Big Red History

[79stingman]

Hello, I am looking at buying a big red. I thought that 84 honda stopped chain drive on the Big Reds and switched to shaft drive and added reverse on all models. I came across a seller of 2 1984 Big Red's that had high/low but no reverse. Did honda make Big Reds with Reverse and no Reverse in the same year? What is the difference between 200E and 200ES?? Does S stand for Special


Thanks
Ryan

[thefox]

The 200E was made in 1982 and 1983, it is chain drive with high/low
The 200ES replaced it and was made in 1984 only; this trike has shaft drive and reverse.

Sounds like the seller is mistaken on the year.

[TravEX]

84 was solid rear too.

thefox is right, they had the wrong year

[ScottZJ]

In 84 there was a 200ES that was shaft driven with high and low gearing, reverse and electric start. Then next year 85-87 they came out with the bigger and better 250ES that was 250cc with NO high and low but had a serious low gearing to tractor around nicely.

Here is an 84 200ES


Here is a 250es big red (87)

[longbedGTs]

Scott, I will never get tired of seeing that 87. Truely the best example Ive seen!

[79stingman]

ScottZJ, Those are both very nice big reds. I figured that he must of had the wrong year but I wasnt sure.

[79stingman]

I am looking at buying a Honda 250 Big Red. The seller dosent know the year. I am looking for an PDF owners manual for any Big Red. I already have a PDF service and parts manual. I am still looking for any info I can get about Big Reds.

Thanks,
Ryan

[Havoxx]

In 84 there was a 200ES that was shaft driven with high and low gearing, reverse and electric start. Then next year 85-87 they came out with the bigger and better 250ES that was 250cc with NO high and low but had a serious low gearing to tractor around nicely.

Here is an 84 200ES


Here is a 250es big red (87)

Heh, yea the 84 is better for that if ya ask me, high and low , the 250 does have some nasty power though, I do agree on that :P.

[Threes company]

you can't go wrong with any year big red stingman, they are all workhorses....... as far as reverse goes the 85 86 models can't be beat... much easier to engage compared to the 84, imo. scott... those footguards on your 87, are those hondaline? veeeeeery nice machine

[ScottZJ]

Thanks guys on the 87 but I think i will sell her as I need more riders and dont need garage queens. But the brush guard was actually made by an aftermarket company in the late 80's. I believe they made them for most hondas and the yammer hauler.

[79stingman]

I'm also looking for any info I can get about the 250SX. I found one at an auction this Saturday and I might go and buy it if the Big Red is already sold. Thanks for all the replies.

[ScottZJ]

The SX, is pretty much the big red without racks, better suspension and higher gearing. There are a few other things different like tire size, key panel and headlight.

[79stingman]

I GOT ONE!!! I got a Big Red! Its a 250, the seller dosent know the year, but it is 250 and has reverse. I will pick it up tomorow. It needs a new battery, new tires, and new fenders, so if anyone knows where to get cheap tires or a battery let me know!!

[ScottZJ]

Well if you arent interested in having the Big red mint or perfect, then you can do what I did. Instead of paying 50-60 for the battery that fits, you can get longer battery cables and a larger tractor battery (around 20$). You find a battery that fits in the trunk area (deep part). The drill a couple holes to run the longer battery cables thru and connect the larger tractor battery. Then I also drill 2 small holes in the bottom and run some zip ties up and around the battery to hold it in place. It works great, cheap to replace, and is 4 times more powerfull than the stock size battery.

[79stingman]

Very good idea, but does that take up all the space in the storage area/trunk?