Best woods trike?

[Afrothunderkat]

Since 350x's without $2k price tags and flames/black plastics are hard to come by in NH, what would be the next best thing in terms of trail/back road ridding?

I don't need too much bottom, just a strong mid. The air fooler 250r's have more bottom-mid than the liquids?


T3s are too peaky, and i heard tri-z's are expensive when things go wrong. I considered a 200x, but then i road a 200s. Not into utility trikes. But it seems Honda has the largest following so, clearly the best choice. Can a 83, 84 250r compete with the 350x power wise?




-Thanks

[adcotton]

A 250SX is a sweet compromise. Fully suspended, Lights, shaft drive, Auto clutch, Reverse, Electric start. Sporty looking.

I know i would like to have one!

[Escanabajosh]

I have a 1986 sx and a 1985 350x.....my woods machine is the sx

[Yamaha_Rules69]

A 200x is far different than a 200s, and a 200x is not a utility trike. They are the best woods bike imo, super nimble and light, decent suspension, even for a 200 lb rider, and with a little modification, can be pretty fast. Parts are very easy to find, (83-85 years) and they are just a awesome reliable bike. The 86-87 200x are very nice also, updated everything over 83-85, but parts are a lot more expensive, and in most cases, a lot harder to find.

[torker]

I tend to favor the 85-86 ATC 250R. Great bike for woods when its not wildly modified. Mine has a stock engine with only exhaust, a UNI air filter, 37 Keihin PWK and reeds. It's great all day long. The TRI-Z it's another great bike, again, the more stock, the better. A bit softer suspension than the R. Both are easy to ride all day long and won't beat you up. Relatively easy to find and good prices as well. 2 strokes are easy to repair/overhaul as well and parts are easily obtained. Althought if buy a basket case or have a catstrophic engine failure it could become expensive. As you can see I like well suspended bikes with relatively stock engines. But there are lots options out there. 350X's and 200x's are great trail machines as well. Their 4 stroke engines makes them great, but its increasingly harder to find one with a good, unmodified engine. 350's you need to check on the cam journals and the frame. Finding a good 350x head (in case you have problems) it's both rare and expensive. I find their suspensions are a bit harsh when compared to the 2 strokers. All the bikes mentioned above, if keeped in shape will run for a long time trouble free. Basic checks and maintainance is important on any machine, old or new. This is only my experience and opinion, I'm sure others will chime in as well. Hope it helps.
TORKER.

[userj8670]

The 350x hands down. Its got plenty of torque, power on tap, and great suspension. I also have an sx and I love it dearly (the reverse and elec. start are GREAT) but there is just something about the power of the 350x that i love. In addition its bigger and better suspension and more stable. Just my 2 cents...

[dougspcs]

Personally I don't like the 250r, having owned one for a short time, I found it to be a bit spooky for me. Kinda like riding a crazy horse. But then I'm a 45 year old pleasure rider, not a 20 year old adrenaline junky!! Also the 250r have a higher price tag, both for purchase and repair so I'll leave that model for the younger riders. We all have different tastes..

I have been a long advocate of the 250SX as being a sometimes forgotton machine..it has the versatility of being part Big Red, part sport trike. Fitted with the right tires it can hold it's own on the muddy or rocky trail as much as open trail. I have taken mine away for a challenging spring ATV ride and run against 400+ quad riders..never once being out-classed by the bigger machines. One of the best things about this machine is the afforability factor..I often find them in my area for $600-1000 depending on their condition.

Now I recently acquired my 1st keeper 350x, as a keeper pack addition..I had been 'shown the light' by another member as to the true capability of this machine. As an open trail rider, hill climber and even an challenging trail machine..the down side, the price!!

So bottom line if I could only own one, it would likely be a 350x..but the 250SX would be a close second. Thankfully I have the good fortune of both..

Maybe start with what you can afford or is locally available, then plan for future expansion. There is always room for another..if not now then in the future.

