Any major differences - 85250R - 86???

[Dirtcrasher]

Just curious what improvements were made in the 86 ATC 250R versus the 85 ATC 250R. Thanks

[skippy]

the big difference is the swingarm.. not so much better, but it is the same as the 86-89 trx 250r.. so you get alot more choices of parts cheaper!

[MR ATC]

here is a partial list:

85 34mm PE carburator..................86 34mm PJ carburator....more H.P.
85 rear swingarm had smaller housing then 86. 86 stronger
85 had rear brake with tourque arm 86 had floating caliper mount.
85 had deeper color red and the plastic was brittle. 86 has more of a orange tint to it and was stronger.
85 came with ohtusa tires 86 came with dunlop (same tread pattern)
85 had shorter seat then 86.

[200x Basket]

headlights are different
frames are different
forks are different
engines are different color and differet porting
cdi's are different, so is the wiring harness
seats are different
light switch is different
rear axle is different

[Dirtcrasher]

YOWZAAA - Honda constantly strives for perfection, thats why there the best!

What about the bottom line - suspension, handling, power and reliability.

Honda makes teny tiny changes which sometimes make the next year far superior - other times they make a bunch of small changes that don't affect it as much. Whats the case here?


To my knowledge there both awesome year R's to own.

Thanks

[deathman53]

the rear axle is different? i used a lsr +4 on my 85 and it fit fine. I know the frames are maginally differnet, the forks on the 86 were better and some had progessive springs, the carb on the 86 is worlds better(and same as trx250r), they both are really good bikes. if it mades a difference you probably could put a 86-87 swingarm on with little trouble. I know the rear brake on the 86 is alot better(same as trx250r). the headlight is bigger on the 86(and the shroud is discontinued, however maier makes on for the 85). all and all both are great bikes, you can't go wrong with either, don't let the year stop you from buying a good bike. every year honda changes their bikes alittle usually small. he is right about the porting, the 85 makes more top end and the 86 more low end, but a good port job can fix that.

[KASEY]

I know the rear brake on the 86 is alot better

actually they are exactily the same,,,,, they only mount different,, calipers are the same ,,,,so is the master,,,,,

[200x Basket]

the rear axle is different and so are the sprockets.
the gas cap is also different
the triple clamps are differnt

it may be easier to list what is the same

[MR ATC]

the triple clamps are differnt

it may be easier to list what is the same

the ONLY differance with the triple clamps is the top one is painted black

[200x Basket]

the triple clamps are differnt

it may be easier to list what is the same

the ONLY differance with the triple clamps is the top one is painted black

if i remember right only the top one is painted black!!!!

[Mike Fort Laud]

The forks have 1 more degree of rake on the '86,and the foot pegs are at a different position.

[DOGBONE]

Since the subject is on the 85-86 250R differences, what parts can switch over to which? Will you have to make a small modification for it to fit correctly on each year?

Sorry if it's a stupid question but didnt know there were that many differences between the 2 years.

[Dirtcrasher]

Since the subject is on the 85-86 250R differences, what parts can switch over to which? Will you have to make a small modification for it to fit correctly on each year?

Sorry if it's a stupid question but didnt know there were that many differences between the 2 years.

Thats a great idea - not only because I just got one but - It seems like alot of the parts interchange with no mods but are slightly better. This is the same in the 85 250SX to the 87 250SX - in some cases the 87 parts are cheaper and better :? Go figure that out?