87 R, again.....

[atc500x]

I meet a guy this week end,he bought it in 1994,brand new,the trike was sitting in the basement of a honda dealer.He ride it some time and store it in his basement.He send me a picture of the serial number,and there is something wrong,the number is for a 250sx 87,an the engine serial number is a trx250x number....from what we understand the serials numbers been changed,probably the dealer send the frame serial number to japan when they recall the trike in 87,and he change the vin and removed the trike from the showroom to keep it,the vin plate look that been repunched with real honda punch.But a 250r engine with a 250x number have no sense,

Another difference you can add to the 87 model is the vin plate isn't on the neck,it's on the tube between the radiator,like the 87 sx. He will take more picture of it in the next week and send it to me.

He also did a shearch with the Honda dealer about the sale number of the 87 model in canada,1 350x, 2 250r,there is some 200x,250es and 250sx but don't remember the number.For me it look like there is 1 container with 87 model that arrive in quebec before they stop importing them in america.Remember the 87 french brochure of the 87 model

Look at the vin plate,it's a 87sx number,.....but on a R????

[Ghostv2]

Do you realize what you just started? Behold, the legend of the lost 87's.

We need more facts though, and pictures. Interesting though.

[atc500x]

I know I know....I'm waiting the picture.He gave me many details about is R that are really for the 87 model,ignition switch,R decal on rear fender....

[Ghostv2]

Well that is a picture of the radiator and what i would assume to be white tank scoops. The only year a 250r came with them from the factory was the 87 model. Guess we will have to see. I would of said screw the numbers show me a picture of the whole bike.

[Afrothunderkat]

Here we go!

http://media.moronail.net/images/stories/dg_pictures/0905/1386.jpg

[Dirtcrasher]

Yes but atc500x has been her awhile and isn't a meatball so I'm interested in what he comes up with........

[atc500x]

Don't worry I would not start a thread like this if I really thing this is right.I heard story about a 87R in my area for 4-5 year now.And I think this is the one.The guy isn't a nobody in the 250r,he have over 20 250r in his garage.He said he received many many many offer for it and always refused.So why everybody would offer over 15000 for a simple 86R ?

[bkm]

Yes but atc500x has been her awhile and isn't a meatball so I'm interested in what he comes up with........Agree 100%. I'm also curious to see what transpires. I have faith that one will eventually pop up and maybe this is the one.

[kzr800]

Subscribed.....It sure would be cool if it turns out to be legit.

[C.J]

I do agree,,, 500x seems to be one of the more well respected members and from the threads ive seen he really knows his stuff. i'm definitely excited to see where this goes.

[oldskool83]

pics....or the old saying...it didn't happen

ain't the 1st time vins been swapped...won't be the last time lol

[Jason125m]

Interested to see pictures forsure. Don't be so quick to put the man down. He knows his stuff...

[oscarmayer]

any news sir?

[rdlsz24]

Got pics of the rest of the trike?

Rob

[Afrothunderkat]

179074

1987 250r

[Marty]

If you have an alleged 1987 ATC 250r or have seen one can you PLEASE post pics of the WHOLE bike not a piece of the bike or a sticker!
Ask the owner "can i please get a couple pics of your bike" man this subject is getting real old!!!!
Sorry for the frustration!!!

[Afrothunderkat]

The quarders found em!

http://www.atvflorida.com/forum/index.php?topic=20177.0

grease
Full Member
***

"i own a 1987 atc 250r, the bike has aa blown top end, and is striped down to the frame. it has all the original parts from factory. all i need is some motor parts."


Someone get this gentleman some motorparts!

[Rigaman]

I actually have faith that this might be the one. I do think they were made.

[rg97]

If everyone on that forum from the link to atvflorida says they have one, then why are pics so elusive? theres always something fishy...
I wish other forums had this emoticon: X owner

[atc500x]

So didn't see myself the trike.The guy came last weekend to buy me a 85 R,he's 3 hours of road from me.He took the picture of the plate to show me the serial number.The trike is in his basement,suspended with rope to the ceiling. He will drop it and took pîcture.If all look good I will ask her to took picture of it myself,to have good picture,detailled for all guy who want to do of it their wallpaper,t-shirt...hahah

He also gave me the detail about the different seat cover before I talk about it.All information are good,just waiting confirmation.If umber plate isn't original the only way to validate the year is maybe the fabrication date on the rubber brake line,and maybe some number stamped in plastic.

Not sure but I think he talk me about a different cylinder,probably positive since it's the 2nd gen engine like the one in the trx250r

[atc007]

Ya know what fellas. Some of you ARE right. THIS DOES get old.. Griping,bitching,whining and sniveling because someone says something but doesn't " post up pics". If you don't think Honda produced a 1987 Honda ATC 250R and 350X. You need do some research. Not only did they.Parts,manuals and accessories were produced Pictures exist. And more than one credible ride reports. And how many guys have one? Who knows? Maybe this one pans out ,maybe it doesn't. But every time this subject comes up,I get such a kick out of the noise! There are impossibly rare,unheard of, unimaginable pieces of our history left out there. You just have to be lucky/or Sick enough to do the work and find it. 500X, I see 2 things in that pic I REALLY like,and one detail I don't. We'll see how this pans out :) THANK YOU for sharing !! How far from the Kingston river is this ? :)

[yaegerb]

Well, here is the brochure for the '87 lineup. Gotta admit, I don't really like the white plastic on the 250R.

179075

[Ghostv2]

Some people believe in God, I believe in the legend of the 87's...

In Honda's name we pray, Big Red.

[atc007]

Well, here is the brochure for the '87 lineup. Gotta admit, I don't really like the white plastic on the 250R.

179075


I find it very sexy :) With the 350 being even hotter !

