I am thinking of buying an excellent condition 81 250r, and I was woundering if it has the same features that the 85 and the 86 250r have?
I am thinking of buying an excellent condition 81 250r, and I was woundering if it has the same features that the 85 and the 86 250r have?
current ride:
85 350X
They are quite a bit different. 81 is air cooled, while the 85 and 86 are water cooled. I think the suspension is far more advanced on the 85+ as well. 81-82 still had balloon tires! I'm sure there are many other differences I don't even know about that others will chime in with.
Rob
too many diffrences to list. two very diffrent machines. I'd grab it up if the price was right!
81':
http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/B...1atc250ri.html
85':
http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/B...85atc250r.html
Last edited by chris200x; 03-10-2009 at 02:17 PM.
it still has rear suspension, and the 2 stroke motor right?
current ride:
85 350X
Yes, 2 stroke, suspended
Never argue with an idiot. They will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Calling an illegal alien an undocumented immigrant is the same as calling a drug dealer an unlicensed pharmacist.
1981 Wife ( Project)
Still very advanced for an '81, and fast.
Rob
Here is a link to a scan of a comparison article from Dirtwheels Mag in 1988.
This article is hosted on a great site calleds.com. Check it out for info on the 81 250R.
http://www.s.com/magazine/81vs86/81vs86.html
1985 ATC 250R Project
Wow. Thank you VERY much.
Original poster - I'll be HONEST - stock VS stock the newer R's are way ahead of my beloeved first gen in terms of technology in suspension and somewhat ahead powerwise. That is a no brainer.
However, if you study hard you'll find that the first gen can be modded to not only compete with but also blow away 'stock' newer model trikes with the right modifications.
Some people will call some of these mods blashphemy - but if you want to make a first gen R compete with any trike ever made here is my 'quick' list.
Works rear shock with a +3 or +4 swingarm
200x front end
34mm carb
Open element air filter
aftermarket pipe
boyeseon or vforce3 reeds
400ex hubs to run the 4 lug wheels.
These simple mods will put any first gen up there with later model trikes.
And with that said, if you leave it as it is it will still be a fun and FAST machine.
If you buy it and need any info or help drop bys.com - we'll help as best we can.
Also I was woundering where I can find a 250r good rear fender for a decent pirce?
current ride:
85 350X
You can't go wrong with any 250R IMO. I love my 81, however the area that I would address is the rear suspension. When compared to the dirt bikes of its time, it was not very good. Also the 81 has rear drum brakes. I think they work pretty good, but if you want disc brakes, you'll have to modify your swinger or buy an 82 one. As for a rear fender, denniskirk or eBay always have fairly cheap Maier fenders available. What is the fastest thing you have ridden? Because this thing will feel like a rocket ship compared to a 185s!
Rides I own:
'85 200X(old smokey)![]()
'81 ATC250R(Bassani pipe, Wiseco piston, Vesrah rod, and AMS offset rims)
'84 KXT250 Red(the new money pit!)
'96 KX125(FMF pipe, Boyesen reeds, One Industries graphic kit, etc.)
'85 KX125(vintage racer. Technically it was a practice bike)
'78 DT400(the lone Yamaha)