Big Red 250es vs 200x/250r/350x for trail riding and woods - Pros/Cons

[afdfirefighter]

I know this has probably been discussed in bits and pieces in other threads but I'd like to compare the big red to the 200x/250r/350x in the trails and woods more than anything. I have two big reds but considering trading one one for something more for just trails. I love the full suspension and reverse but trying to convince myself I need something like the 200,250 or 350. Any info or experience would be appreciated.

[rg97]

200x is the least expensive option. it is very smooth but may lack in power sometimes
250r is a well out together 2 stroke but its not my first choice because of cost and maintenance
350x is very smooth, torquey, and will take you everywhere you go. my #1 choice, but can be pricey compared to the baby X

[Zach]

between all my buddies the only bike one of us doesnt have is the 200x, not sure how big you are but a 200 for a decent sized guy is a bit small and like RG97 siad you will notice that lack of power sometimes. I just sold a 200m and Yamaha 225DX and by chance ended up with a beautiful Big Red 250es. I love it but could understand wanting something different for trail riding. My best friend has a fairly built 250r also a 250sx and a very mildly built 350x. Usually the 250sx is reserved for his wife or it just stays home altogether. He prefers the 350x over any bike he has for trail riding. Im over 300lbs and his 350x will take me anywhere up any hill with more speed and power than even I need. I am in the market for a 350x myself for that very reason. My vote is 350x

[afdfirefighter]

between all my buddies the only bike one of us doesnt have is the 200x, not sure how big you are but a 200 for a decent sized guy is a bit small and like RG97 siad you will notice that lack of power sometimes. I just sold a 200m and Yamaha 225DX and by chance ended up with a beautiful Big Red 250es. I love it but could understand wanting something different for trail riding. My best friend has a fairly built 250r also a 250sx and a very mildly built 350x. Usually the 250sx is reserved for his wife or it just stays home altogether. He prefers the 350x over any bike he has for trail riding. Im over 300lbs and his 350x will take me anywhere up any hill with more speed and power than even I need. I am in the market for a 350x myself for that very reason. My vote is 350x

I'm 5'10 175 so the 200x may not be too small of a machine for me but the lack of power may steer me away from it. It does sound like the 350x is going to be what I look for if I try to trade my Big Red 250es for one or sell mine and buy one.


200x is the least expensive option. it is very smooth but may lack in power sometimes
250r is a well out together 2 stroke but its not my first choice because of cost and maintenance
350x is very smooth, torquey, and will take you everywhere you go. my #1 choice, but can be pricey compared to the baby X

When you say lose power, do you mean climbing hills more so than just general riding? I forgot the 250r was 2 stroke and I think I would definitely like to have a 4 stroke.

[dougspcs]

Since I own both the 250ES, the 350X and the one you didn't meantion..the 250SX, I'm sure I can bring some insight to the table..

They have alot of the same strengths..but each has it's own characterstics as I'm sure you grasped.

To start the 250ES: it's obviously the utility of the three machines, truely an unstoppable monster. I find it the best choice when I want to do some advanced rough terrain riding. Mud, rocks, water, logs...nothing can stop this machine. Slow it down maybe, but the auto-clutch make is easy for the rider to get off the machine offer and push the machine and throttle control it out of whatever obstacle is attempting to hold it back.

The 350X: this machine has alot of the same great riding character but is lighter and more agile. The 4stroke engine gives a level of slow, tight spaces control the 2strokes struggle to give. It is at home equally on the straight open trail, climbing hills, and slow tight quarters like navigating thru trees. However when faced with an obstacle that requires the rider to get off and push, the manual clutch controls make it nearly impossible for a single person to 'drive' the machine out of a mud hole simply because your hands aren't free to push at the same time. Also the open disk brakes and chain drive system don't stand up well in muddy conditions..

The 250R is just the 350X on steriods. Faster and more than a bit twitchy..on tight, close trails a real handful to control since all it want to do it go fast. Not a personal choice of mine.

I intentionally left the 200X out..not because it's not a great little trike, but at 250lbs and being as I already own the 350X it just doesn't offer me anything! Not disrepecting this great little trike..just not for me.