[Husky250]

bfgshsstsryafhsh

[dougspcs]

Husky, there are alot of people that would consider the ear splitting 'brapppp,dingy,dingy,dingy' of a 2 stroke more irritating than the 4 stroke. There are tons of 2 stroke exhaust mods that put the sound output well into the offensive range..

To say, I prefer my 2 strokes because they produce more power per decibel is an argument that could go all day long..

You buddy showing up at your place with his tricked out thundermaker is just an conflict looking for a place to happen..he should take it to the track to ride it. In the end it's you that has to get along with your neighbours and you that should have been you telling him to shut it down or put a muzzle on it!!

[Husky250]

I'llshut up!

[Blown 331]

My first suggestion is drive a few 100 miles to get a better deal on a 350x. My next suggestion is an 86 200x. And 1 more thing, my 84 250r will beat my 350x in a drag race.

[torker]

Plenty of suggestions here. Oh, please don't hi-jack the thread. Let's keep it as it should be. Suggestions and NOT a this -vs- that thread.
We all have our liking, lets respect everyone else's.
TORKER.

[fabiodriven]

I ride in Afrothundercat's trail system a lot and I'm telling you the absolute best bike for that boulder-strewn mess is a 250SX. All the other guys ride 250R's and 350X's there and they do fine.

An air cooled R will beat a 350X in a drag race if that really matters to you.

Any R, X, or a 250SX will be the way to go in that place. Full suspension is a must and I prefer balloon tires there as well.

[110klt]

OK you said best woods trike. If you are talking lots of tight areas, I would say 250sx. If your talking trail riding where you are not feathering a clutch all day? 200x hands down, like said above light, nimble and alot of fun to drive.

[yaegerb]

200x or 350x for me.

[Dirtcrasher]

Unless your jumping allot, TheES and the SX, both are great for quieter ATV rolling around. 86/87 has the better swinger.....

[MIK6]

I hate to go here but i got to... i love my P3 in the woods.. auto, full suspension, 2stroke, reverse.. ect..
I know alot of guys wouldnt go w a utility as a woods trike, let alone an auto but dont knock it untill you try it..
Ive got bigbore T3s, 350x, 200x, 200s and bigbore minis.. ive had bigreds, SXs, DRs, DXs, Rs ect... that little auto P3 would shock ya.

MIK6/ Mike

[Afrothunderkat]

I am looking in a 125 mile radius for a 350x. IF and thats a big IF, a 250r or TRI-Z comes along for a wicked steal, then i'll pick one up. But after owning 3 trikes, ridding a dozen, im pretty sure a 350x is the only bike that will keep me happy. Cheers and thanks for the input guys.

PS: Keep a look out for any sweet deals!

[Keepah Rolln]

I have a 85 250sx and its a great all around machine. One of the best traction wise in the snow also!!151267151268

[hillbilly 200x]

I have to say i am like a lot of other people on this site, I have had a 2nd gen 250r and rod a 3rd gen here and there. I have a 350x now that i have riding a few, a mildly build 200x and a 250sx, and my fav for woods and trialing riding is the 200x. it doesn't take a lot to make that little bike go, mine is board out to a 201cc with a pipe and a carb, and it will keep up with anything in the woods because remember you can only go so fast in the trails.

[oldskool83]

i like 200x but im 125lbs. 350x are to big for my liking. 3rd gen 250rs fit me nicer. i like them! around me 350x are insane on prices, 50 miles away either direction they get cheaper. id travel for a bike if i were you. find one with goodies on it in which a buyer doesnt know what he has.

[threewheelin-feelin]

i have the 350x 250r and bigred...and i have to say my woods/trail ride is the bigred...the big 25 inch tires and suspension really soak up the ruts roots sticks and holes...and its nice in a sticky situation to not have to feather a clutch lever or if it gets to bad and tight i can always back out..the other things i love is i can strap supplys to the racks and honda really put a big nice comfy seat on the big red...so that is my choice and i love it
my 250r gets annoying in the trails i never take it thrue trails...i have taken the 350x and it isnt bad but without a doubt 250es all the way!!!

