1985 ATC 250R Questions.

[Bob B.]

Hi Guys,

I bought an amazingly clean 1985 250R this weekend and now I need to address the few issues it has. The front tire is very dry rotted and in need of replacement. I would like to stay with the original because the backs are like new but they are extremely expensive when you find them. Are the new knockoffs on Ebay any good? Next, what is everyone using for 2S oil these days and at what ratio? I've heard of people cutting back to 32/1 or 50/1 with modern high quality oil. I picked up some Spectro gold to try. Finally for those who have had one of these are there any known trouble spots to be on the lookout for?

Thanks,
Bob.

[Mr. Clean]

Nice looking 250r based on the one pic. OEM front tires are going to be expensive. There is a replacement Cheetah tire that is affordable and would work fine, all depends upon what you are doing with the trike (rider or garage queen).

Oil is personal preference, lots of discussion around that topic, I like what I can get locally and regularly. Mix ratios I run 32:1 and 40:1, depends upon your riding style and terrain.

Known trouble spots, there are none that I know of. Chain and sprockets in good shape? Make sure you adjust the chain properly before each ride, easy to bust the case and case saver bosses if you throw the chain.

[atc300r]

I have a nos Dunlop oem front tire.pm me if interested.I will make you a good deal.231424

[Bob B.]

More pics for you to view. I plan to ride it but I want to keep it in its current condition and as original as possible. Its mostly original and I don't want to change that. From what I've seen around here unmolested examples are hard to find.231430231431231432231433231434

[jb2wheels]

Mine is also mostly unmolested. People are amazed when they see one with a stock pipe.
231449

Do the regular maintenance items.
Lube things that need lubing.
Change the gear oil.

Check the air filter - make sure it has one, it's not crumbling, it's clean and oiled and mounted correctly.
Check the intake - I have not had problems with old Hondas but old Tecates all have cracked rubber manifolds...

Lube the cables.
Grease the swingarm pivot.
Grease the brake caliper pins.
Flush the brakes - might go so far as to pop the pistons out of the calipers and see what's in there - mine had beautiful clean fresh fluid when I bought it but both calipers had black muck in them...

Ride the piss out of it.

I run 32:1. I use Maxima Super M because it costs 1/2 of the 927 and I have no issues. I've also used the 927, Honda oil in the blue bottle, Klotz, and I think some Yamalube. Klotz smells best.

[RoscoW]

It's clean for sure but it is a built bike. Seat, Decals, tool box are all 86. cyl head should be black. I've heard good things about the Cheetah tires, OEM look and performance and rears are available as well. I find that tire style is just about as good as they come for an R, Honda got that spot on.

Ross..

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Looks like a winner!

Agree with Roscoe on the '86 specific parts. The head looks to be an OEM '86-on unit. Regardless of the handful of '86 parts, it looks nicely done. :)

I run Maxima 927 at 32:1 in both of my R's. Don't get hung up chasing crazy high fuel/oil ratios. Remember, that oil is what lubricates all of the major moving internal parts inside your engine. Pick a ratio, dial in your jetting accordingly, and stick with it. Personally and based on my own information gathering, I don't think 20:1 is really necessary unless you are doing alot of WOT running. But I don't feel like I am doing my engine any favors in terms of longevity trying to run 50:1. A quality oil at 32:1 is recommended by alot of professionals in the 250r business across the board.

When are you going to big bore it?? ;)

[Bob B.]

Thanks guys! I'm new to the ATC 250R club and I truly appreciate the input and observations. I was aware of the seat and decals being 86 but I missed the tool box, good catch. I know nothing of this bikes history other than the previous owner bought it a few years ago and never really rode it. If anyone recognize's it I'd love to know the history! I know the top end has been done due to the new gaskets and silver head but I have no idea of what's inside. I can say she is stout or as stout as an x 350x owner can tell! Great forum!

[Bob B.]

Well I'm going to go with a new cheetah front tire. It figures they sold the last one yesterday and won't have more until the end of next week at the earliest. I think the Cheetah makes the most sense with this trike being a rider. I'm also going to use spectro golden at 32/1 for starters and see how it go's. Had I spent more time reading and less posting I probably would never have asked the oil question. To say that the topic of oil has been beaten to death around here would be an understatement but it makes for interesting reading!