1985 350X pros and cons

[TrikerR]

hay fellas,
i may be aquiring a 350x and was just wondering what you guys think of them, problems, good things and what they compare to.

[MO350X]

I love my '85 to death.

Why?

• EASY to work on

• EASY to get parts for (unless you're going nuts and doing a full-restoration)

• SUPER-reliable

• has to be one of the most fuel-efficient trikes out there

• Fantastic trail bike with GOBS of low end and it'll idle all day long AND when you want some top-end fun, it's there in spades.

• Smooth ride and soft seat.

I love my 250R to death but the 350X is a MUCH more "relaxed" trail machine.

If the price is right and it isn't worn out, go for it.
You won't regret it.

BEWARE OF:

• Listen for valvetrain/timing chain noise! If the X has a lot of it, steer clear! Or plan on $$$/time.

• Check all bearings/bushings: swingarm can be a ROYAL pain to replace, axle carrier bearings are EASY as are front wheel (but figure that expense in).

• Check front forks for leaks (or dry?). Mine leaked horribly. A local shop did BOTH for me for $65, complete.

BADS?

• Personally, I don't know of any "bads".

• It's a VERY stable trike with a VERY controllable engine/drivetrain.

I'd think that it would be easy to sell, if you had to, with the HUGE popularity of high-performance 4 strokes these days (TRX450R, YFZ450, Z400, etc.).
I saw THREE 350X's at St. Joe yesterday!

I KNOW I'm forgetting something but those are the general items.
I hope this helps.
Sorry so long.

Good luck!

[350x'inNY]

Watch for cracked frames.... back around the rear where the seat/fender/tailight region and most importantly, around the frame at the rear of the motor.

2nd generation 86 350X's had extra gussets added to help with the frames.

Bruce

[clong]

Good points:
Provides most usable power in all gears at all rpms
Probably the most advanced 3 wheeler ever - 4 valve, auto compression release, oil cooler
Very good looking - have to love those dual headlights

Bad:
Rare parts on ebay can be expensive
Heavy to load in a truck (320lbs)
Needs 2 quarts of oil and a oil filter to change oil
Eat up drive train - chains and sprockets

[ClayW]

My 85 frame was broke at that spot too bruce. Just above where you left anxle would be while riding. Its been fixed though. I havent had it long enough to find any pros or cons. I love it though.

[Fox250R]

Actually,trying to start a 350X can be a pain for novice riders....

[clong]

I actually think my 350X is easier to start than my 200X. My 200X has a 12:1 piston though that can make it a beyothch to start. You have to get the compression stroke at the right spot.

[trikerider2oo7]

NO CONS! just pros...a 350x is the best bike ever made. but you have to tighten your hubs all the time because of the power!

[350x'inNY]

My 85 frame was broke at that spot too bruce. Just above where you left anxle would be while riding. Its been fixed though.

That's how I know the Showgirl has always been loved! It's one of the first 3000 off the production line in '85, and the frame is straight, no repair welds, and no cracks! The Go-Go's a 86, and its fine where you are talking about but the seat part/sub frame is cracked all to heckola ....

Bruce

[jenndnn3]

I had one as well no cracks, that is until my hubby got a hold of it. It is now there.

[ClayW]

My 350X cranks on the firts or second kick every time. Yesterday it got down to 35 and it still fired off first kick,.

[MO350X]

Good points:
Provides most usable power in all gears at all rpms
Probably the most advanced 3 wheeler ever - 4 valve, auto compression release, oil cooler
Very good looking - have to love those dual headlights

Bad:
Rare parts on ebay can be expensive
Heavy to load in a truck (320lbs)
Needs 2 quarts of oil and a oil filter to change oil
Eat up drive train - chains and sprockets

That statement about Ebay is SOOOOO true.
Amazing what people are getting for the more rare components.
I couldn't believe how much easier my R is to load than the 350X.
WOW! 30+ lbs. makes a HUGE difference.
Otherwise, oil filters, sprockets and chains are readily available.

That brings up the plastics:

• Buy one with the best plastic you possibly can!
  Factory Honda is awesome but ungodly expensive to buy nowadays.
  Maier is available but the fit/finish just isn't Honda.
  Don't say "Oh, I'll buy some good used Honda and restore it.....".
  It's amazing what people are getting for that stuff. $$$

You want this to be a fun experience, not a money pit.....if you can avoid it.

[ATC crazy]

Good points:
Provides most usable power in all gears at all rpms
Probably the most advanced 3 wheeler ever - 4 valve, auto compression release, oil cooler
Very good looking - have to love those dual headlights

Bad:
Rare parts on ebay can be expensive
Heavy to load in a truck (320lbs)
Needs 2 quarts of oil and a oil filter to change oil
Eat up drive train - chains and sprockets

320lbs is light compared to the sport quads today (or utility quads ) and the oil and oil filter are what you are going to find on any ATV (except for a few that used screens). But the 350X uses the same oil filter that most Honda's use...even today. The SX uses the same filter and I think my Foreman uses the same one also. Costs $3

Just be sure to check the mentioned frame problems and you should be set. Good luck

[markdb420]

I have a 85 frame that cracked right above where the right foot peg mounts, and the previous owner did a crappy welding job, it was not done properly and it caused the swingarm to be cockeyed. I got a late 86 frame and it too is cracked there, and is waiting to be welded properly.

I echo the comments about it watching engine noise, but otherwise the 350x is the favorite one of my 3 3wheelers to ride around the house. It is reliable and decent power!

[BIGCRIP28]

yeah the oil filters on it are interchangeable with a bunch of honda bikes.