[torker]

So, you see, lots of choices... Pic 1 and go ride1!!! :naughty: :naughty: :naughty:

TORKER.

[maxdallasfan]

I'm looking for a P3 as my woods trike.

[Big Mike]

I hate to go here but i got to... i love my P3 in the woods.. auto, full suspension, 2stroke, reverse.. ect..
I know alot of guys wouldnt go w a utility as a woods trike, let alone an auto but dont knock it untill you try it..
Ive got bigbore T3s, 350x, 200x, 200s and bigbore minis.. ive had bigreds, SXs, DRs, DXs, Rs ect... that little auto P3 would shock ya.

MIK6/ Mike

I agree with Mik6 here, I bought my p3, and the first place I took it riding was the Richmond trail system and I must say, I was in absolute love with it there. You can ask any of the guys there that day, I was happy as a pig in trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro on that thing. And I made it up to the lookout, and suprised all of them when they say it rolling down the trail at the top.

The only thing I dont agree with what Mik6 say is "... that little auto P3 would shock ya." There is nothing little about this machine!!! Come on Mike!!! I am 6'2" 310 and that thing pulls me around very very well.

It also will try to kill ya if you roll it down a hill. Ask my girlfriend!!

[fabiodriven]

And I made it up to the lookout, and suprised all of them when they say it rolling down the trail at the top.



I was standing at the top of that lookout telling the other guys you wouldn't be up. Then who comes rolling in? shens

[Big Mike]

Hells YEA!!!

[TecateDan]

I was standing at the top of that lookout telling the other guys you wouldn't be up. Then who comes rolling in? shens

Yea that's cause me and his buddy on the quad pushed him most of the way up that hill

[Big Mike]

Yea that's cause me and his buddy on the quad pushed him most of the way up that hill

Wow! Dan thanks a lot. Appreciate that. Big Mike OUT!

[honda200x1987]

IMO "Best Woods Bike" the 200ES /250ES Big Reds are perfect for deep woods riding. Espesially around trees and tight areas, the 200ES has the HI-LO Range gearing which is a great option . I had a 200ES with a broken steering stop and I could damn near do a zero turn with that dood and it turned out to be a perfect woods rider. I have a 87 200X and I think it's a great machine for blazing the trails, I love it!

[TecateDan]

I ride in Afrothundercat's trail system a lot and I'm telling you the absolute best bike for that boulder-strewn mess is a 250SX. All the other guys ride 250R's and 350X's there and they do fine.

An air cooled R will beat a 350X in a drag race if that really matters to you.

Any R, X, or a 250SX will be the way to go in that place. Full suspension is a must and I prefer balloon tires there as well.

For the record I ride a Tecate

[TecateDan]

Wow! Dan thanks a lot. Appreciate that. Big Mike OUT!

In your defense and the defense of the P3 it was really only that 2 foot 90 degree ledge that unless you got a hell of a lot of speed when you hit it you aint making it. Well unless you ride a 250sx like fab's an then you can climb anything...lol Your's is more dependable then mine though and the ride is a whole hell of a lot nicer too. Took it for a spin at TF and it really supprised me how nice it was. The only real difference I see is the 250sx in first gear is unstopable with the low end grunt and the P3 will bog down unless you can get the rpms up. JMHO

[brrcuda]

to each their own but i have been riding in the NorthEast woods for 20 years on trikes. I'll take a stock 85-86 250r anyday as the ultimate trail bike. Put a set of flats on the back and ill run just about any trails and hit corners like a pro. Put a set of meaty 22s on the back in the winter and its golden. The 2 stroke is so light and nimble, i can float it on mud, jump anything in my way and easily move it back when its stuck. And when it does get stuck on a tree or something it stalls and does not roll over you. i like that, saves my 40 year old legs.....

The 350x was nice but too much torque and too heavy for me, when they roll, it rolls over you cause it just doesnt stall. Also winter starting was the worst on those cold 4 strokes. Tri-z was nice but alway broken, and 86 tecate is too fragile for replacement parts to ride em the way they should be.

