help

[Neal]

I'm looking to get a 3-wheeler and it's been years since i've ridden one and I have some questions.

First off it will be used to pretty much go mudding with some friends, not deep, sinking mud riding, but through trails that can get pretty sloppy, and around swamps.

I found 2 3-wheelers, both are big reds.

I know for a fact one is a 200E Big Red(has reverse and electric start & shaft driven)

The other the guy doesn't know, he knows it has reverse, and electric start and shaft driven so my question on this is how do I tell if its a 200 or a 250?

Also i'm 6'0 180, so I would prefer to get a 250. What is the difference between the 200 and 250? I know the motor, and I remember hearing long ago that the 200 has a 250 motor on a 200 frame. What is the major difference between the 200 & 250 frame?

[atctim]

Hi Neal - welcome to the site - this is taken directly from my website - but explains most of what you need to know about the 3 generations of Big reds. Before I post that - I would def recommend the 250 which was made between 1985 and 1987 here in the states.

The new for 1982 ATC200E "Big Red", was a huge change to Honda's ATC line-up. Its 192cc engine and five-speed dual-range gearbox cranked out more power, especially low in the rev band, to make chores such as towing, spraying, seeding and fertilizing easier. An electric starter in addition to the standard recoil system made starting the day as easy as pushing a button. Dual racks and a 9.2-liter storage box made carrying tools, hay bales, fencing and other agricultural essentials easier. A new sealed rear drum brake survived the muddy fields and water crossings, and telescopic fork front suspension made a day in the saddle that much more comfortable. This machine was the first true utility ATC and set the stage for many future innovations. The Big Red had a reverse gear added in 1984, as well as its drive chain was replaced with shaft drive for extra durability and less maintenance that year. In 1985, Honda made the Big Red even better with full suspension and a larger 250cc motor. 1987 was the last year here in the USA for production, but Honda continued to sell these in Canada, Europe, and Australia through 1988 where it was known as the "Super Red". The "Big Red" was the first utility machine offered by Honda - and its 8-year production span changed the way farmers and outdoorsmen alike thought about the ATV industry.

New for the 1984 ATC line-up - Honda introduced the 2nd generation Big Red. Its new features included shaft drive (upgraded from the 1982 and 1983 chain drive) and a Honda first for ATCs, a reverse gear. Other than the drive train, the 1984 model did not look much different than the 1st generation Big Reds. Obviously the frame was different than the 1st generation Big Reds to accommodate for the rear shaft drive. Fenders, gas tank, racks and many other parts interchanged with the 1st generation Big Reds - however, the 1984 Big Red was a 1-year production run vehicle. The only other 1-year production run ATC was the 1980 ATC185. It should be noted that the 1984 and 1985 ATC200M also share the same rear fenders. The 1984 ATC200ES had the largest production numbers of any ATC, with over 200,000 units built that year.

1985 brought the third and final generation of the Big Red series which ran until 1987 here in the States and until 1988 in Europe, Australia, and Canada. New features for the 1985 model were huge improvements from previous generations. Improvements are: 250cc motor, new designed front suspension, rear suspension, detachable headlight / work light, and the list goes on. A plethora of optional equipment was made for by Honda for the Hondaline line of products. Some of these include: Front rack cooler carrier, front rack mounted basket, Speedometer, front rack mounted hard tool box, headlight guard, additional headlight / spotlight with guard, rear rack mounted mud flaps, windsheild, and two colors of covers (red and camo). No doubt, the 1985 Honda ATC250ES left its mark in heavy industry and farms all across the earth. Many local farmers are still using these machines today.

[Neal]

They're both 200E Big Reds. That sucks. One wants $1000, other wants $750.

[MonroeMike]

Welcome to 3ww.

[daniel_250r]

yea don't pay over 500 for a 200e

[trikerooster]

You can get an R for under 500.

[Neal]

I'm still looking for something, hopefully I can find something decent. I moreless am getting it to go trail riding/slight mud riding, so I would like the 250ES, found a few around $700, going to see if I can talk them down.

Thanks for the welcome MonroeMike.

[Neal]

Ok, another question. I just realized they have a 250SX also, for trail riding which will be a little sloppy and mud riding, which would be better the 250ES Big Red or the 250SX(is it a big red also because its a 250?).

[Honda_Dude]

I have both but haven't had them very long ( former quad rider) - They are similar in performance with the SX being a little sportier. The Big Red has 25" wheels and the SX has 22" and they are geared different for the different wheel sizes. The Big Red is by far a "plusher" ride and feels more like a utility quad while the SX is kinda in between. The front forks are better on the SX but not like an "R" or an "X". The SX is lighter but they both are 5 speed shaft drive w/ reverse. Hope this helps...

[tech2452]

the 200e does not have reverse

[atc350xer]

You can get an R for under 500.

Maybe out west!

[Tecate Karl]

the 250sx and the bigred run the same engine and rearend they are very simaler I know alot tof the parts are interchangeble the big difrences i know of are the frame frontend and tire size. and the big red has racks the 250sx dosn't

[MudBug]

but they are optional for the SX