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View Full Version : 85 vs 86 vs 87 big red?



1300man
11-17-2011, 12:06 AM
About to pull the trigger on a 85 big red. Are there any difference's? Tried the search but
didnt find much. Looked at a 86 also but it's a lil higher and not as nice. Thanks

dougspcs
11-17-2011, 09:49 AM
About to pull the trigger on a 85 big red. Are there any difference's? Tried the search but
didnt find much. Looked at a 86 also but it's a lil higher and not as nice. Thanks

All are equally awesome, only minor differences exist such as an improvement in the rear brake design on the 86/87 over the 85. This was done to better prevent water from entering the rear brakes.

A bit of alteration on the carb hose plumbing..little things like that.

But the basics are all the same..

tri again
11-17-2011, 12:48 PM
Maybe something in the starter reduction gears is different but you should never have to worry about that.

rear water issues x2 with doug.
Diff gear oil is easy t change an only 3+ounces

Hair Bear Bunch
11-17-2011, 05:35 PM
Maybe something in the starter reduction gears is different but you should never have to worry about that.
Unless the sprag clutch is shot!

Really though only detail differences, all feel like riding a big comfy armchair across the fields.
To quote another member who's name escapes me at the moment, a 'Countryside Cadillac'.

1300man
11-17-2011, 06:34 PM
Thanks for the replys!

keister
11-17-2011, 07:15 PM
86-87 has cold start carb. Might not make a difference in your climate, but it does in Western PA winters. Bottom line, they are all bullet proof.

atc007
11-17-2011, 09:20 PM
They're ALL perfection! Ok,,as close as you'll come.. Great machines,,and there are actually a LOT of differences,,not enough to buy a chitty 86 over a 85.. You'll LOVE it!

Hair Bear Bunch
11-18-2011, 03:34 PM
Any pics yet?

1300man
11-19-2011, 12:00 AM
Not yet, Havn't had a chance to get it yet

whipit
11-19-2011, 11:12 AM
cam chain tensioner is different too

1300man
11-19-2011, 02:20 PM
cam chain tensioner is different too
Thanks, was the 85 tensioner not as good?

whipit
11-20-2011, 01:24 AM
the newer one is probably superior somehow but i am not aware of a lot of problems with either tensioner

1300man
11-22-2011, 01:10 AM
I got it! I will try to post a pic in a few days