Im getting my 87 200x going soon, and i really like the lightness of it and quiet stock exhaust but a little small for a 200 pounder.

[sledcrazyinCT]

If you need a trike with a clutch try a 350X. Otherwise a 250SX is good for the woods!

[Afrothunderkat]

to each their own but i have been riding in the NorthEast woods for 20 years on trikes. I'll take a stock 85-86 250r anyday as the ultimate trail bike. Put a set of flats on the back and ill run just about any trails and hit corners like a pro. Put a set of meaty 22s on the back in the winter and its golden. The 2 stroke is so light and nimble, i can float it on mud, jump anything in my way and easily move it back when its stuck. And when it does get stuck on a tree or something it stalls and does not roll over you. i like that, saves my 40 year old legs.....

The 350x was nice but too much torque and too heavy for me, when they roll, it rolls over you cause it just doesnt stall. Also winter starting was the worst on those cold 4 strokes. Tri-z was nice but alway broken, and 86 tecate is too fragile for replacement parts to ride em the way they should be.

Im getting my 87 200x going soon, and i really like the lightness of it and quiet stock exhaust but a little small for a 200 pounder.

Pickin up a 85 250r tomorrow, ill post pics after i go through it. Guy has had it since Highschool.

[Blown 331]

Good choice. Obviously its all a matter of opinion but I think the sport models are way better as a woods bike. I don't care for drum brakes or shaft drive (can't regear). Plus the utilities are down on power compred to a 250 2-stroke or 350x.
I did some woods riding yesterday I was on my 400ex and my brother was on a TRX300. I'd say the 3-wheeler equivilents would have been a 350x and 250sx. Let me tell yeah compared to a 400ex that TRX300 is lame for woods riding.

[BeersBuds&Mud]

Pickin up a 85 250r tomorrow, ill post pics after i go through it. Guy has had it since Highschool.
Sucker;)!!!! lol, just kidding.. im looking to buy one after i budget the new house i just bought:crazy:!!!

[fabiodriven]

Plus the utilities are down on power compred to a 250 2-stroke or 350x.


I understand your train of thought and normally I would agree. It is true that the SX is down on power compared to a 350X or an R. This place where we ride though, it is really, really rough. The rocks are an absolute killer. All of the riders in our group are advanced and we go fast. Like 4th and 5th gear through this mess. I know many trails are 4th and 5th gear, but not all trails are completely comprised of boulders like this place is. This place is like riding in a creek bed. That's what levels the playing field. I am right with the fast bikes on my SX because they can't go any faster than they already are. I just do it in more comfort. My balloons soak up the rocks, my electric start makes me laugh every time we're getting ready to ride again after a break, my reverse gets me our of anywhere with no effort, my granny gear allows me to billy-goat up rabbit paths, and my narrow wheelbase allows me to shoot between trees the other guys have to go around. My lack of horsepower is a non-issue in this particular environment. :D

[Blown 331]

I understand your train of thought and normally I would agree. It is true that the SX is down on power compared to a 350X or an R. This place where we ride though, it is really, really rough. The rocks are an absolute killer. All of the riders in our group are advanced and we go fast. Like 4th and 5th gear through this mess. I know many trails are 4th and 5th gear, but not all trails are completely comprised of boulders. This place is like riding in a creek bed. That's what levels the playing field. I am right with the fast bikes on my SX because they can't go any faster than they already are. I just do it in more comfort. My balloons soak up the rocks, my electric start makes me laugh every time we're getting ready to ride again after a break, my reverse gets me our of anywhere with no effort, my granny gear allows me to billy-goat up rabbit paths, and my narrow wheelbase allows me to shoot between trees the other guys have to go around. My lack of horsepower is a non-issue in this particular environment. :D

Again just a friendly debate, but that sounds like an exception to woods riding. I guess when I hear "woods riding" I think of the woods riding I do around my house. My dad lives in a 40 acre woods and owns some other areas we ride and my uncle farms so theres a lot of ground there too, plus my other uncles owns some woods as well. None of those areas are anything like you describe so I would never have to worry about anything like that. Its mostly dirt with some big hills, some creeks etc. There aren't really any rocks other than creek crossings at all.

