1983 Honda 185

[luvsno]

Hi everyone, I just found this site and am glad I did. I recently acquired an atc and have a few problems. First where does the end of the decompression cable connect, one is on the engine but I can't find where the other end goes. Second, how do you get the front axle apart and it seems siezed in the right side fork, it will not turn out and I have to have it repaired or replaced because of a crack. Thanks for any help in advance.

[firehart]

The other end of the decompression cable goes into the recoil starter. Did you take off the little cap with the two nuts on it?

[luvsno]

Thanks, no the cable is just hanging there. Are there any pictures anywhere I did a search on the site and downloaded the 200 manual, but no pics.

[MonroeMike]

I'm not sure if the 185 came with a decompression cable (just a lever). I think they start at the 200's. I'll check the manual again. You may have a 200 cylinder head cover on that engine, or a 200 engine with a 185 recoil.

Here's a 200, you can see the cable (broken pull cord though).

[atctim]

MonroeMike is wrong - a 1983 ATC185S has a decompression cable - it is automatic when you pull the pull starter.

Here is how it goes together:

http://www.bikebandit.com/assets/schematics/Honda/H00850014.gif

people should not give advice if they do not know for sure!

[luvsno]

Thanks, I saw that picture in the parts section but was unable to see where it connects. I will have to take it apart and try to figure it out. I have already wrecked my fingers when it kicked back. Anyone have any suggestions on the frt axle.

[atctim]

Please explain or post a picture of what you are having a hard time with on the front axle.

When you pull your pull starter off - you will see a off white colored plastic ring that the cable hooks into. It can be a bugger to get it all to go in right - but you should see how it all works when you pull it apart.

We are here to help.

[MonroeMike]

Here's two cylinder head covers. Left is off a 185, right is off a 200. Now, I'm confused, where would you connect the cable on the 185? My 185 pull start has no cable or hole in the housing for one. I'm wondering if he has the same one I have. Luvsno, can you post a pic of your recoil?

[Vealmonkey]

Your 185 is probably and 80 or 81. My 82 has a cable so I think the 82 and later 185s and all 200s had cables. If you find a lever on later trikes, it means that the head has been switched over.

[MonroeMike]

^Thanks for clearing that up. So maybe he has a earlier recoil. Wonder why SHonda and BBandit show the lever on the head.

[Vealmonkey]

Service Honda and Bike Bandit do not always show the correct microfiche. Something I have found out the hard way on an occasion or 2. You have to be very vigiliant in your searches sometimes. We live in an electronic world that is no smarter than the lazy programmer who enters the information. LOL

[Taiser]

Yeah my 185 (1980) only had the lever, and it only stuck up at a certain point in the cycle, you had to pull the cord slowly sometimes until the lever would stick. Never really used it though, compression is not that bad on a 185, at least mine anyways! :D. Think the cable first came on the 82 200's then on the 185s's.

[Name Brand]

Weird. My brother's 1983 185 has a lever. Pretty sure it's stock; all the components on the engine are correct and there's nothing on the handlebars to mount a choke cable. Unless it's all been changed, :wondering .

[firehart]

My 83 185s has a decompression cable that goes o the recoil starter. So does my 200. Someone may have switched out the recoil starter with a different model. The starter rope is broke right now on my 200. I have another recoil starter with a good rope but it does not have a spot for the decomprssion cable. I was thinking about trying it but I don't know if it will work.

[atctim]

a 1983 185S should have the cable - not sure on older models. 1983 ATC200 has cable - 1984 Big Reds have a lever - but E-Start.

[skippy]

while we are on the 185s.. i picked up james deaton's awesome project that was near completion.. does any have some pics of the correct routing of the brake cables for this atc? i checked around a few places and no luck. i have to attach some cable straps along w the lines, just need to see the locations and the routing.. this atc is down to the last steps..

[atctim]

Skippy - give me specifics - I have an unrestored original 83 185S and I can take come pics for you.

Let me know - actually - let take this to PMs as to not hi-jack this thread,

[daniel_250r]

my friends 83 185, has the decompressor going to the recoil it is unchanged and definitly an 83 185

[luvsno]

WOW thanks for all the info, I took the recoil off and found no plastic ring to connect to, that's probably why it was just hanging. As far as the frt axle i was able to get it out with a lot of heat on the spacer on the axle. I am going to have the crack on the fork tig welded to firm up a bit. You can hijack my thread all you want it just brings more questions and answers out in the open.

[MonroeMike]

Someone in classifieds should be able to fix you up with the correct recoil.