A Big Red is in my future?

[HondaClaw]

I'm new here, and I'm going to buy a 1986 Honda Big Red 250ES tomorrow, and the person I'm buying it from can't find the key, it needs a final drive shaft and swingarm bolts. Without the key I can't tell if it runs, is this a good buy?? (everything else is in good shape I'm pretty sure the fork isn't welded and as far as I can see everything else is fine. Does anyone know where I can find a 1986 Honda key switch?

[chuckiedog04]

ebay. would work

[muthey]

disconnect the key ignition and you should be able to start it. I won't pay good money for anything I cant start or don't know what the internal condition is, also remember if the motor is out and a bunch of parts in a bucket, no matter what they say it used to run like there is a reason it's in a bucket, just a thought for future reference.

[zackwhite]

u can still start it all u got to do is cut the wires off and use a scrow driver and it wood start and then wire the key back up later

[HondaClaw]

Well the engine is still attached so that's good, and yeah I assumed ebay would be the best place too look. I'm planning on restoring this to good trail ready condition as I am doing with my 88' 300 Fourtrax. Now I can't do anything that involves taking apart the engine but I can do almost anything else that needs to be done to restore the machine

[tri again]

Well the engine is still attached so that's good, and yeah I assumed ebay would be the best place too look. I'm planning on restoring this to good trail ready condition as I am doing with my 88' 300 Fourtrax. Now I can't do anything that involves taking apart the engine but I can do almost anything else that needs to be done to restore the machine

Hey there.
I have 2 b reds with all 4 ignition key wires hanging out in thin air not touching anything or each other.
so you do not need a battery or key to see if it's worth buying.
I bought them that way but those ignition switches simply UNplug so please don't cut the wires

It will kick start that way if the kill switch is on (not off)
so you can at least check for spark, hopefully hear it run etc.
Engine knocks, valve or timing chain noise/slapping, that kinda thing.

Any locksmith should be able to get you a key if you can see the number on the key cylinder.

Final drive shaft? It's got 2 'u' joints, like anything else but no grease fittings on them.
Just gear oil in the differential.
3 POINT 3 ounces so it's not very much and they do need every drop.

Check the gear oil in the differential. 17mm wrench
If it looks like chocolate milk or there is None, you'll have a lot of work to do.
Swing arm bearings? I mean bolts?
I bet they mean bearings.
They look like regular tapered wheel bearings and are possible but not real fun to change.
See if the whole trike rocks side to side with slop where the swing arm meets the frame.

Check for spark, hopefully get it to run, and ultimately get it to run thru all the gears,
see if it shifts, don't worry about the brakes., they are not the deal breaker, but everything else surely can be.
If it looks really sad, get it cheap and buy another one.85 thru 87 parts mostly interchange.
and the sx models are real similar engine/drivetrain wise.

They are the ultimate Dream machine and worth whatever you have to put into them.

There seems to be a sweet place when a trike looks like it needs too much for parts and $$,
another one comes along cheap enough make one or the other work out great.
I seem to get them for 2-300 each, a day or 2 of clean up fix it work, very little parts $
and on and on it goes. I think I'm up to 7 or 8 running 1985+ models with no real reason to stop.
Sell one and buy 2 more.

Look at the prices for them in Canada.

Good luck and let us know what you find.
You got a camera?

[muthey]

Just like I said disconnect the wires no need to cut there are plugs you may have to unwrap some tape, but you'll kick yourself later if you cut wires

[tri again]

Just like I said disconnect the wires no need to cut there are plugs you may have to unwrap some tape, but you'll kick yourself later if you cut wires

X2 for sure.
Just unplug.
Thanks muthey

[dougspcs]

I'm new here, and I'm going to buy a 1986 Honda Big Red 250ES tomorrow, and the person I'm buying it from can't find the key, it needs a final drive shaft and swingarm bolts. Without the key I can't tell if it runs, is this a good buy?? (everything else is in good shape I'm pretty sure the fork isn't welded and as far as I can see everything else is fine. Does anyone know where I can find a 1986 Honda key switch?

Without telling us what you are paying how can we tell you 'is this a good buy'? You left the most important part out..

Anyway to recap. Not running(no key) hope that's all with engine and trans., driveshaft..you sure it isn't rear differential??, and swingarm bolts..

If you said $200, I'd back the truck up and help you load her up. You can always resell for parts and get your money.

But if the guy is hitting you for say $750 with that many variables..maybe not. And most important, is in good condition? Plastic all beat, tank all full of rust, tires look ok, brakes?? but you can't check that until you ride, seat, lights other parts missing..

Once you have seen a few of these you can kinda do a mental tally of the dollars might take to get her running the way you want..then add that to what you paid. Is it still a good deal?

You left us hanging way out with no information..could be a steal, maybe a money pit.

The ignition is easy, as the guys said..either hotwire or go to the dealer and buy a new ignition/key assy. I just got one for my 250sx OEM for $70..

I got my 1st 350x for $1300, others from Ontario thought I stole it!! But nearly $1400 later..plastic, seat, tires, rims, tank paint...not a steal anymore. But at least it's how I want it..so still a good deal.

Not trying to bust your b@lls, just help!!

[HondaClaw]

I'm paying about $140 and yeah I'll do all that and I will not cut the ignition wires (whoever owned my 300 before me did that I bought a whole new ignition switch) Yeah I will check the gear oil. And I'll get some pics up! Thanks guys!

[dougspcs]

At $140 you're stealing it from him..I would. But why so cheap?? Is he hiding the fact the engine is toast??

Either way if it turns out to have much more wrong..resell it and get your money back.

Back the truck up!!

[HondaClaw]

I ended up getting it for $120 since he didn't have the key. My uncle (who is very pessimistic when it comes to old wheelers) has doubts but he also had doubts about my 300 which still runs like a champ!
Alright now if I can only get some pictures up!

[gomer202]

ya lets see some pics of this thing

[muthey]

did you try and kick it over, is the motor moving freely?

[dougspcs]

$120..you criminal. How do you sleep at night?