1985 350X pros and cons [Archive]

MO350X

11-29-2004, 09:35 AM

I love my '85 to death.

Why?
EASY to work on
EASY to get parts for (unless you're going nuts and doing a full-restoration)
SUPER-reliable
has to be one of the most fuel-efficient trikes out there
Fantastic trail bike with GOBS of low end and it'll idle all day long AND when you want some top-end fun, it's there in spades.
Smooth ride and soft seat.

I love my 250R to death but the 350X is a MUCH more "relaxed" trail machine.

If the price is right and it isn't worn out, go for it.
You won't regret it.

BEWARE OF:
Listen for valvetrain/timing chain noise! If the X has a lot of it, steer clear! Or plan on $$$/time.
Check all bearings/bushings: swingarm can be a ROYAL pain to replace, axle carrier bearings are EASY as are front wheel (but figure that expense in).
Check front forks for leaks (or dry?). Mine leaked horribly. A local shop did BOTH for me for $65, complete.

BADS?
Personally, I don't know of any "bads".
It's a VERY stable trike with a VERY controllable engine/drivetrain.

I'd think that it would be easy to sell, if you had to, with the HUGE popularity of high-performance 4 strokes these days (TRX450R, YFZ450, Z400, etc.).
I saw THREE 350X's at St. Joe yesterday!

I KNOW I'm forgetting something but those are the general items.
I hope this helps.
Sorry so long. :)

Good luck!

350x'inNY

11-29-2004, 02:11 PM

Watch for cracked frames.... back around the rear where the seat/fender/tailight region and most importantly, around the frame at the rear of the motor.

2nd generation 86 350X's had extra gussets added to help with the frames.

Bruce

clong

11-29-2004, 05:39 PM

ClayW

11-29-2004, 05:47 PM

My 85 frame was broke at that spot too bruce. Just above where you left anxle would be while riding. Its been fixed though. I havent had it long enough to find any pros or cons. I love it though. :D

Fox250R

11-29-2004, 08:04 PM

Actually,trying to start a 350X can be a pain for novice riders....

clong

11-29-2004, 08:34 PM

I actually think my 350X is easier to start than my 200X. My 200X has a 12:1 piston though that can make it a beyothch to start. You have to get the compression stroke at the right spot.

trikerider2oo7

11-29-2004, 09:41 PM

NO CONS! just pros...a 350x is the best bike ever made. but you have to tighten your hubs all the time because of the power!

350x'inNY

11-30-2004, 12:31 AM

My 85 frame was broke at that spot too bruce. Just above where you left anxle would be while riding. Its been fixed though. :D

That's how I know the Showgirl has always been loved! It's one of the first 3000 off the production line in '85, and the frame is straight, no repair welds, and no cracks! The Go-Go's a 86, and its fine where you are talking about but the seat part/sub frame is cracked all to heckola ....

Bruce

jenndnn3

11-30-2004, 12:42 AM

I had one as well no cracks, that is until my hubby got a hold of it. It is now there.

ClayW

11-30-2004, 08:07 AM

My 350X cranks on the firts or second kick every time. Yesterday it got down to 35 and it still fired off first kick,.

MO350X

11-30-2004, 05:36 PM

Good points:
Provides most usable power in all gears at all rpms
Probably the most advanced 3 wheeler ever - 4 valve, auto compression release, oil cooler
Very good looking - have to love those dual headlights

Bad:
Rare parts on ebay can be expensive
Heavy to load in a truck (320lbs)
Needs 2 quarts of oil and a oil filter to change oil
Eat up drive train - chains and sprockets

That statement about Ebay is SOOOOO true.
Amazing what people are getting for the more rare components.
I couldn't believe how much easier my R is to load than the 350X.
WOW! 30+ lbs. makes a HUGE difference.
Otherwise, oil filters, sprockets and chains are readily available.

That brings up the plastics:
Buy one with the best plastic you possibly can!
Factory Honda is awesome but ungodly expensive to buy nowadays.
Maier is available but the fit/finish just isn't Honda.
Don't say "Oh, I'll buy some good used Honda and restore it.....".
It's amazing what people are getting for that stuff. $$$

You want this to be a fun experience, not a money pit.....if you can avoid it.

