82 Honda Big Red have questions

[knappyfeet]

Just picked up this 82 from a nice gentleman for $400. It runs great....starts up easily and stops nicely. The tires only hold enough air to go back and forth down the street so a more elaborate ride I did not do. I initially purchased this BR for my wife but she is skeptical. I like the electric start and the clutch less shifting. A few items it needs is a battery, air filter element, and tires. I also feel a full carb cleaning and chassis lube and oil change is in order. My knowledge of atcs is admittedly limited. The PO said he use to use it to launch his Waverunner so if my wife wants something different this purchase is not a waste. With the high low gearing it kinda feels like a tractor in low.

So if I could pick the brains of 3WW I have a couple questions.

My intention is to purchase some tires of like size. 25x12.00-9. The rear wheels are different and will replace with a more stock set up. Is this tire size the largest made? I was going to go with the balloon type on all 3. Is that a solid choice? I say balloon because the ohtsus on my 200x s are more narrow and quicker steering and seem different.

Any know weak spots/problem areas on this model to look out for?

thank you in advance.


http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/knappyfeet/20150629_154103_zpsvvflfbq5.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/knappyfeet/media/20150629_154103_zpsvvflfbq5.jpg.html)


http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/knappyfeet/20150629_154111_zpsngzqzt8g.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/knappyfeet/media/20150629_154111_zpsngzqzt8g.jpg.html)


http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/knappyfeet/20150629_154124_zpse4choo6t.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/knappyfeet/media/20150629_154124_zpse4choo6t.jpg.html)

[Jmoozy27]

Other than the occasional ignition issue from time to time they are really solid trikes. Clean oil at the proper level is mandatory as with all machines. Pull the right side cover and clean out the screen and rotor from time to time. Btw, that's a good by in my book. It looks like it has been cared for.

Duro knobbies are the closest you will get to old school balloon tires IMO. Good tire for the price too.

[Bren_downe]

The weakest link on the old big reds is the front suspension. They're basically just springs so keep those seals in good shape. Most of them are trashed.
The fenders are hard to find in nice shape and it looks like you have some good ones.
Nice trike!

[ironchop]

I have nothing to add as an answer to any of your questions.

I would like to say that you scored a helluva good looking machine for $400. Bravo!

[knappyfeet]

Thank you gentlemen. The first order of business is to get the tire/rim situated. I need to to this so I can roll it around without breaking my back......and also get a little longer ride.

[BIGREDGUY]

If that Hondaline toolbox was included in the deal then that is a solid chunk of your 400 right there

[knappyfeet]

If that Hondaline toolbox was included in the deal then that is a solid chunk of your 400 right there

Thanks for,the info.....I didn't know that. It was included and what was in it is a camo hondaline atc cover. It's has ATC on the side and Hondaline and Honda on the front and back. It has a little rust on parts but is a nice piece.

[Jmoozy27]

Thanks for,the info.....I didn't know that. It was included and what was in it is a camo hondaline atc cover. It's has ATC on the side and Hondaline and Honda on the front and back. It has a little rust on parts but is a nice piece.

Cover It and take some :pics: where do you find these deals???

[onformula1]

Cover It and take some :pics: where do you find these deals???

This from the guy that finds killer deals???

You do quite well yourself.

[djm0242]

Dude that's in great shape at first glance. That tool box pulls in $400 by itself on eBay. The camo cover too if Hondaline! Pretty sweet sir! I almost forgot! Take a look at the rear wheel hubs be sure they are good and tight on the axle. That can be a problem. If the PO only backed it into the water and parked it for long periods of time then the rear axle bearings might be questionable. Same on the front, while the front tire is off you might as well put a set of new bearings in. It's a PITA to have to come to the realization after mounting your new tire to decide that you should've done it before. Pump that axle housing full of grease and clean all threads mercilessly before reassembly. You'll be glad you did in the long run. If you decide you want to sell that front tool box let me know :)

[ps2fixer]

Steal of a deal even with out the tool box and cover! I picked up a ragged smoker for $250, only difference is I stick to the 84 model as it is shaft drive instead of chain drive. I'd say check your chain out and make sure it isn't getting too loose.

Only real issues I know of for the 200 big reds is the CDI boxes seem to be failing due to age more than anything. There are posts about replacing the connector and "upgrading" to a Chinese CDI box that uses a 4+2 style connector which is what all the newer machines use.

I'd suggest buying the tires, fluids, and battery local as shipping can be a real killer. Shipping batteries are a bit tricky due to the acid.

Good luck and enjoy the great machine you have there. That low range isn't on the 250es big reds sadly, only thing I wish mine had vs the 200e/s.

[Jmoozy27]

This from the guy that finds killer deals???

You do quite well yourself.

True, but mine always need to be fixed, and are 2 wheelers mostly. But I'm not complaining.:D

[knappyfeet]

This is the cover that was crammed into the toolbox. It's probably been in that box for years. It dosent seem to fit just right......probably because of the storage box over the front wheel. It seems to fit nicely over the 200X so I will put on that so it might flatten back out a little.

Thanks DJ for your input. My wife is not a real big fan. Maybe because of its current state it dosent seem welcoming to her. Maybe once I get all the tires up and cleaned up perhaps then she'll warm up to it. But your right...there's nothing like a reverse for getting out of stuff and this trike is heavy.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/knappyfeet/20150701_181632_zpsagzbta43.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/knappyfeet/media/20150701_181632_zpsagzbta43.jpg.html)


http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/knappyfeet/20150701_181646_zpsjvizjxld.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/knappyfeet/media/20150701_181646_zpsjvizjxld.jpg.html)

[oscarmayer]

That is one of the nicest 82s I have ever seen!! Very nice setup!!!! Love the tool box!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[knappyfeet]

That is one of the nicest 82s I have ever seen!! Very nice setup!!!! Love the tool box!!!