[Big Mike]

what fabio fails to mention is that these trails we ride is basically climbing a mountain in NH. that is covered in granite. there must be at some point a change in elevation of a couple hundred feet.

While I enjoy riding here. it takes a ton out of me and its is borderline torturous following these guys because they aren't joking about how fast they ride.

[fabiodriven]

Again just a friendly debate, but that sounds like an exception to woods riding. I guess when I hear "woods riding" I think of the woods riding I do around my house. My dad lives in a 40 acre woods and owns some other areas we ride and my uncle farms so theres a lot of ground there too, plus my other uncles owns some woods as well. None of those areas are anything like you describe so I would never have to worry about anything like that. Its mostly dirt with some big hills, some creeks etc. There aren't really any rocks other than creek crossings at all.

That's what we have down here in Mass. It's not usually rough at all, depending on where you go. The mountains of NH though, that's a different story!

By the way, if anyone ever wants to come experience it sometime you're all welcome to give it a shot.

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/133850-New-England-Ride

[ctk]

fabiodriven do you got some pics or vid of these rocky trails. Im not calling you out. I just want to see what this riding area looks like. Ive never rode anything like that.

[TecateDan]

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/133850-New-England-Ride

there are lots of picture between pages 1 and 45 be sure not to miss the picture of where I tore my case in half and you can see the transmission on page 29 ...lol

[Knobby Addict]

After reading the posts here I see it finally came around to one of the key factors in this debate. How each person defines "woods riding" some think it's a logging road through the woods in top gear where others consider it rolling over 3 inch saplings in first gear. I think this definition should be clarified so apples can be compared to apples.

for isnstance I have ridden New England and the NH rock beds since I was in short pants and considered it really rocky. I then was fortunate enough to ride Moab Utah....I now have a more educated understanding of "rocks"! My point is that this entire discussion is based on each persons point of view on "woods riding" .

All that said I....... agree with Fabio, NH rocks are softer on a 250sx with big soft 2ply knobbies! Even softer on two wheels and only a 5 inch wide tire to navigate through them.

[dougspcs]

The terrain in NH sounds similar to the portion of the Canadian Shield that my brother and I ride in the spring..

I agree with Fabio, a 250sx would be better equipped to handle this without undo hardship on the machine and rider as the 350x/250r. The constant clutch feathers thru the difficult sections would be challenging and tiring to say the least..

We have attended the spring ride in Kearney for 2 years now and our 'utility' machines (250SX & 250ES)perform extremely well..we are the only trikes in a pack of 400+ so I couldn't comment directly about the sport trikes.

However there are riders on sport quads and they always seem to come in near the end of the pack..though I never get to see them during the ride these faster machines are clearly out of their elements in this brutal 100km trail ride and we are way ahead of them!!

[plastikosmd]

I have an 86r and an 84br. As noted above, I am also a 39 (gasp how did that happen) year old pleasure rider. The 86 is not a woods bike for me as one wrong bump and twist of the trottle and I will be at the top of a tree wondering how the h@ll I am gonna get the trike down. My 84 is great for me. It is light, narrow to fit between trees/stumps, tons of gear choices and reverse. I'm sure the bigger suspended BR are nice but like the SX, I feel like I can manhandle the trike if needed and where I go, that is often

[Super350]

I understand your train of thought and normally I would agree. It is true that the SX is down on power compared to a 350X or an R. This place where we ride though, it is really, really rough. The rocks are an absolute killer. All of the riders in our group are advanced and we go fast. Like 4th and 5th gear through this mess. I know many trails are 4th and 5th gear, but not all trails are completely comprised of boulders like this place is. This place is like riding in a creek bed. That's what levels the playing field. I am right with the fast bikes on my SX because they can't go any faster than they already are. I just do it in more comfort. My balloons soak up the rocks, my electric start makes me laugh every time we're getting ready to ride again after a break, my reverse gets me our of anywhere with no effort, my granny gear allows me to billy-goat up rabbit paths, and my narrow wheelbase allows me to shoot between trees the other guys have to go around. My lack of horsepower is a non-issue in this particular environment. :D

I like the 350'x myself but Fabio's SX did BLOW MY MIND. Idk if you remember letting me ride it for a quick min. when we stopped once, but i was absolutley blown away by how smooth of a ride it was. And yes are trails are crazy rocky and yes we do fly in them! Anyways, sweet pick up on the R!

