200X or 250R?

[B-1B]

So, I'm kind of at a crossroads here. I've come across an '85 250R and an '86 200X. Each one has endured many years of being ridden hard and put out wet. Each owner is asking about the same price, and I know rebuilding either one will be a pretty major undertaking. Personally I'm kinda leaning toward the 200X, but if you were in my shoes, which one would you want to rebuild?

[*ATC*]

I'd go for the r, if the x was 83-85 would jump on that but 86 I don't know. go for the r there eazy to rebuild.

[hatc200x1]

I would take the 85 250r over any trike out there. Parts are SO easy to find. The aftermarket support is HUGE. It is also mechanically much easier to rebuild a 2 stroke then a 4 stroke. A liquid cooled 250r is also way faster then a 200x, and has much better suspension. The 85 250r is also worth a lot more then a 200x.

liquid cooled 250r ALL THE WAY

[YTZ drew]

250R, no doubt. The 86 200X is definitely rarer than the 83-85, but its an expensive engine to rebuild with far worse parts availability. I've never ridden a 250R, but I have ridden an 86 200X, they're decent, but I guarantee the 250R would beat it in every way possible.

[onformula1]

You are in Alaska, what type of riding do you do?
I am thinking a 200x may be the best for woods riding (I have never been to Alaska, but I don't think you have any dunes)
The 200x is very tough to beat in tight trail riding.
The Yamaha 225 is also great!

[RIDE-RED 250r]

The 3rd gen 250r is without a doubt one of the best ATC's ever made. It's high spirited attitude is still competitive with modern race quads available today. And as said before, the aftermarket support that still exists for it is unparalleled thanks to the still strong fan base for the TRX250r. But they are still a money pit in their own right...My opinion: If the R has one weak area it would be slow woods/mud riding. They do not have thermostatically controlled fans behind the rads that will kick on when the engine starts to run a little hot in slow trail situations like modern water cooled atv's. Negotiating a technical trail at low speed on a hot summer day can get a little dicey in this area, especially if you are running a big bore. They are happiest when you can keep the ground speed up enough to keep the wind flowing through the rads. This is a FACT I have experienced personally. But, if you want high performance in every category, go for the R.

Having said that, it is my opinion that there is no better machine made on 3 or 4 wheels for all-round fun factor than the 2nd gen 200x (86-87), especially in the woods. They are small, nimble, and fairly quick for a little 200. Granted, parts are much less abundant and a full rebuild will take time and $$$, especially for engine parts. But that being the case, a nice 2nd gen 200x would be an extremely rewarding ATC to rebuild and refresh. I have seen Dirtcrashers rabid modded 2nd gen 200x run in person, it runs like a scalded dog! It has had extensive mods done to the engine by Mickey Dunlap and himself. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have a 200x like DC's! The next trike I acquire will be a 2nd gen 200x hands down, bar none.

I have had many hours in the saddle of both the 2nd gen 200x and 3rd gen R's... (own a pair of 85's currently)..Drawing from my personal experience, it is my opinion that you should base your selection on the type of riding you primarily plan to engage in.

[gottybear]

Well if you want something that is much better for trail riding then go with the 200x. If you want something with more giddy up then go with the 250r. Something else to consider, those 250r parts are not rare what so ever. Much easier to find new parts for the 250r compared to the 200x. The 200x would also get better gas mileage. Trail rider, go with the 200x; excellent dune rider/rocket go with the 250r.

[JesseA420]

why is a slower 4 stroke 3 wheeler more fun to trail ride than a way faster just as nimble 2 stroke 3 wheeler @.@ i have both, 200x does not even compare to a 250r in any way.

get the 250r and never look back.

[Samjp22]

just buy them both, then you can get one into riding condition and bring the other back to its glory

[RIDE-RED 250r]

why is a slower 4 stroke 3 wheeler more fun to trail ride than a way faster just as nimble 2 stroke 3 wheeler @.@ i have both, 200x does not even compare to a 250r in any way.

get the 250r and never look back.

My opinion based on my experience. I don't find either a standard R or a big bore R to be as much fun or as well suited to back 40 goat trails as a 200x.

I'm not talking about fast trails, I am talking about narrow goat trails that you would seldom have the opportunity to even get to see 2nd gear on an R with.

[tri again]

just buy them both, then you can get one into riding condition and bring the other back to its glory

I'll have to agree.
If they both run? try them both out.
I love walking speed on rough trails, maybe a little more and the
4 stroke sound is a bit more conducive to wildlife, but then again, the locals
are used to snowmachines.

I agree, get 'em both, you will never lose $ on them the way things are going.
Just keep 'em locked up and don't let anyone borrow them.

Good luck in your decision.
This site is definitely more than a tech support site for a lot of us.

[Crazyktmmatt]

I bought a 200x earlier this year, Im already bored with it. Its a fun bike and all, but I want a lil more power in the upper gears.

Looks like I need a 350x or a 250r.

You would be better off to buy both. Best of both worlds then . Have a trail machine and go fast one.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

I bought a 200x earlier this year, Im already bored with it. Its a fun bike and all, but I want a lil more power in the upper gears.

Looks like I need a 350x or a 250r.

You would be better off to buy both. Best of both worlds then . Have a trail machine and go fast one.

Thats the ticket right there!! And I know it's true, I play by those same rules.

[Crazyktmmatt]

Thats the ticket right there!! And I know it's true, I play by those same rules.

Just be careful when one 70 becomes 4 and then a big red, then red becomes 200x, and then another 200x to sit next to it and then a yt175 and then looking for more..............


In less then a year no less. LOL !!!

[atcryder250]

If you can only afford to buy one bike I'd go with the 85 250R. I've bought and sold a lot of bikes over the years but never once thought of letting go of my 85. They are well rounded machines and will perform well in most riding conditions. As others have stated parts are plentiful and repairs are simple. I find if you buy something smaller like a 200x you just end up dumping more money in it to make it perform like the 250R.