1985 250r vs 1986 250r

[felker_9]

I want to know the main differences between these two models, i know the have different lettering on the seat but what else? performance/handling/suspension?
im picking an 85 up tomorrow ! thanks

[audioworks04]

Headlight, swingarm and seat are the main things.

[KASEY]

use the search feature,,,, THERE OVER 50 DIFFERENCES...

[whyzee]

i wrote a long article on the differences between the two when riding.
I wrote it about 1 1/2 yrs ago. try the search engine again, they are 2 totally different bikes. but either one will leave you with a huge smile on your face. The 85 will scare you faster and tire you out quicker, but out turn and race the pants off an 86 up to 5th gear, then say goodbye because the 86 wakes up in 5th.

[KASEY]

I and several members are tryint to document all the differences betewwn the 2 years with pictures .. we have a few things and as i have time will be adding,,, its been started on 3wheeler.org

[Dirtcrasher]

Although they are similar in appearance, there are a TON of differences just like the 85 and 86 350X which again, are very similar looking.

Models like the 85 200X compared to the 86/87 200X are nearly >< 80&#37; different and very apparent when just looking at them, but other models that just look like the color changed are actually quite a bit different too........

Some changes are small and insignificant and others are fantastic upgrades

Honestly, even with all the changes; If I found an 85 250R or 350X in fantastic condition for a good price, I wouldn't go crazy trying to find an 86 250R or 350X. There allot different but very similar and nearly as great a trike to own as it's one year younger brother

HONDA always strived for perfection, I cannot imagine what a trike in 1990,2000 or 2010 would have been. Fortunately we have guys adapting newer technology anjd every build gets better. Give these guys a bit more time and I'm sure plenty of us diehard trikers will all be running parts that are just a few years old with a handful of the older stuff that just can't be beat!

As an example IMHO: You won't see a 250R engine disappear anytime soon unless 2 strokes are outlawed...............

[whyzee]

I found the article I wrote.
Enjoy!

Everybody thinks since its a newer model the 86 is better than the 85. Well I have 2 nearly new 250R's and I rode them for a few hours this week side by side, here are my findings. These machines are bone stock.

The 85 motor completely blows away the 86 until mid 5th gear and 6th gear. It pulls way harder from bottom , mid and has alot more over rev than the 86, so much so, that the 86 will begin to wake up in mid 5th and 6th and pulls forever, where the 85 seems to be topped out, and actually starts to fall off.
The 85 will out turn the 86 all day long . The only time the 86 is better is when you start to get into the straight aways in 5th. It is slightly more stable. The 85 will begin to get al little "twitchy".
The lower seat height on the 85 makes for a lower center of gravity, hence one of the reasons it turns better, and a steeper fork rake, but it is tough on the knees if you are tall and hard on your spine.

All in all 2 really different bikes. I liked the 85 suspension better, the motor is a totally different animal from the 86, almost night and day different. Jetting was spot on in both bikes, started at stock and adjusted accordingly. Both needed the needle raised 2 clips, and minor air screw adjustment. I went both ways with the main jet on each bike and the stock main was dead on in each bike. The 85 having a 142 main, while the 86 having a 145 main.

Conclusion, in every department the 85 is set up stock as a race animal. The 86 is still an animal, more comfortable to ride for longer periods of time, but much more calm than the 85.

Think of the 85 as a race bike out of the box and an 86 as an ultra high performance, all day adrenaline producer. The 85 will tire you out much quicker, but out race the 86, hands down.

Both Bikes have similar hours on them. The 85 compression tested at 177psi while the 86 blew a 181psi. Both were with a cold motor and well within the original specs of 170-199 psi.

[felker_9]

thanks alot for the info, this r rips my bros banshee a new @$$ hole, both stock for stock..... but audioworks 04 i got an 02 cr 250 frame, is that possible to work with on an ATC AF conversion>?