1985 to 1987 200x

[ProCarbine2k1]

In the next few weeks I should be selling my 85x and hopefully purchase the 87 I had posted pics of a while back. For you guys that have HAD both, which did you like better and why? Also include your size.. I know that there are practically no parts that interchange between the 85 and 87, the 86-87 has 6 gears and a little higher displacement but other than that I would really like to hear from you guys that have had both and which machine you liked better...
I have had a lot of fun riding and working on my 85, but I just got in this wild mood to try something different. If I do make the purchase on the 87, I am probably going to keep it pretty close to stock, but maybe run a 20 inch rear with maybe an r axle, and exhaust but thats about it... I will definitely try to keep you guys posted on the sale...

[edog]

There is alot more you can do with the 83 to 85 200X as far as perfomance.It all comes down to personal Opinion.

The parts for the 86 87 are getting harder to find,and parts are becoming discontinued.

The 83 to 85 has plenty of parts out there.

[ProCarbine2k1]

I know there is a lot more for the 85, but if parts were readily available for each machine, I would like to know which machine would be the top pick (among riders/racers that have owned or ridden both)... Im not unhappy with my 85, I just felt like it was time for something new...

[350xBomb]

I like the 87 just for the rarity...but that doesnt make it a very good daily rider.

[random-strike]

i always thought my 200x needed another gear

[200xman]

I'm 6'4" and the 86 I have feels a lot better than my 85. The suspension is better too. The hardest parts to find for the 86-87s seem to be good headlights and kickers. Maier still makes fenders and a lot of the other parts are still available from Honda.

[edog]

i always thought my 200x needed another gear

I think we all needed an extra gear at one time or another no matter what we were riding..

[ProCarbine2k1]

any other fellers out there that have made the transition from an 83-85 to an 86-87 that could give me some feedback between the two machines?

[Kryten]

I own both an '85 and '86 200X. I had the '85 first, but once I got the '86, I was hooked. The engine is not a huge upgrade, but definately better especially with the 6-speed transmission. The '86-'87 200Xs have more of an aggressive look in my opinion, the way all the new sport quads try to have. Suspension wise, the '86-'87 have a bit of an edge too. As far as ergonomics go, both are comfortable and I don't feel cramped on either at 6'3".

[Erics350x]

i've owned em all and the 87 is far better in every way. its more reliable , faster, better looking, and rides alot better.

[knsmodels]

I had an 86 but my friends had an 84 and an 87 so I got to ride them all......the 86/87 where pretty tough to tell the difference when you where riding them but they definately had it over the 84 in suspension and speed......Dont know why but my 86 was always easier to start than the 87....the 86/87 where great jumpers also........Good luck.....

[200x350xtriz250]

I like my 86s and 87 more than the 84. looks, suspension, and 6th gear. I didn't see much of a power gain but it feels much faster on the 86/87. I mainly trail ride and play race - not much jumping. I'm 5'10'' 185 lbs.

[Jason T]

We own an 83' 200x and I have only had a brief experience with an 86'. As far as I could tell in a straight line there wasn't a lot to pick between them. However I constantly bottom out the 83', but the 86' I had no problems.
The engine in the 86' is far smoother, the clutch and gears are nicer to use as well. The brakes on the two are very similar, and they are both equally comfortable.
The 86 is just an all round better bike. Having said that they are both good fun and I would never sell our 83'.
The next 86'/87' that becomes available over here i'm buying

Jason

[Garage Boy 34]

I have 83 to 87 200xs. stock vs stock I will take the 86-87 first. But for making a full out racer 83-85...I was always told you can make more power out of those motors than the 86-87. I am sure you all heard of Curtis Sparks he would tell you for sure.

[brapp]

i have had 83- 84 and an 86 and 87 200x/s i love the chasis of the 86-87 handles leik a dream compared to the 1st gen but also the power of the 1st gen is vastky more capable and the 83 will walk allover the 86-87 with the 6th gear tranny from a xr200 like the one my cousina nd i build a few years ago and he walked allover my 86200, but ther eis things you can do to help them rev faster