250 Big Red Advice and Questions

[2Tim215]

I have been looking for a 250 Big Red for a while now but the right deal just never came around. I have seen a few lately and I am wondering what is considered the best year? Is the US 1986 the only one with rear suspension? Are parts easier to find for any certain year due to production by year? I am not looking for a racer but how does the 250 compare speed-wise compared to the Big Red 200's that had high and low range? I really appreciate any help and advice! My Yamaha 200ERN moves along pretty well and doesn't have high/low range, sort of hoping the Big Red 250 would be comparable! Last question, was the 86 the last US model offered?

[TheRealFatShady]

87's were in the US awhile. 85 250es til 87 all had rear suspension.

86 and 87 are better, the choke plungers are better, bigger starter jet so no cold-start issues, and the rear ends seal better as I've heard. Parts almost all interchange.

[2Tim215]

Thanks for the info. I just committed to buying it and I'm on my way out the door. I'll post photos later!

[thestud25]

Best of luck to you.

[2Tim215]

This Big Red still has the original factory tires on it with good tread and no dry cracking at all. It has always been garaged according to the owner and the condition confirms it. Still has the dealer's decal on the tank with all stickers intact and nice. I have bought and sold many three wheelers but never dreamed of finding this treasure as I have never had a 250 Big Red. Needless to say, this is a keeper for sure! Just got it unloaded and inside, here's a photo,
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Avon2day/dsc_1373.jpg
Can't wait til morning, its storming right now in upstate NY. Guess I'll have to buy a red helmet now!

[Mr_RPM]

wow that is clean. if you dont mind, but how much did you pay?

[evey91]

the picture doesnt even show it all the machine is awesome im really happy for you but now i get to ride it right just jokeing very nice

[Thorpe]

Nah, you dont need a red helmet... That may be too nice to ride!

[2Tim215]

the picture doesnt even show it all the machine is awesome im really happy for you but now i get to ride it right just jokeing very nice

I might let you sit on it seeing you helped me unload it! LOL I really need one of those tri-fold ramps that Tractor Supply sells. Thanks for the help!!!

[2Tim215]

Nah, you dont need a red helmet... That may be too nice to ride!

That's what I'm thinking Thorpe, but maybe only in good weather and no puddles!

[oldtime3wheeler]

Thats a very nice big red you have there

[MonroeMike]

That's a fine looking machine.

[thestud25]

Nice score. Let us junkies in on what you paid if you don't mind!!!! MORE PICS!!!!!!

[atctim]

Very nice Big Red you got there Tim. Enjoy it!

[DickyDanger]

awesome condition i had a 85 br 250 looked just as classy as yours i unfortunally sold mine

[2Tim215]

I don't really like sharing purchase information in an open forum but I will in this case as there have been a few requests. I paid $1600.00 for this one and the seller was a few hours away and was kind enough to meet me half way. We met at a Truck Stop, unloaded it, and for the first time the three wheeler was actually better than described, the previous owner hopped on it, rode it through the parking lot, smooth as can be! I have seen other 86 250's not as nice an original as this one bring 2800.00 or more so I was quite happy. Here are a few more photos,
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Avon2day/BR2.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Avon2day/dsc_1374.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/Avon2day/dsc_1372.jpg
Even the nuts and bolts are extremely clean. Very little small rust spots on the Rim edges and a little where the hitch is. It was garaged for the last 24 years according to the previous owner, condition confirms it, not a spec of oil anywhere. Obviously very well maintained. Needless to say I'm a Happy Camper!!!

[Mr_RPM]

wow, its just so clean. again, congrats and treat her well =)

[2Tim215]

I don't take this one through the trails, I have a bunch of others for that, fields only and very limited! I tried adding some of my recent buys to my album but they don't show up. I'll start a thread later and ask for help. I use my other threes for the trails etc., don't want to scratch this one!!!

[Thorpe]

Wow... 1600, I would say you got an excellent deal! Nice BR!

[mtsnieg]

Very good deal for $1600. I saw one close to me go for $3300 in the same looking condition as yours.

[Thorpe]

Starting to dislike this thread... Making mine start to look like a pile o' shite.... (shaking fist at 2Tim215) :lol:

[whyzee]

you got a great deal there my friend Congrats

[cardone]

ya my dad has a 85 big red with all around suspension

[thestud25]

Starting to dislike this thread... Making mine start to look like a pile o' shite.... (shaking fist at 2Tim215) :lol:

Hahaha! Yep now I can't post pics of mine either! I wish my 87 looked that nice.

Thanks for sharing the pics and price. It gives hope to us that we can find one like that for a good deal!!!

[cosmohawk]

Wow! That is beautiful!

I picked up a '85 Big Red in pretty much the same shape as yours with original tires (some paint stripe still on front tire) but a small dent in tank. Next door neighbour was original owner, and I only saw him use it to collect leaves in the fall...once in four years out of the garage. He had it on the back of his truck one day, and stopped by the local Honda dealer...a salesman walked straight out the door and offered him $700 cash right there. He declined the offer, but started thinking about selling the BR...but realized it was worth more than $700. I stopped by one day, and he mentioned he was thinking of selling it because he never used it. I asked how much he was thinking...and then...$1000.

I was like "Saweeeeet!" (in my head)...and told him I'd have the money within a few hours. He told me "no rush"...but needless to say, I was driving out his garage that same evening!

I was so excited...had been looking for a few years for a good three-wheeler...and found a superb one, for a superb price!

All of the others I looked at were beat and barely hanging onto life...for a lot more than what I paid.

Wicked...I'm excited for you man! Enjoy it! You have now collected another survivor!