1983 trail buddy trade for 1985 250ES

[HamboneKS]

Well, I traded the 83 trail buddy for this big red. It starts good, runs good.... but the list of problems is long I'm afraid. Epoxy repairs on gas tank rust, bet up front rack, fork seals and boots shot, tires shot, breaks seem mostly there but not working, no battery, rear plastics shot, side covers cracked, shifter welded on (WTF!!!!) , rear storage bin has holes but repairable, homemade seat cover, tail lights are toast.

I'm only in for about $200, so I don't feel too bad considering it seems mechanically sound.

Just thought I'd share!

[HamboneKS]

Holy crap Ebay is out of control. $750 for plastics, $500 for a gas tank. i guess there are rich idiots out there who can pay it, but i had to put an add on craigslist for parts.

i couldn't find any threads on interchangeable parts, but i'm assuming there are quads that the 250ES shares some parts with?

[YBW]

Yeah I'm with you. That's why I decided to just solder mine and use Kydex for a new side cover. Just going out on a limb but your fenders look like they might be a bit too far gone to patch...

[HamboneKS]

That's an understatement. Although, I saw this brilliant idea for fabricated fenders today!!!

[YBW]

I though of a slightly (and I mean very slightly) less redneck idea of cutting an "H" out of a 55 gallon water barrel. Seems like it would come close fitting right?

[HamboneKS]

I bid these up to $75. Not sure about fiberglass fenders, but maybe a bargain?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/272446723214

[YBW]

Oh nice! Yeah I would think they may be more rigid and prone to cracking than the polypropylene OEMs. Also you would have to call it Big Black unless you paint them. Good price though!

[Ghostv2]

I think you made out on this deal. I mean the alt50's are rare but I'd rather a big red any day. Even with all those problems. Which honestly, are easy fixes unless you wanna make it a garage queen.

Fix the tank, fix the breaks, throw some gas in it and have some fun. And yes fiberglass fenders will work great. I'd rather them on a big red anyways. Yes they will crack easier in a roll over because they don't flex as much as plastic but I can repair fiberglass fenders 30 times and you'd never even be able to tell the difference. Plus you can buy all you need to repair them at Walmart. Think about it though, you have that big rack which protects the fenders in a roll over. You aren't doing anything crazy on a big red. I don't see you having much problems with fiberglass. You can paint them easier than plastic. They will last forever and not dry out and spiderweb like 30 year old plastic. I still have US90 fenders from the 70's that are in great shape. No sag, no fading. Racers use low profile fiberglass fenders on their trikes. I can go on and on about the positives of fiberglass, don't underestimate it.

[Aulbaugh]

I'd say you did alright for $200. Like Ghostv2 said alot of the issues listed are not really major problems that couldn't be fixed and then enjoyed. If its running great your already doing good. They have plastic tanks you could look into. Keep us updated on how or what direction you go.

[Chopsaw]

Mine was worse off than that . Into it for $150 , and spent under $900 to make it what it is .