Honda Big Red 200 250 or 300 should I buy?

[caleb5161]

Hey guys I just found a trike for 150.00 its a Honda Big Red and it may be a 250 or 200. This ATC doesn't run and it looks pretty beat up. Needs a battery. Would a trike like this be worth fixing or should I keep looking? I am new with trikes and am looking to maybe start a collection.

[dustrunner]

hi, and welcome aboard... im not a big fan of the 200 big red but love the 85-87 250es big reds. ( have 7 of them) a 250es has a kick starter back-up on the right side under the removable side pa nel.. the atc 200 big red has no removeable side panels a pull cord back-up... i got one out of the woods for 40 bucks once and after a week of wiring work its one of my better running atc's. good luck

[caleb5161]

hi, and welcome aboard... im not a big fan of the 200 big red but love the 85-87 250es big reds. ( have 7 of them) a 250es has a kick starter back-up on the right side under the removable side pa nel.. the atc 200 big red has no removeable side panels a pull cord back-up... i got one out of the woods for 40 bucks once and after a week of wiring work its one of my better running atc's. good luck

trailpro Well this one has the kick start looked at it a while ago and just now talked the guy into selling... The seat is ripped and it has reverse I just never looked that hard thinking I wouldn't ever have the money to actually buy it... It needs work I know that much but if I am to buy it what should I look for as in flaws or major problems? :cool:

[Jon Boy]

check the rear diff for fuild. it only hold 3.3 ounces. check the bearings for play (all of them front wheel to the rear end and swinger). not exactly sure what else you'll want to look for, but it'll get you started. :beer

[caleb5161]

:wondering Is there any places that are known to have gone bad like rust or maybe breaks in the frame? Really interested in this trike but the guy is away for the weekend. Once I go look at it I will put up some pictures.

[kb0nly]

Make sure the rear end is good, like the other post said check for fluid if possible or at least roll it around in neutral and listen for noise and make sure its not locked up. I passed on a few 250's that had shot rear ends on them, i assume from water getting in and everything rusting out, bearings going bad and locking up, etc. You will have a money pit if the rear end has issues.

[dustrunner]

how is the gas tank ? rust and rott will lead to a new plastic tank but they are cheap... well 120 $ and up.. how is the exhaust and tires and check the oil all of which mean $ so it's your call till we see some pics...

[tri again]

I too cannot imagine life without a 250 Honda.
They go anywhere.

The following words should light up as a clickable link.
service manual

Does the throttle move?
gas tank look ok inside?
x3 on the rear axle gear oil.

Almost anything else is just time and very little $ but it would sure be nice to hear it run.
and run it through the gears.

They do not need a battery to run btw.
If it has a key, turn it AND the kill switch on and check for spark.

If no key, just unplug the key wires from under the cover by the headlight.

Here's a couple vid links that should keep you motivated.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cEjXQHEW9Y&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVItbSiBn5Q&feature=player_detailpage

[Phil Mazzie]

If your still in the market for a Big Red , I have a 1984 Big Red that runs great and looks awesome. Let me know if your interested and I can post pics and give more details.