Need Your Opinions, OTC Chime In Too!

[ProCarbine2k1]

Well guys, since Im giving nationals a wing next year in TT on the quad, I think Im going to build a trike for some local mx races (faircross, sunset, smith rd). Do you guys think I should just tweak my 86 a little bit to make it a mx bike (tires, wheels, axle) or should I sell it and get another 83-85? I think I could get a decent penny out of my 86 if I were to sell it (not perfect but a VERY VERY nice machine).
- The benefits of the 83-85 are the readily available parts (used on ebay and some new aftermarket) compared to the almost non existent parts of the 86.
- Jeff S.

[RedRider_AK]

I don't think the 200X will make a very good MX bike unless you do a LOT of work to it. I'd get a beater 250R and work that up to be your MX bike.

[ProCarbine2k1]

Its got to be a 200x, something special about those to me. From what Ive seen, I might not be able to always be out front, but definitely think I could hang with everyone on the X. BTW, Im not past doing a little motor work, just not to where Im rebuilding every 10 hrs... Pretty much something I would have fun on and enjoy some time at Smith Road and some other races the trikers hit up.

[RedRider_AK]

Well some simple tips to set your machine up for MX:

- Lowered forks and rear end, preferably with a nice shock in the back and some progressive springs up front.

- Widened axle (not spacers)

- Plenty of power (via simple mods [air filter, exhaust, carb mods, porting and polishing] and expensive ones [cam, valves, big bore, engine swap])

[ProCarbine2k1]

Ive got down what I would do to either one, I just wonder if I would be better off attempting to mx the 86, or stick with a more common year primarily for parts availablity (also handling though, 86-87's werent raced like the previous years).

[TwoHundredEx]

I'd go with the 83-85 model, because of the reasons you listed.
Readily available parts, and I prefer the look of those years too.
But, you will be losing power right off the bat, since those years were a little lower on HP than your '86.
Now even though I have an '83, I've never ridden it when it was stock, nor have I ridden an '86-87, so I can't tell if you if its a huge power difference between the two, but I've read that it's noticeable.

[Derrick Adams]

I would absolutely NOT use the 83-85 200X if I already had the 86. Much better frame design on the 86, not to mention suspension and power output. We've had another guy run his 86X with us and do just fine staying with the pack. His bike is built pretty stout though. The only thing I would suggest is researching a fork swap to the 85-86 R forks. The little forks flex ALOT unless you weigh 100lb.

Can't wait to see you hit the track on your X!

[Mosh]

I completely agree with Derrick.The 86 would be much better than the 1st gen 200x for racing.
The whole swingarm chain adjustment thing alone on the old ones would be enough reason to stay away.Start jumping them things hard alot and I can see the chain getting loose halfway threw a moto.
I understand parts are hard to find for those 86's.But I know where one is for sale here in Ohio for 500 bucks.It is complete and runs.It needs rebuilt,it smokes,but for that price, you have a spare parts machine to last you a while.Or rebuild it and race it,keep your mint one nice.

[torker]

I completely agree with Derrick.The 86 would be much better than the 1st gen 200x for racing.
The whole swingarm chain adjustment thing alone on the old ones would be enough reason to stay away.Start jumping them things hard alot and I can see the chain getting loose halfway threw a moto.
I understand parts are hard to find for those 86's.But I know where one is for sale here in Ohio for 500 bucks.It is complete and runs.It needs rebuilt,it smokes,but for that price, you have a spare parts machine to last you a while.Or rebuild it and race it,keep your mint one nice.

I think that would be the best option. Just like Moshman said. I don't know about your budget, but since you need to re-work and tweek your machine anyway (there's no way you'll moto-x a stock 200X as it is competitively) get a cheap one change the suspension for the best one you can afford, make it as wide as you can, tires and wheels and do a little engine work. It does not take a lot for the 200's to be competitive. New upgraded piston (It should not be too high on compression) maybe 11:7.1 or so, nice camshaft (if still availale) and some port work. Of course you need a header and good carb.
Give everyone on you're area a surprise and beat the crap out of some of them with a 200X. Go ahead,

TORKER.

[Dirtcrasher]

I don't want to hurt anyones feelings, but the 83-85 200X isn't even in the same ballpark as the 86/87 200X. Honda redesigned just about everything besides the brake calipers. It shifts better, handles better, has a much tighter valve and cam train, better suspension in the rear, ease of chain adjustment and lots more I just haven't mentioned.

This year 200X feels like a 250R in terms of handling. One of us someday has to figure out how to get the most out of it's powerplant. I'm not talking just an HC piston and a Webcam, I'm talking machining the head for larger valves, stroking it and using a huge carb on it. TC did it, Curtis Sparks did it and we have to fihure out how to do it. I cannot say enough good things about the 86/87 200X. And as long as you are patient, every single 86/87 200X part is around there somewhere.

[Old 179]

If memory serves me right, Curtis Sparks did not run nothing from the 86 engine area or frame. In 86 he ran his 85 set up for what ever his reason was.

Old 179

[ProCarbine2k1]

A lot of good stuff in this thread!!! I think youve got a good point derrick and torker, my biggest concern was not which was a better machine (Ive had both, and Im with you dirtcrasher), but whether or not the parts availability would make the decision.
I think if I really needed something I could probably find it soon enough on fleabay or the boards... 86x it is!!!