ATC crazy

11-30-2004, 06:43 PM

Good points:
Provides most usable power in all gears at all rpms
Probably the most advanced 3 wheeler ever - 4 valve, auto compression release, oil cooler
Very good looking - have to love those dual headlights

Bad:
Rare parts on ebay can be expensive
Heavy to load in a truck (320lbs)
Needs 2 quarts of oil and a oil filter to change oil
Eat up drive train - chains and sprockets

320lbs is light compared to the sport quads today (or utility quads :eek: ) and the oil and oil filter are what you are going to find on any ATV (except for a few that used screens). But the 350X uses the same oil filter that most Honda's use...even today. The SX uses the same filter and I think my Foreman uses the same one also. Costs $3

Just be sure to check the mentioned frame problems and you should be set. Good luck

markdb420

11-30-2004, 07:14 PM

I have a 85 frame that cracked right above where the right foot peg mounts, and the previous owner did a crappy welding job, it was not done properly and it caused the swingarm to be cockeyed. I got a late 86 frame and it too is cracked there, and is waiting to be welded properly.

I echo the comments about it watching engine noise, but otherwise the 350x is the favorite one of my 3 3wheelers to ride around the house. It is reliable and decent power!

BIGCRIP28

11-30-2004, 07:52 PM

yeah the oil filters on it are interchangeable with a bunch of honda bikes.

MO350X

11-30-2004, 11:12 PM

"Buy the best one you can afford".

If you go cheap and buy a "fixer-upper", you'll pour a ton of cash and time into fixing someone else's blunders and poor maintenance and not enjoy it.

That statement holds true in cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc., etc..

markdb420

11-30-2004, 11:23 PM

Yeah, I echo MO350x, I bought cosmetic beaters, and made sure the motor ran good. My 350x that I have with the cracked frame runs like a scalded dog and for the $400 that I paid for it, it allowed me to get a $50 frame and swap my good motor and other parts to the 86 frame. All told I have maybe $650 in this 350x and it ain't a looker, but it is a runner and great at what it is for.

TrikerR

12-01-2004, 04:07 AM

also, are there any significant differneces between the 85's and 86's

200xman

12-01-2004, 07:13 AM

also, are there any significant differneces between the 85's and 86's

Clutch cable and routing, cam chain tensioner,86 had larger motor mouny bolts going through the frame, rear brake assemblys are different. I'm sure there are some that I missed too. Honda isn't afraid to make running changes during the model year to improve things.

TrikerR

12-01-2004, 09:48 AM

so are the 86's any better or do they just benefit from technological advances

BIGCRIP28

12-01-2004, 09:52 AM

86 is white
85 is red

MO350X

12-01-2004, 04:15 PM

Axle sprocket is different (bolt holes, basically) between '85 and 86.
And possibly the rear brake disc?

350x'inNY

12-01-2004, 11:50 PM

Please search the "This vs That" forum... we've milked the differences over and over about 3-4X's since I've been a member.

Bruce

TrikerR

12-02-2004, 06:40 AM

has anyone ever performed the dual oil cooler conversion to thier X

BIGCRIP28

12-02-2004, 09:36 AM

has anyone ever performed the dual oil cooler conversion to thier X

yeah that dude in the tech section of the 3ww website

Tri-ZNate

12-02-2004, 08:48 PM

so are the 86's any better or do they just benefit from technological advances?

I personally dont want anything to do with the 86 model. In 86 they put a motor in that was a different style than the 85. The 85 in my opinion has more power and speed. Just remember this is just my opinion based on drags I have seen between 86 and 85 models. As for the oil amount mensioned my 250SXs take like a half a quart more I believe, so it isnt that much and its fairly cheap.

350x'inNY

12-03-2004, 12:27 AM

I personally dont want anything to do with the 86 model. In 86 they put a motor in that was a different style than the 85. The 85 in my opinion has more power and speed. Just remember this is just my opinion based on drags I have seen between 86 and 85 models.

They were not different style motors.... minor differences in the oil pump pick up, oiling slots in the cam area, cam chain adjuster, and kick starter gear ratio highlight the changes made between 85-86.... no difference in gearing or HP. The clutch cable was routed different... maybe that slowed the shift reaction times at the drags. :rolleyes: hahahaa

Personally, I just bought a crate motor and I was a little disappointed to find out it was a 85 motor. (But the Showgirl is a 85' chassis, so not THAT upset)I'd rather have the 86 motor just because of the oil system improvements.

