Thinking about getting into trikes again...

[patblkwell]

Hey guys, haven't been on the forum here in a while, I had an '87 Big Red and an '86 350X a few years back, but sold them both. I am thinking about trying to get a good condition Yamaha 225 DX/DR or possibly another Big Red 250ES. I know the Big Red's are solid bikes, but I've always wanted to have a Yamaha trike. Are the 225's worth it or should I just stick to Big Red's for the light trail riding I mostly do? thanks

[bigredridr]

I have had a 225dx and now have a 250es. i personally like the big red better its a bit bigger then the 225dx and I just like the overall ride of the bigred over the yamaha. ive never had a dr I am asuming the only difference is that it has reverse not sure what else

[patblkwell]

Hey, yeah I'm about 6'1 210lbs so I definitely want the biggest trike possible which is most likely the 250ES Big Red. I know the 225 has a long seat, but the Big Red is overall longer and wider from what I can tell.

[Afrothunderkat]

Hey, yeah I'm about 6'1 210lbs so I definitely want the biggest trike possible which is most likely the 250ES Big Red. I know the 225 has a long seat, but the Big Red is overall longer and wider from what I can tell.

a 225DX/DR has more bottom "snap" than a 250es.

[patblkwell]

Buddy of mine had a 250SX, I know those have a little more pep in them than Big Red's do.

[bigredridr]

ive also owned a sx they are smaller then the big red is. the 250 sx is about the same size as the 225 dx. power wise the sx has more speed then the dr and big red but for an over all trail cruiser and yard worker the red is def the way to go in my opinion

[patblkwell]

ive also owned a sx they are smaller then the big red is. the 250 sx is about the same size as the 225 dx. power wise the sx has more speed then the dr and big red but for an over all trail cruiser and yard worker the red is def the way to go in my opinion

I'd have to agree with you, I think the Big Red is the best all around for trail riding.

[swampthang]

I've had all the trikes you have mentioned. 250es,250sx,225dx,225dr, Loved them all. 250es is a tank, work horse, torque monster, rides like a caddy only down fall is it has it limits on being able to play. Its gonna wear you out quicker to ride fast on the trail then any of the others mostly do to its weight and limited suspension travel. The 250sx is a nice trike little smaller size but still comfortable(I'm 6'3 and I rode them all fine) can still work with the 250es if you have a rack and hitch. Kind of like a cross from a 200x and 250es. The yamahas are a sporty bike too that can play well and still work good. I have noticed that the Yamahas dont feel as low geared as the hondas but thats not to say there not torquey engines. Prolly one of the best machines out there to ride wheelies on too. Size feels smaller then the 250sx to me but the long seat does help out a bunch. All these machines are the cream of the crop and you wouldnt be mad at which ever one you choose. If you are utility minded id stick with the 250es.

[tri again]

Parts availability is my personal hot topic.

Seems like there are 10 hondas to every one yama or 'other'
as seen for sale on the west coast.

Not sure why but invariably, when I need parts, I can usually find a whole honda parts trike for 50 or 100$
which is often cheaper than the (individual) parts i need.

An sx with racks, a little wider stance
and flat(ter), as in not so rounded tires really helps them approach the utility
factor of the big reds.

My latest thing is that 2 sx's will fit in the f150, whereas ONE big red takes up the whole bed...
and then I need to use the trailer.

awwww shucks, one or 2 of each eliminates the confusion and angst of trying to decide.
We've been getting them for like 1 or 200$ each lately and they all come to life with
a little work and creativity..and very little extra $$.

Definitely a sweet spot in the market these days for some reason.

Trike gods are smiling at all the reincarnation going on, I suppose.

[patblkwell]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I've always had a softspot for the Big Red 250ES and will prob end up getting another one one day soon. I've riddent a 250SX and they are def. a little more sporty, but I do also feel that the BR is more of a cadillac in comparison to it.

[tri again]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I've always had a softspot for the Big Red 250ES and will prob end up getting another one one day soon. I've riddent a 250SX and they are def. a little more sporty, but I do also feel that the BR is more of a cadillac in comparison to it.

Yupp, we call them hondalac escalades without the air conditioning.
Go anywhere, do anything WE could ever want.
All the way cool, for sure and you really can't lose if you find something else you like.
They will hold or increase their value with almost any sort of care or maintenance.

But if you're like the rest of 'us' you'll keep them both anyway.