!980 185 frame question

[jjwest]

I have a 1980 atc 185 that the frame is starting to rust out on. What other model frames could I interchange with this one? I would like to update to a model with suspension but I don't know if that is possible.

[birddogg]

83' to 85' ATC200x

[jjwest]

Will the 185 body panels bolt on the 200x?

[birddogg]

No, you'd need the whole bike, but the engine will bolt in with minor mods.

[jjwest]

What frames would allow me to use the current body parts?

[firehart]

Probably only another early 185 or 200.

[Vealmonkey]

If you use a 83 185s or a 84 and later 200s, that will only give you front suspension. A 200 big read or any of the 250s will not fit your engine. The only frame that would fit your engine and give you front and rear suspension would be an 83-85 200x, but you would have to use all the 200x tank and fenders and such and fab up a rear brake pedal since the rear brake pedlal is part of the 200x engine.
The only way you could have rear suspension would be to find yourself a suspension 185s frame and they were aftermarket conversions or kits. Expensive if you find one, but worth it. The 200s uses different rear fenders and the only frames that use those fenders are the 185 and 185s trikes. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[dreadhed]

If you want to pay shipping...I bet I'd have a frame that would work for you...I've got way to many & want to get rid of some of the empty frames.

[Vealmonkey]

jj, there is a suspension kitted 185s frame on ebay right now if you want to take a look
Sorry, that is a suspension kitted 200s frame. I don't know if you want to go with different fenders and stuff or not.

[ebecme01]

A lot of the information you've been given is not intirely correct. The answer to your question "What frames would allow me to use the current body parts?" The ONLY wheelers that will allow you to bolt on those parts are ATC185 and ATC200 models (1980 ATC185, 1981-1983 ATC200). No model with a S,M, E, or ES will work.The only one of those that had ANY suspension is the 1983 ATC200 and it was just front suspension. The S model has the smaller frame and has a trailing front axle. The 1983 ATC200 has a heavier front end and the axle is in front of the lower legs which makes the bike longer. Your ATC shares the same frame as this bike, similar to a M model but without electric start. I would say you could swap your engine to a 200m as well and POSSIBLY, you could make the rear plastic work. maybe someone else on here can confirm that.

Swapping your engine to an S model you could still use your tank, i think. not the seat or plastic. Swapping to an X model is always a good option. one of the best all around trail bikes you can have.

[jjwest]

Thanks for all the good information. Upgrading to suspension is not necessary. Basically my frame is rusted and I really like the bike and was wanting to fix it without spending a bunch of money. There are a ton of frames on ebay and I wanted to make sure I did not buy one that would not work.