Looking at a 85 ATC250R - tips

[Rider414]

Hey dudes, I am looking at a 85 250R on Monday. I am a pretty seasoned ATV guy but is there anything specific to look out for on the ATC250R?

[deathman53]

going on my experience.....cracks in frame, VERY IMPORTANT check the swingarm bearings and swingarm for slop/cracks. If either are in need of help, ask owner to loosen and tap out swingarm bolt. You just want to see that it will move. If it doesn't move deduct $300 from his asking price. Trust me, a seized swingarm bolt is far from fun to get out and is very expensive. You usually have to cut the bolt on all sides of the frame, cut the motor mount out and press out the remains of the swingarm pivot. At the least it will cost you $200 and alot of agrivation. I had alot of bad luck with seized swingarm bolts.

[Rider414]

Oh Christ!!! Thanks for the heads up -

[3wheelrider]

Always check the case in the area of the front sprocket/ for damage/repairs (from a thrown chain)!! Also drain plug area! Very common areas of damage) Check suspension by bouncing on it just lightly (standing on pegs)-also stand behind it & push down/up on the rear bar (make the sure the rear shock isnt a pogo-stick). Check front forks (determine if they look straight/bent. Check for leaks there also(not a real problem but more bargaining ammo). Remove rear fenders & check frame well near grab bar usually bent up/cracked (from flipping). The swingarm bolt is very common but usually youre not gonna know about it-which sucks. Check clutch for excessive adjustment or play-check position of the clutch arm on the motor( see if its over-rotated more than normal. Try to get a test ride really if you can so you know it shifts ok as well & see how it runs of course.

[250rmanfmf]

check rear silencer/muffler for dent on the under side of it. Its common for a 250r with a blown rear shock to make contact between the silencer and Brake caliper.

[Rider414]

This trike is listed on CL in Michigan.

Oh boy was this thing a POS. It ran but wouldn't idle. Everything else was trashed, broken, and rigged up..............I made a offer on what I thought it was worth and the owner passed. Oh well I will keep looking. :)

[Rider414]

"Asking" a firm $1350.00

There was atleast $500.00 to get it trail worthly and reliable. I offered $1000.00

[slashfan7964]

You should have started at $500 if it's as bad as you say it is.

[JasonB]

ouch. really sucks, the water cooled 250r's bring decent money anywhere you go. and usually the owners want more than they are worth even if the bike needs a new bike to usable again lol