also have a blue shock, Keihin 08 carb, orings in hubs and the swingarm has no hoop brace. Rather a slightly curved cross brace........

[atc007]

And If you skip all of that,there WAS a sticker stating the year. If it has a protective black piece of tin ,protecting the rear brake adjusters,it's 86-7. 85 had nothing.10th digit = F,85,G,86,H,87. And if it's like most of them ,It will ahve parts from both years! Prolly why you're asking..

[TatTooL23]

Ok cool. turns out it is an '86. Thanks a lot guys.