Thanks for the comment. I live in San Diego and drove up to Laguna Niguel to pick it up. If I remember correctly I thought he said he also had some hondaline spotlight or something like that but could not find it.


Ps2........I'm with you on the shaft drive. DJ was saying the same. Ideally a reverse would be great for her but I will clean this up and get it up to speed. The person I purchased it from was a real nice and helpful guy. One thing he kept telling me was how he towed this and that with little effort. He would park the rv then take the waverunner and launch it.......kinda going down making a u turn then breaking backwards. He said as long as you have traction...no problem. I know this might be old news to a lot of folks here but to me it was news to me.

[knappyfeet]

Hey Jmoozy27.........is this the type you were mentioning?

217888

[Jmoozy27]

That's them, very good tire for the dollar and they can be inflated almost as big as the old balloons. Chinese brand but still solid.

[knappyfeet]

Went to put on the rims and tires I purchased for the 200 and the rims currently on it have a different hub and size, etc. So I couldn't mount them. Was wondering what years of hubs will fit on the 82 big red. Found some that seem fine but different years and one was for a 200s. Thanks in advance.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/knappyfeet/20150708_194603_zpscqqxfhhx.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/knappyfeet/media/20150708_194603_zpscqqxfhhx.jpg.html)

218184

[ps2fixer]

Is your rim a 4x110 bolt pattern? The 200cc big reds I think were 4x140. You can swap hubs with most hondas. I have put atc90 hubs on my 84 200es big red when I had a rear tire blow out and I wanted to ride!

[oscarmayer]

I think the 200s/X and 250R hubs will bolt on as well as the 350x. as cheap as 200x hubs are, get a set off ebay and try them out.

[knappyfeet]

Just wondering where you like to ride knappy ? I got a`84 200s thats got your name on it if you want it !! Welcome !

Thanks ps2fixer and Oscarmayer. Purchased some hubs so should be here is week. I just wanted the correct wheel size and tire size for the 82 BR.

Glamy......good to see another member holdin it down in S.D.

We go to all the usual....glamis...superstition.....plaster city....octillo. Plus private land in joshua tree and adelanto.

I wanted to complete the "fixing" of my wife's BR so we could go during the week to Buckman springs. Just so she can get use to riding slow...a little technical. Plus she loves it there and so do I........especially during the week.

[knappyfeet]

Just wondering where you like to ride knappy ? I got a`84 200s thats got your name on it if you want it !! Welcome !

I forgot...thanks for the welcome and I'm going to shoot you a PM on the 200s tip. I can always use another fix. Thanks

[knappyfeet]

Finally got the tire situation situated. I purchased proper size rims and tires for the back and just had the front installed today. All this set me back around $220. I sold the cover on Ebay for $148 so I recovered some cost. Riding this around with the balloon tires took me back to the days of my friends 110.....way back in the day. Really cool.

I purchased a battery but haven't installed yet. I'm going to do some carb cleaning and install a new air filter......along with cleaning the BR in general. I don't know if the hondaline toolbox is going to stay or go......probably stay. Still some more to do but want to get my wife on it to see if she likes it.


http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/knappyfeet/20150723_164326_zpstw2mhnum.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/knappyfeet/media/20150723_164326_zpstw2mhnum.jpg.html)


http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/knappyfeet/20150723_164351_zpsxh6zvtb4.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/knappyfeet/media/20150723_164351_zpsxh6zvtb4.jpg.html)

[djm0242]

Oh man looks great! Like those new tires and rims. Great job!

[Jmoozy27]

Man that looks sweet, knobbies are the best tire for hardtail trikes...

[knappyfeet]

Thanks DJ and JM. Man this thing is fun to putt around on. I know the 200x is faster and an all around better performer but those massive balloon type tires seemingly bouncing everywhere just reminds me of the 110. Now I think I want a 110.

[knappyfeet]

Went into the garage today only to find the floor covered in gasoline. I'm grateful of no fire as it looked liked someone mopped the floor with gas.

Come to discover that the fuel line ruptured and spilled on the floor. So I decided to disassemble some of the plastics and such to do a thorough cleaning, greasing, chain tightening, oil changing and tank and carb cleaning. Also.....check all wiring and such. I haven't installed the new battery but something tells me there are electrical issues. Both lights don't work under running load but will when connected to 12v.



http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/knappyfeet/20150811_183835_zpsnp2czymg.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/knappyfeet/media/20150811_183835_zpsnp2czymg.jpg.html)

[knappyfeet]

Well after long deliberation I am putting this BR on Ebay for sale. Believe me I don't wish to. Like I said in the past....I purchased this for my wife so she could experience 3 wheeling with me but she just never took a liking to it. I understand. She is used to planted 4 wheels....electric start....guages...reverse.....full automatic. Short of a reverse I thought this Big Red would make it easier on her with electric starting and clutchless shifting but I guess not. Even if I got one with a reverse it wouldn't matter.

I tell you this thing is as fun is it gets for me. I love the balloon tires and the bouncing and the clutch less shifting. I have grown attached to this ancient trike and am literally inches away from pulling the listing and putting up my 86 200x or my LTZ400 instead......or maybe the 85 200X project. If I only had the room.

[knappyfeet]

Hey Knappy ......scrap all this 4-stroke nonsense and get yourself a Pinger........so we can go duneing !

Noice!

2 smoke dune trike.......okay.........on my to do list.