Scored a cheap '85 Odyssey on Craigslist

[MojaveRider]

During my daily Craigslist browsing I found an ad for an '85 Odyssey in town. Ad said it ran great but it was short on details. I disappear from work and go look at it, and it's not too bad. Runs and drives, but electric start isn't working, and it's badly sun faded. Rear fenders are gone, front fenders/foot area/seat are badly sun damaged. It has Works brand shocks on 3 corners, but what looks to be an OE shock on the RR, and an aftermarket pipe. I bought it for $1000, which I thought was a pretty good deal. He said he had several other people ready go come look at it.

After getting it home it appears to be in pretty decent mechanical shape. The wiring issue is related to no power getting to ignition switch, but I didn't get any further than that. I'm going to get some better pictures this weekend when the rain stops.

odyssey-2.jpg

odyssey-1.jpg

[Ghostv2]

Its a 350 right? I always wanted one but they can get expensive. Especially the 350's. How much gas does that tank hold?

[MojaveRider]

Its a 350 right? I always wanted one but they can get expensive. Especially the 350's. How much gas does that tank hold?

Yes, the '85 is the 350cc with the front and rear suspension. According to Wikipedia the tank holds 3.1 gallons of premix with a .7 gal reserve.

I didn't know this before buying it but apparently there was a recall for engine overheating for the '85, and a different cylinder was installed that dropped the displacement down to 329cc. I believe mine had the recall done.

[tri again]

That looks crazy fun.
I wonder why they made them.
Psycho roll over dunes machine?
Were they ever raced?
I guess with a 350 - 2 stroke, they almost had to be for something special.
Did they have any competition?
Were there any 4 stroke models like a utility type?

Just asking as my neighbor has one for sale and I just never looked into it.

[MojaveRider]

That looks crazy fun.
I wonder why they made them.
Psycho roll over dunes machine?
Were they ever raced?
I guess with a 350 - 2 stroke, they almost had to be for something special.
Did they have any competition?
Were there any 4 stroke models like a utility type?

Just asking as my neighbor has one for sale and I just never looked into it.

Honda made these in some form for quite a while:
76-84: 250cc air cooled 2 stroke, front suspension only, pull start no reverse
85: 350cc air cooled 2 stroke, front and rear suspension, electric start with reverse
89: 400cc liquid cooled 2 stroke, longer travel front and rear suspension, electric start with reverse

I would assume they were raced at some point. Honda never made a 4 stroke utility one.

[Ghostv2]

WOW, i need to find myself a '89. I was kinda looking for a nice smaller 2 seater go-kart/buggy for me and the lady to ride. Most of them are not really gonna make it in the mountains here. If the fl350 or 400 was a 2 seater it would be a dream.

[MojaveRider]

WOW, i need to find myself a '89. I was kinda looking for a nice smaller 2 seater go-kart/buggy for me and the lady to ride. Most of them are not really gonna make it in the mountains here. If the fl350 or 400 was a 2 seater it would be a dream.

The '89's were renamed to Pilot. They are somewhat rare and demand a premium.

[Rider414]

My neighbor growing up had a 350 FL Odyssey. We use ride that thing all day all summer.

Super fun buggy - I would love to have one.

[rg97]

If I remeber right the liquid ones had trouble with overheating

[jb2wheels]

Nice find - good price too!

[6speedthumper]

Damn you are a super lucky SOB!!! I've been wanting either the 350 Odyssey or 400 Pilot. Actually, my Yamaha dealer has an 85 350 for sale! And, super clean! Near new tires, aftermarket exhaust, sweet fenders and seat... BUT... $4000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MojaveRider]

Damn you are a super lucky SOB!!! I've been wanting either the 350 Odyssey or 400 Pilot. Actually, my Yamaha dealer has an 85 350 for sale! And, super clean! Near new tires, aftermarket exhaust, sweet fenders and seat... BUT... $4000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really nice ones seem to demand quite the premium. This one is far from super clean, but hopefully it will work out to be a nice runner.

I think I've got the front brakes working. The shaft connected to the front brake lever was all corroded in the steering wheel. After cleaning it up and applying some grease it works smoothly. The brake fluid looks way better than I expected: clear, not all gummed up. I still need to inspect inside the front drums. The rear disc works, but the parking brake is gummed up. Hopefully some cleaning will get it working too.

[RDH/86200X]

What would a nice fl250 go for. Just a ball park.

[MojaveRider]

What would a nice fl250 go for. Just a ball park.

That's a good question. There is a really clean and original FL250 near me that has been for sale for some time for $1800. I'd guess $500-1000 for a running one.

[JasonB]

im jealous!!! looks like a solid runner, i want one real bad