What do you think it's worth? And what can I do to make it worth more? PICS

[jasonb01]

I am lightly debating on selling my 1987 Big Red. I use it to work on my property alot and it's gonna end up getting trashed over time. A 4 wheeler would be more practical. I just have always wanted a Big Red and I know I'll never find another around here that is clean. Everything in Louisiana is trashed.
Anyway, here she is. Everything works perfect. Brakes and all. Has 4 month old Yuasa battery/$80, Brand New OHTSU Pro Am tires. Just like what came on it. Hard to find and discontinued. Everything is all original but battery, tires, and headlight guard. I know I need to recover the seat. Need to get with the Mosh's on that. What can I do about the dingy looking motor and rear differential? It's like it's oxidized or something. What can I do to it without spending a ton that would make it worth more? There is NO touch up paint anywhere. The rack has a few rust specks on it and the heat shield on the muffler could use paint. Would painting that make it worth more?
If I do decide to sell it, eBay would probably bring the most $ right?
So whatcha think I could get after I recover the seat? Are the 87's worth more?
95% chance I'm never selling it, but I would like to make the engine look fresher.
I still have my SX to play around with if I do sell it. The SX is actually more fun to ride, but the ES is great for working.
Thanks!

[Somekindofjerk]

If that is an 87 dont even start to think about selling it!

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/87ATCs.shtml

[jasonb01]

It is an 87! I about chit when I walked up on it behind an old hunting camp last year. Had been sitting under an overhang for years. I got it from the original owner.
Oh, it has the manual and everything in the tool box.

I know, I just need to keep it. Damn thing runs beyond perfect. No noises, no smoke. Just perfect. I just don't want to trash it, but I need to have something to pull my trailer with and work around my 5 acres with.

BTW, there are 1 or 2 88's out there overseas.

Are these 87 Big Reds pretty rare? Seems all I see are 85's.

[Huffa]

That's in nice shape Jason, just needs some good clean up, a few odds and ends and it will be a 10 for sure.

I imagine once done, between 1500 and 2000 maybe but don't sell it, im my eyes I'd rtaher have a nice old trike then a newer quad, get more comments about it, ya know ?

Anyways, here is an engine I cleaned up (all the info you need) that was in far worse shape then that and to me, your engine/differential is a piece of cake to bring back to like new condition again.

The bolts in the diff, just take out and wire wheel each one and you shock looks dull too, clean that baby up, will look so much nicer !

http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/s...ad.php?t=64999

[bigreddaddy]

Not everything in LA is trashed man. But most of the ATC's here are well used like they are supposed to be. After all we are in the Sportsmans Paradise! What exactly are you wanting to get out of it if you sell it? There were two '87 250es big reds for sale about a week ago in B.R. for very outrages prices.
I bought my '85 250es for $250 not running and in very poor shape, but after a lot of work she runs like a champ and looks almost as good as yours. Of course I could make it look mint if I wanted to but I would rather ride it and get it dirty than make it look like it is brand spanking new and not ride it for fear of messing something up.
I guess you need to decide what you want to do with it. I mean you can put a lot of money into any trike and make it look like its never been ridden. Just my opinion.

[badasskfx]

put a seat cover on it and its perfect in my eyes. change the dif fluid that stuff turns to mud over time. then enjoy it for the next twenty years and pass it on to your kids/grandkids. not sure how old you are.

[dumdum9599]

you should definatly keep it those things are the toughest machins i have ever seen and work hard no matter how old they get. my grandfather owend one that he got from the original owner never did anything to it cept weld the axle once. and he used it to haul wood every summer and for fun in the winter. it still runs today and now my uncle owens it. so in my opinion keep it.

[jasonb01]

Thanks for the replies guys. That engine you did came out good Huffa. I wanna try that. I need to get a Dremel.
I am keeping it for now. My wife even wants me to keep it. I know I'd regret it if I sold it.

[Huffa]

Thanks for the replies guys. That engine you did came out good Huffa. I wanna try that. I need to get a Dremel.
I am keeping it for now. My wife even wants me to keep it. I know I'd regret it if I sold it.

I know you would too

Came out good ? I think you meant fantastic

[The Goat]

i personally wouldn't sell that jason. if you want a seat cover, i can order you one. no shipping charges as you live a whole 20 minutes from me if that.

ps...if you check the advocate...big reds like that go for A LOT! (1500-2500) but don't ever sell it. if you want a seat cover, i'll even deliver it to you.

[wizzard]

Don't sell that bike man. Living near you also, I know that it's HARD to find anything decent anymore.

[hublake]

I have an 85 BR and have used it for years in the woods at my place hauling firewood. I have a trailer I use in the woods that has a 4' by 6' bed and I can load it about 2' high with oak and have no problem pulling it. It is very hilly where I am and it pulls alot better than my 250 honda recon. You can't beat a big red for work like that. Keep it!!!!

[Rustytinhorn]

I think something that would help the Big Red hold its value, is when you replace the seat cover, make sure it has the HONDA wording on it just as the oem cover would.
That Big Red is in great condition.