The one you missed!!! The 250SX: while is has the same 250ES utility bones, is has a bit of a sportsters heart. Lighter and more nimble than the 250ES, but still having all the protective mechanics such as auto-clutch, enclosed brakes and drivetrain. It really is the best of both for the mixed terrain rider, a real sport-utility.

My advise to any 3wheeler owner with mixed riding interests is to make room for the 250SX, 350X, and 250ES. All three of these great machines..then let your riding mood dictate which to ride. No one machine stands out as being the better machine!!

[afdfirefighter]

Since I own both the 250ES, the 350X and the one you didn't meantion..the 250SX, I'm sure I can bring some insight to the table..

They have alot of the same strengths..but each has it's own characterstics as I'm sure you grasped.

To start the 250ES: it's obviously the utility of the three machines, truely an unstoppable monster. I find it the best choice when I want to do some advanced rough terrain riding. Mud, rocks, water, logs...nothing can stop this machine. Slow it down maybe, but the auto-clutch make is easy for the rider to get off the machine offer and push the machine and throttle control it out of whatever obstacle is attempting to hold it back.

The 350X: this machine has alot of the same great riding character but is lighter and more agile. The 4stroke engine gives a level of slow, tight spaces control the 2strokes struggle to give. It is at home equally on the straight open trail, climbing hills, and slow tight quarters like navigating thru trees. However when faced with an obstacle that requires the rider to get off and push, the manual clutch controls make it nearly impossible for a single person to 'drive' the machine out of a mud hole simply because your hands aren't free to push at the same time. Also the open disk brakes and chain drive system don't stand up well in muddy conditions..

Lastly the 250SX: while is has the same 250ES utility bones, is has a bit of a sportsters heart. Lighter and more nimble than the 250ES, but still having all the protective mechanics such as auto-clutch, enclosed brakes and drivetrain. It really is the best of both for the mixed terrain rider, a real sport-utility.

I intentionally left the 200X out..not because it's not a great little trike, but at 250lbs and being as I already own the 350X it just doesn't offer me anything! Not disrepecting this great little trike..just not for me.

My advise to any 3wheeler owner with mixed riding interests is to make room for all three of these great machines..then let you riding mood dictate which to ride. No one machine stands out as being the better machine!!

Good call on the SX. I guess when I think of a lighter ATC and more trails I think 200,250,350 not neccesarily the 250sx. But yes this is a great machine and like you said, you can drive it from the side which I have done quite often with the Big Reds AND more importantly I don't lose reverse. Very good point on the disc brake and the chain also. I am spoiled by such a low maintenance machine with the Big Red that the 250sx is prob the best route for me. I am not shutting the door to the others but you did bring up some very good points here. Thanks man.

[afdfirefighter]

188425Well I had a guy call me and want to trade this 250sx for my Big Red and some cash. The cash hasn't been discussed so I am very nervous but this thing is nice! Don't have a lot of cash laying around but I want to make the deal work.

[rg97]

Your BR would have to be near mint to trade for that. Impeccable shape.

[afdfirefighter]

He has two identical actually. He has seen pics of my Big Red and says he would need some cash. Not sure how much yet.

[ezmoney1979]

188425Well I had a guy call me and want to trade this 250sx for my Big Red and some cash. The cash hasn't been discussed so I am very nervous but this thing is nice! Don't have a lot of cash laying around but I want to make the deal work.

WOW, that thing is WAY, WAY too nice to take to the trails. Collector quality for sure! There are only so many nice ones left, but plenty of beaters, keep that in mind.

[afdfirefighter]

If, and I mean IF, I can afford this deal I already know I won't ride it hardly. Nervous to see how much be wants.

[oldskool83]

That is a very nice bike. I ride woods but I am on a 84 built 200x. I never liked the size of the 350x...but now my 200x is 250R sized however I still think it feels small between the legs where the 350x seemed wide. I do not try and climb big stuff or work the bike more then I know it can be used for. I picked up a 250 2 stroke dirtbike for all them big hills.

[NeverLift]

That SX looks great. How did the plastic welding work for you?