[Afrothunderkat]

$1200. 85 250r. Came with spare rear plastics, stock expansion chamber, spare mitchell rims, spare rear tires 75% tread, swing warm cup and bearing kit, spare killswitch/headlight cluster, spare clutch cable, spare chain, spare links/masterinks, misc nuts & bolts

Good: Lots of compression, starts first kick, low smoke, no engine noise, shifts fine, clutch catches smooth, nice bottom end, comes with parts, OEM headlight, tank and shrouds in good shape. OEM front rim, rear mitchell rims, new tires, swing arm is in good shape, skid plates in good shape, 1 owner, new rear maier plastics, pro tapper bars, new full FMF system, new brakes, NASTY DG stickers, OEM seat is mint.

Bad: Has mid-top bog. Sounds like trike is too rich/cold. Will drain gas, have cleaned carb. Clutch and Rad fluid do NOT leak into bottom end (smoke out of pipe is blue NOT white) Cracked case, JB wielded, chain came off and hit. Needs carrier bearings (might need axle and carrier not sure) Needs rear rad fluid res cap, rear brakes rub, needs chain, air filter, new fluids, spark plug, case saver, rear P brake block off cover.

[DeePa]

You made the right choice. Fabio and his sx are lame in NH

[Afrothunderkat]

You made the right choice. Fabio and his sx are lame in NH

HA!

I wouldn't mind having one. Just want the 250r first, to start the collection.

[Afrothunderkat]

Here she is! Brakes are off being rebuilt.

152267
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/616479_3574412884950_1844947505_o.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/411561_3574411684920_169057268_o.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/334991_3574410844899_2112418459_o.jpg

[sledcrazyinCT]

Looks like a NICE TRIKE! good score!

[350xx]

Okay, here is my opinion. Even though you already have that beautiful machine.

Trails= 250sx.
Sand/ tracks/ everything else= 250r and 350x.

imho trikes on trails are not fun. Ive been riding a 350x on trails for 3 years. Compared to a dirtbike, it sucks. So picked up a cr125 and love it :]
Still have my atc70 which I am currently doing a 125m motor swap. ;]

Here are some more options:
Cant afford those?=83-86 200x, the baby 350x
Want to rock crawl and mud bog?= 250es.
And if you ever catch the 70 bug, im sorry, it happens to all of us ;]

atc90-atc200.. I dont see much point in getting.

Just keep adding to the collection :]

[Afrothunderkat]

Okay, here is my opinion. Even though you already have that beautiful machine.

Trails= 250sx.
Sand/ tracks/ everything else= 250r and 350x.

imho trikes on trails are not fun. Ive been riding a 350x on trails for 3 years. Compared to a dirtbike, it sucks. So picked up a cr125 and love it :]
Still have my atc70 which I am currently doing a 125m motor swap. ;]

Here are some more options:
Cant afford those?=83-86 200x, the baby 350x
Want to rock crawl and mud bog?= 250es.
And if you ever catch the 70 bug, im sorry, it happens to all of us ;]

atc90-atc200.. I dont see much point in getting.

Just keep adding to the collection :]

Well, I have a 2003 RM 250, Best bike i've ever ridden. Now I have an 85 250r, Best trike I've ever ridden.

Now the collection can start. I wanted to get the best of both, before i start spending $500 here $300 there for other trail trikes.

[82 250r]

Excellent Choice!...you will love the 250r on trails...i have rode trails for 27 years on a 250r.
Good Times!

Marc