1985 250 big red

[cds13]

I have been looking for a trike and have come across an 85 honda 250 big red. This is the persons ad,
1985 Honda Big Red ES 250. 250CC W/ Reverse. ngk plugs and wire. Fresh clutch adjustment Hunting racks front and back. needs a battery to use the electric start. Removeable front headlite for spotlite. Runs great. GREAT HUNTING or Riding machine! rebuilt carb new breaks starts up first kick new cdi box more than 60% of tread on tires.

he is only asking for $750 for it, is there anything i should look for with these and is this a good price for one of these?

[rdlsz24]

Got any pics? He doesn't say anything about the condition of it, just that it runs good.

The one-way clutches on these go bad. On one that I bought the reduction gears for the electric starter were gone because I think that the clutch on that side went bad and took them out.

Rob

[tri again]

if it is what he says, YES!

check shifter shaft to see if it's loose on the splines.

bring a 17mm wrench and check the differential fluid.
there are only THREE.3 ounces in there so it better be in there and clean NOT water mix chocolate milkshake.

rock it side to side to check rear wheel bearings, wheel hubs and look closely at the swing arm bearings when you do rock it.

Make sure it has all 5 gears and none click or whine.

listen closely for timing chain noise, whir, or slap...not a fun job.

nice if the gas tank is spotless

and the number one on the hit parade, if it was listed on craigslist, there are 5 other people scrambling to run over there with cash before you do.

just dont get burned, get a title or signed bill o' sale and hope it wasn't stolen 19 years ago

reality sucks, I know

[thestud25]

DR.JOE said it. Those are all great things to check. I would haggle him down just because that is who I am. However, if it looks and runs good that is a fair price. Post pics if you get it.

[tri again]

ts 25?

you have an 87 too?

I just got one from a farmer in sutherlin.

Valve lash was set with a broken shovel and I would've bet my TOOLS that the noise/rap/knock was terminal.

But I got it for 250,$, adjusted the valves, spent about a week on the carb..like it was soaked in elmers glue, and now I have an orig owner, low hour, orig tools and manual.

we are 2 of 4,889 87 owners.

[tri again]

oh wait, 85?

some early ones had a cold start factory recall.

total wench to fix, so it would be nice if it was dead cold when he starts it for you.

They'll start with 1/2 kick when warm, like just sitting down on them is enough to start them.

cold?

20 kicks, twisted ankles and you'd think the electric start would compensate for the need to cold kick forever, but Noooooooooooo.

Starting fluid is not good as an ongoing thing.

those carbs were keihin QA01 and some were fixed and some were not.

lots of info on here if you searchkey cold start.

[TheRealFatShady]

Look for the kickstart side panel, most are missing. Most front racks are bent to hell.

The 85 had a smaller starter jet I believe, you can drill it out or just replace with another carb, as it may not start well in cold weather.
Here is a thread by drjoe about it, lots of good info:
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php?109808-250es-cold-start&highlight=Big+Red+carb+choke

[trikes4life]

Your most likely looking at this one http://syracuse.craigslist.org/rvs/1928603245.html

[TheRealFatShady]

Is it just me or do those rear fenders/side covers look like one piece???

[300X]

there is no clutch on the side your starter gears are on

[cds13]

Your most likely looking at this one http://syracuse.craigslist.org/rvs/1928603245.html

Ya that is the one

[hillbilly 200x]

the back fenders are from a 84 and down 200 or 250 big red.

[posty2100]

wow thats almost the same ad at this one in binghamton (not far from syracuse) that ive been looking at buying

http://binghamton.craigslist.org/mcy/1951122942.html

[Thorpe]

Good eye Hillbilly! Those rear fenders are wrong for the machine... I would pay 3-400 tops....