[Taiser]

I have all those machines except the 350x. My 200x (now an autox :) ) is without a doubt the BEST trail rider!!! That's for the heavy bush trails I have in my area that is. The "r" has way too much power for the narrow trails, is loud and just not really comfy. You have to pay constant attention to the gear your in AND the maintenance required and the price it cost to run makes it a bit much for a good trail rider. Out in the open areas though, I LOVE IT!!!

The Big Red is fine, but geared too low and is too heavy to throw around the trails easy. The 200x is the best of all worlds. Nice and light, easy to throw around the corners, comfy as all heck and has enough jam to climb pretty much anything. Don't know why some people say it's underpowered... even with it's original engine I never had issues with it. Same engine as all the other 200's out there and I haven't met a hill any one of those couldn't climb. More of a gearing issue when I can't make it up something... usually the tires just start digging and spinning in the soft stuff...

I would LOVE to find a 350x, but I might as well be looking for a unicorn around here... :( I'm debating on going the same route I did for my "r" and building it piece by piece off e-bay, but that's not cheap! :( So between my airplane costs and wanting a new motorcycle this year I might have to hold that thought for a while or my better half might start looking at the castrating shears... :)

[nicker71]

[QUOTE=Taiser;1293681]I have all those machines except the 350x. My 200x (now an autox :) ) is without a doubt the BEST trail rider!!! That's for the heavy bush trails I have in my area that is. The "r" has way too much power for the narrow trails, is loud and just not really comfy. You have to pay constant attention to the gear your in AND the maintenance required and the price it cost to run makes it a bit much for a good trail rider. Out in the open areas though, I LOVE IT!!!



The Big Red is fine, but geared too low and is too heavy to throw around the trails easy. The 200x is the best of all worlds. Nice and light, easy to throw around the corners, comfy as all heck and has enough jam to climb pretty much anything. Don't know why some people say it's underpowered... even with it's original engine I never had issues with it. Same engine as all the other 200's out there and I haven't met a hill any one of those couldn't climb. More of a gearing issue when I can't make it up something... usually the tires just start digging and spinning in the soft stuff...


I'm with raiser on this one. I've owned them all listed except the 250sx, and my auto x hands down easily beats them all in slow highly technical trail ridding, creaking, muding, stuff like that.
I liked either 2nd or 3rd gen R for the faster XC trail ridding with the 350x being close behind that.

[afdfirefighter]

That SX looks great. How did the plastic welding work for you?

Haven't gotten a chance to weld it yet but I think it will be perfect man. Thanks again!


[QUOTE=Taiser;1293681]I have all those machines except the 350x. My 200x (now an autox :) ) is without a doubt the BEST trail rider!!! That's for the heavy bush trails I have in my area that is. The "r" has way too much power for the narrow trails, is loud and just not really comfy. You have to pay constant attention to the gear your in AND the maintenance required and the price it cost to run makes it a bit much for a good trail rider. Out in the open areas though, I LOVE IT!!!



The Big Red is fine, but geared too low and is too heavy to throw around the trails easy. The 200x is the best of all worlds. Nice and light, easy to throw around the corners, comfy as all heck and has enough jam to climb pretty much anything. Don't know why some people say it's underpowered... even with it's original engine I never had issues with it. Same engine as all the other 200's out there and I haven't met a hill any one of those couldn't climb. More of a gearing issue when I can't make it up something... usually the tires just start digging and spinning in the soft stuff...


I'm with raiser on this one. I've owned them all listed except the 250sx, and my auto x hands down easily beats them all in slow highly technical trail ridding, creaking, muding, stuff like that.
I liked either 2nd or 3rd gen R for the faster XC trail ridding with the 350x being close behind that.

I have had an auto X before and yes it was very fun. Thought about getting back into one of those again but really got my eye on these SXs again.

They guy did some more research I guess and now wants more than I can afford. He will do a package deal but I don't have another buyer for the other one at his price. If anyone is interested out there and has more cash laying around than I do let me know lol. 188466

[barnett468]

What does he value them at?

[afdfirefighter]

$3500. He sold one on ebay for $4500 last fall

[dougspcs]

$3500. He sold one on ebay for $4500 last fall

So if he got $4500 last year on Ebay, why is he even talking to you?? I don't get it..what's his angle for selling locally for $3500?

And for a machine too nice to ride!! Great if you have lots of disposable money to spend on a garage queen..but most of us, not!

