Going to look at 86 Big Red - What should I look for?

[floydechoes2000]

Hey everyone, I'm going to look at a 1986 250ES today, I know the basics but are there any particular issues with this model I should be looking for?

Thanks!

[bobotech]

I would make sure that it doesn't need rings or other engine work and that the shaft drive (those are shaft, right?) is all working fine. I just don't like the idea of having to work on the shaft drive stuff or pulling the head on a shaft engine since you would have to remove the engine to remove the head.

[bighead]

bent axles. The front suspension on those can go bad as well. The one I bought was so bad I just made it a solid with no suspension on the front. If it is non running look for rust in the tank for it can be hassle. And look for smoke as well.

The biggest problem on the big red was the hubs. Seems like everyone I see has the hubs welded on the back axle. So look at that and look for any wobble in the back axle. On the 84's anyway

[floydechoes2000]

Cool, all good tips. Thanks guys!