Bruce

350x'inNY

12-03-2004, 12:53 AM

Please search the "This vs That" forum... we've milked the differences over and over about 3-4X's since I've been a member.

Bruce

Oops.. me bad... it was in Trikesylvania.. I thought they had moved it to This Vs. That... here's the link to 3 pages of discussion between 85 and 86 350X's

http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=23817

Bruce

TrikerR

12-03-2004, 10:03 AM

yea i saw the pics on tech section, but it dont actually explain it.

clong

12-03-2004, 01:22 PM

350Xin NY,
Where do you buy a crate motor?

350x'inNY

12-03-2004, 02:17 PM

Oh... I have my connections.... only one he had though.

Bruce

MO350X

12-03-2004, 10:16 PM

It amazes me that every now and then a 350X "take-off" or crate motor appears.
Wish I had the cash.
That would be sooooo cool to have brand-new, factory-fresh stuff.
Ahhh.....dream on, right? :cry:

TrikerR

12-04-2004, 12:15 AM

hay MO350X do you know if the 400ex muffler fits the X

MO350X

12-04-2004, 08:40 AM

Then again....if you have access to a wire-feed welder and use a little creativity, it might!! :D

Good Luck!

BIGCRIP28

12-04-2004, 02:22 PM

Man, them 350X motors go for high. I seen on some website (dont remember which one) that they sell them for $900.

ATC crazy

12-04-2004, 03:38 PM

I remember coming upon a web site that had pictures of 350X crate motors still in the wooden crates. They were stacked up all the way to the ceiling, and I think they wanted about $1200 for them with the wiring harness.

MO350X

12-04-2004, 04:05 PM

That is what I could have sworn I saw them for on Ebay.
Then again, there've been the "1987 take-off's" for $800+.

MO350X

12-04-2004, 04:18 PM

Imagine that! :)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43977&item=4509813904&rd=1

X350X

12-05-2004, 12:48 AM

i love my 86 i think the white looks better. here is a picture

MO350X

12-05-2004, 12:58 AM

I LOVE the '86/white look much better than the '85/Red.

But....my old red '85 will have to do. :)
Just too pricey to give the old X a complete facelift.

350X's forever!! :w00t:

350x'inNY

12-05-2004, 02:42 AM

Just too pricey to give the old X a complete facelift.

Tell me about it! Facelifts are $$$$. But when you get it the way you like, you can feel like the Mastercard commercials... priceless!

Here's before and after pics of the Showgirl. Every piece of plastic on it (except front fender) is NOS within the past year and a half. (rear fenders were not NOS but were in storage before I bought)... even the headlight! Luckily, I bought another 350X so I could use the old parts on!

Bruce

350x'inNY

12-05-2004, 03:00 AM

well... might as well show you the before and after of my other X too.... This one has hardly nothing original on it since when I bought it just a year ago! same motor, wiring, swinger, forks and axle. I've put OEM fork boots and OEM style rear tires on it since this 'after' pic.

Bruce

350x'inNY

12-05-2004, 03:03 AM

Wow... that crate motors a good deal! I thought I did great on mine for $800.... that one's a 86 AND it has the shifter, sprocket cover (and case saver I assume) and the kickstart lever. Someone should snag that one!

Bruce

PS - He's also selling a 'crate' 85-86 250R motor. :w00t:

MO350X

12-05-2004, 08:36 AM

MO350X

12-05-2004, 08:40 AM

Tell me about it! Facelifts are $$$$. But when you get it the way you like, you can feel like the Mastercard commercials... priceless!

Here's before and after pics of the Showgirl. Every piece of plastic on it (except front fender) is NOS within the past year and a half. (rear fenders were not NOS but were in storage before I bought)... even the headlight! Luckily, I bought another 350X so I could use the old parts on!

Bruce

Man, I never get tired of seeing "Showgirl".
That is one SWEET X! :beer

About plastic:
My brother restored an '88 TRX250R some years ago.

First, he ordered Maier plastic for the whole thing.
It either fit POORLY or hardly at all.
The following day, he sold the Maier and ordered ALL factory Honda replacements.
Amazing.....quality and fit/finish.
The price was outrageous but, as we all know, NOTHING fits like original.