If it was me, I'd grab the $1000 250SX you saw on CL..if it's as clean as it looks you're winning!

[afdfirefighter]

So if he got $4500 last year on Ebay, why is he even talking to you?? I don't get it..what's his angle for selling locally for $3500?

And for a machine too nice to ride!! Great if you have lots of disposable money to spend on a garage queen..but most of us, not!

If it was me, I'd grab the $1000 250SX you saw on CL..if it's as clean as it looks you're winning!

I agree man. I actually have an ad on Craigslist right now and a guy texted me with an 85 with white rear fenders in good condition he says (waiting on a pic) and another guy texted with an 85' red with no decals and not in the best shape and he is starting his price at 450. Although I really like the 86' white tank I am not going to be too picky if the price is right. I am not a rich doctor that can buy something and admire it sit in my garage. I want something I can ride and have fun on.

[dougspcs]

I agree man. I actually have an ad on Craigslist right now and a guy texted me with an 85 with white rear fenders in good condition he says (waiting on a pic) and another guy texted with an 85' red with no decals and not in the best shape and he is starting his price at 450. Although I really like the 86' white tank I am not going to be too picky if the price is right. I am not a rich doctor that can buy something and admire it sit in my garage. I want something I can ride and have fun on.

Bear in mind the improvements in the 86 model..

Better carb for cold starting, rear brake system, rear differential..just to name the main one.

Plus, I agree..that white tank is cooler!

[barnett468]

Hello Aldfirefighter;


Just make sure you whatever you buy that you run it hard from 1st thru last gear to see if it pops out or the clutch slips. Also look for smoke from the exhaust and look at the spark plug. If the plug is moist gooey and black, it is burning oil. If it looks like it has recently been replaced, then it’s hard to tell.

A 450.00 trike will likely need a bit of work like fork seals, wheel bearings, brakes and a new top end soon which can easily turn it in to a 1000.00 trike.

[Ghostv2]

The 200x is the best of all worlds. Nice and light, easy to throw around the corners, comfy as all heck and has enough jam to climb pretty much anything. Don't know why some people say it's underpowered... even with it's original engine I never had issues with it. Same engine as all the other 200's out there and I haven't met a hill any one of those couldn't climb. More of a gearing issue when I can't make it up something... usually the tires just start digging and spinning in the soft stuff...


The hills here may be a bit too steep for a 200x. This is my neighbor and his buddies on their money pits they call banshees. Its also the worlds largest man made mountain, this is the one face of it. You should see the videos of $10,000 banshees rolling down it. :lol:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz8jBFLR2VI

On a side note we are getting a thing together this spring with trikes to show them up. Not this hill, but nearby.

[ezmoney1979]

You guys crack me up with your hills......... over here we have mountains.:beer

[hawaiirider]

I think you see that everyone has there own opinion
my opinion is 1st gen 250r, it has crazy good bottom end power, doesnt stall out at all, is lighter than a 200x, last forever if you run good gas and clean the air filter, its faster then a 350x and they go cheap because everyone wants a newer R, which is a true 'CR' style motocross bike not for putting but for jumping and racing.
my opinion

[Taiser]

The hills here may be a bit too steep for a 200x. This is my neighbor and his buddies on their money pits they call banshees. Its also the worlds largest man made mountain, this is the one face of it. You should see the videos of $10,000 banshees rolling down it. :lol:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz8jBFLR2VI

On a side note we are getting a thing together this spring with trikes to show them up. Not this hill, but nearby.


OK, that looks a bit steep! :) Love to see some 250r's give it a shot though!!! I'm surprised the neighbors don't call the cops... those things are pretty loud and the houses pretty close! LOL

[3wheeledjunkie]

My 250 Big Red goes everywhere anyone else does and then some. Always the trusty backup to tug someone out or haul gear. Really low geared so it's not a speed demon, and the brakes are only drum so.... It has it's ups and downs. Similar to today's quads, utilities are ok for trail riding. But if your like me, and ride with a bunch or sport guys you either gotta ride out front to set pace or lag behind as the pack horse. But you'll have the knowledge that almost nothing can stop you. Ruts be dammed!

