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Thread: 85/86 Honda Big Reds...what did they change for 86??

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Temperanceville, VA
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    197

    85/86 Honda Big Reds...what did they change for 86??

    I have a 85 Big Red, A guy offered a 86 parts bike for cheap. Just wondering what parts I cant use off the 86. I know they did something with the carbs because of the cold start problems with the 85's. Basically what Im asking is would it be worth buying for parts for my 85. Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
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    3,415
    Any 250ES is worth buying..buy it for sure!

    As far as parts transfer is concerned most of the 86 will fit the 85.

    The rear brake assembly is quite different as they improved the water intrusion issue in the earlier design. Also the carb has an improved cold start jet system as you meantioned.

    I am sure that others will chime in with some of the other minor differences..
    Current toys..
    1986 Honda 350X..trail bomb!
    1985 Honda 250SX..my main mudder
    1985 Honda 250ES..Back in Black Trike
    Current non-trike toys:
    1990 Honda TRX300FW
    1995 Seadoo GTX
    1998 Polaris Indy Lite 340(Nearly new looking)
    1998 Polaris Touring 500
    1998 Club Car (electric)

  3. #3
    Howdy's Avatar
    Howdy is offline Putting Priorities in Order, Busier than ever. Catch me if you can
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Celina, Ohio
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    10,079
    The rear end is quite different. But if the motor runs and it's priced right you would be wise on getting it for parts. The 86 parts that don't fit could be sold to help pay for the machine.
    Howdy

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    connecticut
    --
    59
    The wiring is a bit different and I know the CDI units do not cross over (1985-one plug 1986-two plug). Snach up the parts machine and bolt the 1986 rear swingarm in your 85. The best 86 improvement is the in the rear diff and drive shaft design, the rest are "eh". I agree with the other guys...worth buying if you need a few things.

    Disclaimer: "I have a problem"...I may not be the best person to give advice on this topic. This is how I justify the shelves and shelves of rusty old parts in my garage
    Keepers:
    07 BRP
    86 big red "touring model"
    85 big red "tortured model"
    83 185s
    05 rincon
    04 rubicon
    other interests : 250sx's, z50's, BW80's, LT80's...Oh Yea the kids too

  5. #5
    honda4h's Avatar
    honda4h is offline At The Back Of The Pack Arm chair racerAt the back of the pack
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    ottawa ontario
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    361
    the wheels are different they have lug nut style

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    fingerlakesny
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    2,834
    and stickers, seat colors, helmet holder,
    our original 85 we bought new, 2 - 86 police specials
    250r dust runner
    04 Yamaha kodiaK 450 snowbuster ! Brute Force 750 dust collector .
    Bunch of es stuff I been buying for next builds....
    Gone but lives on in my aching body the mighty 350x collection . A Beat 85 es im gonna rebuild

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