85 250R Headlight vs. 86 250R Headlight

[350Kris]

I'm going to buy a new OEM headlight shell. I've been looking at the 85 and 86.....why did Honda change the design for 86? Was the 85 designed wrong or were they just changing the look? I like the look of the 85 better.

[Red Rider]

I don't think the 85 shell was defective at all. I believe you are correct in your assumption that Honda only changed it as a styling difference. Be careful though, because the headlight lenses themselves were changed from 85 to 86 also. The 86 headlight lense is larger than an 85, so you'd need to purchase the appropriate shell to fit it.

[freaksfix]

i read in an old 3&4 wheel action, that the 85 was desinged to deliver the most possible air to the rads. but i like the looks of the 86 better