how to tell what year hub sprocket I have on 85 r

[Red Rider]

Why is it you can run a trx 250r axle on a 86 but cant on an 85........their not the same. Thats why. So Mike and red rider, whats your take on that?

Poco, you can use a TRX 250R axle in an '85 250R, and here is why. I hope this explanation adds some clarity for you: As Mr. Clean stated, the axle bearings are the same, so we know the axles will fit. Since the carriers are different, the axles have different sprocket hubs pressed onto them. The '86 sprocket hub has more offset to clear the wider carrier, so:

You cannot use an '85 axle in an '86-89 carrier because the sprocket hub will hit the carrier, due to less offset in the hub.

But, you can use an '86-89 axle in the '85 carrier as long as you use the '86-89 style sprocket and mounting bolts.

It's confusing I know. It seems if the 86 works on the 85, then the 85 should work on the 86, but it doesn't, and it's all because of the different offsets in the sprocket hubs.

[Poco Loco]

Poco, you can use a TRX 250R axle in an '85 250R, and here is why. I hope this explanation adds some clarity for you: As Mr. Clean stated, the axle bearings are the same, so we know the axles will fit. Since the carriers are different, the axles have different sprocket hubs pressed onto them. The '86 sprocket hub has more offset to clear the wider carrier, so:

You cannot use an '85 axle in an '86-89 carrier because the sprocket hub will hit the carrier, due to less offset in the hub.

But, you can use an '86-89 axle in the '85 carrier as long as you use the '86-89 style sprocket and mounting bolts.

It's confusing I know. It seems if the 86 works on the 85, then the 85 should work on the 86, but it doesn't, and it's all because of the different offsets in the sprocket hubs.

So modifications are needed,thats what I thought. Turn the 86 axle into an 85 then it slides in just like you said. I knew you couldnt just slide it in and go. I guess a cr 500 engine will work in an 85 also. Just gotta do the mods...lol

[Red Rider]

So modifications are needed,thats what I thought. Turn the 86 axle into an 85 then it slides in just like you said. I knew you couldnt just slide it in and go. I guess a cr 500 engine will work in an 85 also. Just gotta do the mods...lol

Well, if you consider taking a stock (or aftermarket) '86-89 axle, sliding it into an '85 carrier, and then using an '86-89 style sprocket and mounting hardware a "modification", then yes, "modifications" are necessary.

Try rereading my previous post, but this time pay attention, and you'll find that I never say, nor imply, that anything needs to be modified.

[Poco Loco]

Dude, try reading my 1st post....alls I said is you cant use an 86 axle in an 85 carrier. ..Its a Fact....It dont work without modifiying it. Then you guys tried to correct me. It dont work. Plain and simple. ...Now Im off to watch some paint dry. C-Ya

[The_Steve_Man]

If having to use an 86 sprocket on an 86 axle in an 85 carrier is a modification, then yes it needs modified.

[The_Steve_Man]

A 400ex axle will as well. But it needs a spacer (1/4") between the bearing and sprocket hub.

[Poco Loco]

Its a matter of pressing the factory pressed on hub. Honda sells the axle and hub a an assembly. The casual rider wrench turner doesnt have a press to change out hubs. There are differances, not to tough to overcome them though. My point was, you cant just interchange the 2 years of axles.

[Red Rider]

Its a matter of pressing the factory pressed on hub. Honda sells the axle and hub a an assembly. The casual rider wrench turner doesnt have a press to change out hubs. There are differances, not to tough to overcome them though. My point was, you cant just interchange the 2 years of axles.

I don't know how to explain it any simpler for you, but you don't need to press off & on any sprocket hubs. I give up.

[Samjp22]

hahahaha I think you made it simple enough red, cleared up everything I was curious about

[Poco Loco]

Well I went out to the shop and grabbed a 86 swinger and 85 axle...here it is. The hub grinds the carrier. I cant make this any clearer. You getting this Samjp22? Hee hee.

[Samjp22]

I didn't say I was confused???

All explained here by Red
You cannot use an '85 axle in an '86-89 carrier because the sprocket hub will hit the carrier, due to less offset in the hub.

But, you can use an '86-89 axle in the '85 carrier as long as you use the '86-89 style sprocket and mounting bolts.

I was just curious because lonestar says to use an 86 and up sprocket and bolts on my 85. And now I know why

[The_Steve_Man]

Poco do you have an 86 axle and 85 carrier? If you do, try it.

[Poco Loco]

Poco do you have an 86 axle and 85 carrier? If you do, try it.

Ya I have them all but the 85 carrier has a 85 durablue installed in it. Something tells me that if i put the 86 axle into the 85 carrier the sprocket will be out of alingement the width of the sprocket. You know the point i was trying to make was these things arent interchangeable without mods. then things got all kookie. Maybe i will look into this further when I get time and see what other things that pop up.

[Samjp22]

yeah all the more information the merrier! who knows maybe some more honda axles can interchange with slight mods

[Poco Loco]

Steve man, thanks for posting those pics on the "Carrier" thread. It totally backs up my suspicions. Yep the sprocket will be way offset to the left if you run the 86 axle in the 85 carrier. So I wasnt off base. their not compatable. I guess if you dont care how far you sprocket is out of center then its all good.