[rouseanator]

I have 2 250sx's 85 & 87 the 85 has a 200x front shocks and disc brake in the sx triple trees and a 350x headlight with hondaline front and rear racks, the 87 is a all original moderate hour machine, I had a 85 bigred and sold it, and then missed it so got another one, had a 85 and 84 200x but sold them because I didnt like the kick start going all the way down to the ground and just a little to small for me i'm 6'1 and 230 lbs, also got a 85 350x and it is a beast love it all original with a supertrapp exhaust.

race wise....
1. 350x by 5+++ lengths
2.modded 85 250sx the 200x front end makes good difference (2nd because its better then the 200x) it is way lighter on the front end so come up on you
3. 200x little faster getting off the line but the modded sx passes it in the top
4.87 stock 250sx
5.85 bigred

trail wise....
1. 250sx because its all around best for being able to handle tight trails and open trails, elec start, reverse a must for tight trails, also auto cluch
2. 350x open trail, logging type road, monster got for the dunes but have not been yet (really want a 85+ 250r too lol...) no reverse and no elec start hurts it.
3. 85 bigred feels more plush of a ride with the 25inch tires and more comfortable size wise excellent for hunting, utility, not to tight of trails but still has auto cluch, racks are a awesome thing to have to carry stuff and it has a good size trunk also elec start and reverse
4. 200x no reverse, no elec start hurts it, smaller then the 350x and not near the power, and no auto clutch
190588190589190590190591190592190593
so for this thread trade or sell one bigred and get a 350x (because they are beautiful and a monster)because you still have the most comfortable and use-full one with all the bells and whistles 85+ bigred, then save up for a sx lol.......
I don't know if that helps............ but I would take 3 tried and true trikes for less than 5 grand that I can do everything on than one 5+ grand newer 4 wheeler.........

[slashfan7964]

For trail riding the first things that come to mind are the 200X, 350X and 250SX. All three are dead reliable.

200X: For riders 200lbs and under, this thing is a nimble little machine with decent suspension and adequate power for general trail riding and can get up and go for a 200cc four stroke in wide open spaces. Top speed should be somewhere around high 50s on average. Plenty fast enough. Easy to throw around due to it's light overall weight and skinny mid section which makes it comfortable for the knees to grip to, can keep up with most average machines for the most part in the hands of a skilled rider. Will win some races, but not all races; don't drag a Raptor 700 unless you want to get dusted (obviously). They can be decent around a small track and are good beginner bikes for someone who wants to get into sport style trail riding. The first generation (1983-1985) is more common than that second (1986-1987) and shares almost nothing in common, and the first generation has the most aftermarket support.

These next two are based on general opinions and not personal experience.

250SX. A torque-ier 200X due to the 50 or so cc difference, but heavier overall because of a slightly larger construction and the battery, and typically a tad slower than a 200X since it's not as sporty, though not by much. Shaft driven, unlike the other two which are chain driven, and features reverse which can be useful but not necessary. Key start with I believe back-up kick start. Less aftermarket support than the other 2 machines however, which should be taken into consideration should you ever need parts. Suspension of the three is probably the worst, but then again, it's not a true sport machine so much as a sport-utility machine so this is to be expected. It also has drum brakes, versus the discs on the other 2 machines. It also has an auto clutch, unlike the other 2 which are entirely manual. This can be both a blessing and sometimes not.

350X: The king of sport style trail machines. It has a beast of a motor, tons of low end torque, and will pretty much do anything you ask of it. Generally higher priced than the 200X, but is well worth the money. It is however heavier than the 200X, but do to the HUGE increase in power over it's baby brother, it's not really detectable since you can easily slide it through turns. Much better suspension than either of the other two, which is nearly on par with that of the 1983-1984 250R. This is probably the best trail rider you can get, but for a new rider I would recommend a 200X first.


All of them are good for trail riding, tight or not, so really it comes down to what you want in the end, or what one looks best.

[afdfirefighter]

We'll guys sorry for not posting but I did end up selling one of the big reds and got a 250sx. It's a very nice machine. Put the front wheel and tire setup suggested by dougspcs in other threads. Haven't given it a true trail test yet but hope to soon. Also picked up a nice 85 110 last week too 190599190600