1985 Honda Big Red vs 1987 Big Red

[d_crown_01]

I recently purchased my 1985 Big Red. A friend of mine has a 1987 Big Red that is stock just like mine. His 1987 will run off and leave mine even when I have a head start. Could someone please tell me what the deal is. Did they change something in the gears or rear end during these years? It just seems like my 1985 is geared so much lower that the 1987. Could someone with a a little 3 wheeler knowledge help me with this. Thanks in advance.

[bucko]

Do you guys have a big weight difference between you?What size tire's are you guys using?I don't think they changed any gearing.

[dream3wheeler]

Before i sold mine i ended up asking a lot of questions about my 85 big red. And according to some people on 3wheelerworld and others on youtube..... there were some changes in gearing. And if im not mistaken there could have been some slight changes in the design also. If you think about it they would'nt put out the exact same thing every year, im sure they changed them up a bit

[Chazz of Blades]

I now the shaft changed a bit over the years, and all the decals, but I didn't think anything that would be that extreme.


Is your BR old and tired?

[TatTooL23]

I would say it's either weight difference or tire size or a tired motor. U should compression test both of them.

[AtcFactoryRacer]

Yes i agree their are a lot of variables to this.. Tire size, weight, engine compression, rider ability, traction, engine jetting, etc... Big reds from 85-88 had the same transmission and final drive ratios. 1986 and newer Big Reds had i slightly different two piece swingarm design and incorporated a sealed internal brake drum, 85's had a solid one piece swingarm and a external brake drum(which was a poor design). I dont know the weight difference between the two different rearends but it shouldnt be enough to make a noticable difference in the overall weight of both machines. If both are completely stock and are running good, factory tuned, stock tires/tread life, they should be equally fast.

If your friends 87' is faster than yours, i would run a compression test and inspect your sparkplug to see how its burning.. This will tell you if your jetting is right.. Even if your just slightly running rich it can have a big difference in the power of your engine....

[mrmello]

Not to mention the one way clutch....

If you have 1/4 of the friction left and he has 3/4 it would make a big difference

[d_crown_01]

Thanks guys for all the info. I rode the 87 model and it was not geared nearly as low as mine. My 85 model will only run about 35 mph. What should be the top end speed?

[atc500x]

35 mph??
I think it's a little bit low....the 250sx can go 55mph. 20 mph slower.....not sure.....

[hublake]

My 85 BR will do around 50 mph. All stock

[mrmello]

something seriously wrong with only 35 mph....

[gomer202]

The guy I bought my 86 big red said that there was a gear reduction in 85 Im not sure if that's true but I think they put it back up in 86-88

[R-tifacts]

I have an 85 BR and my buddie has an 87 they are neck and neck when riding, no noticeable diffrence when riding however we have noticed some light changes to the starter housing and side case from one to the other not sure why but they are a little diffrent.

[atc007]

^^^ Long shaft starter^^^^ : )

[R-tifacts]

long shaft starter, did not know that thanks atc007, any idea why they changed it? i have never heard of any problems with the "short shaft" starter.

[ailll1]

Bearings in bad shape or sticky brakes could make noticeable difference but 35mph! Either thats on 4th gears or your engine is running really poorly...

[Midnite_rider]

I have an 82 Big red that will do around 50. I had a brand new one in 1982 that was clocked with a radar gun at 54MPH. 35???? do you have a boat anchor tied to it?

[honda4h]

it doesn't matter how fast the big red is. as long is you can work it all day. and play in the mud.