[ATC-Eric]

I find it very sexy :) With the 350 being even hotter !


Yep, Im thinking the project R in the garage will be getting that color scheme.

[Marty]

All I ask for is 1 pic of this bike! If there is one out there why is it so hard to find even harder for someone to take or show a complete pic of one!
I don't even think any Canada members have seen an 87 ATC 250r?

[gus]

This could make history !!!

[gus]

You guys think this is more rare then a crated R ? Or 87 t3

[C.J]

Some people believe in God, I believe in the legend of the 87's...

In Honda's name we pray, Big Red.

going in my sig... lol

[Mosh]

The proximity of the fender in relation to the downtube in that pic tells me that is a 85 frame unless it is a aftermarket fender mounted badly off point. The frames were raked out in 86 which left a larger gap between the front fender and downtube. It is a noticable difference when compared side by side. They raked them out to make them handle better at high speeds in 86. So unless Honda, jigged up the 85 frame, changed the jig in 86, then went back to the 85 deisign, I am skeptical at best...

Unless that '87' slammed a tree and bent the frame to result in that pic looking like an 85 rake angle.

[atc300r]

I read an ad back in 86-87 that Honda was going to rerelease the 86 250r in 87 in other countrys not the US.I also read that Marty Hart tested the atc 500r and said it was the best handling trike he ever rode.179109

[oldskool83]

it's odd to take a vin pic but nothing zoomed out farther. If i had somthing super rare I'd show a pic. Hanging from a rope sounds odd also, i mean the bikes dirty, why would you hang a dirty bike from a rope?

pics or it didn't happen.

[Rigaman]

So why didnt they make a trx 500r? Man. I wish.

[MonkOFox]

Some people believe in God, I believe in the legend of the 87's...

In Honda's name we pray, Big Red.

Haha, nice!

[C.J]

So why didnt they make a trx 500r? Man. I wish.

because suzuki beat them to it with our Zilla,, then the "ban" hit and it kept any manufacturer from creating any new machines (basically they could only sell what they already had)

[Red Rider]

because suzuki beat them to it with our Zilla,, then the "ban" hit and it kept any manufacturer from creating any new machines (basically they could only sell what they already had)So, why couldn't the manufacturers design & produce a new quad then?

[C.J]

from my understanding thats what the act that was passed did was keep them from making anything new

[M.Pargiello]

It was just for 3 wheelers as far as I know. I think most manufacturers didn't see the point in producing larger machines since smaller trikes were getting them into some bs because of ignorant riders already. Don't quote me though, this is just what I can see happening in that time

[userj8670]

Im shocked this many ppl have even responded to this. They dont exist...end of story!

[honda200x1987]

It's hard to say for sure that the 87 ATC250R wasn't produced at all , the only problem is there are actually some parts from that model. Here are pictures from the article here at 3WW. I think a few and I mean a few may actually had been sold but not in the U.S. http://www.3wheelerworld.com/content.php/222-87-Honda-250R-350X

[KASEY]

from my understanding thats what the act that was passed did was keep them from making anything newman you need to go read something and QUIT GUESSING,,,, it only had to do with trikes in this country,, they still sold in other countries,, since this was the largest market the stopped production and sold off what they had elsewhere in the world,, hell there are still 88 big reds out there,,,

[6speedthumper]

Some people believe in God, I believe in the legend of the 87's...

In Honda's name we pray, Big Red.

I'm so digging on this!

[C.J]

wrong decree, same structure

[camy]

just talk to my local honda dealer.... He said he sold 1 or 2 250r back in 1987 a couple 200x, a trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro load of big red. no 350x. He told me he got some crates with some 250r trikes and was not able to sell because honda want it back really bad. He could loose his honda banner if he sold the bikes...
So yes very a couple of bikes were sold and yes some were "boxed" by the dealer ship so they can sell it with different serial # Only the mechanic guys were doiing that for racebikes only.

Might be like 10 87 250r that made it to customers this way

I don't thing we can find one since these machine were trash in races

[ps2fixer]

Subbed to see pics if/when posted :P

[userj8670]

Subbed to see pics if/when posted :P


yea why does it always take forever to get pix whenever this topic comes up......hmmmm

[Marty]

i am telling you userj8670 this is a frustrating but entertaining subject! As much as I hate these alleged sightings of the 1987 Honda ATC and lack of pics this subject sucks you back in all the time! :)

[atc500x]

yea why does it always take forever to get pix whenever this topic comes up......hmmmm

Because if the trike been the propretie of someone here the picture would come very fast.But since the trike isn't to any of us,we alays waiting to get them from another personn.....who have probably many other thing to do....

[Red Rider]

Because if the trike been the propretie of someone here the picture would come very fast.But since the trike isn't to any of us,we alays waiting to get them from another personn.....who have probably many other thing to do....I can understand that, but they did take the time to go down to the basement, snap a pic of the vin decal, and then forward the pic to you. Wouldn't any sane person (who wasn't trying to pull a hoax) have also snapped a few pics of the entire trike? I want to believe there are a few 87's out there as well, but like a few others have already stated, all of these threads always proceed the same way.

[honda200x1987]

[QUOTE=camy;1260303]just talk to my local honda dealer.... He said he sold 1 or 2 250r back in 1987 a couple 200x, a trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro load of big red. no 350x. He told me he got some crates with some 250r trikes and was not able to sell because honda want it back really bad. He could loose his honda banner if he sold the bikes...
So yes very a couple of bikes were sold and yes some were "boxed" by the dealer ship so they can sell it with different serial # Only the mechanic guys were doiing that for racebikes only.

Hmm maybe your onto something camy, maybe they only sold a few 87 250R's to the mechanics who where using them for race bikes only, they would explain the parts that are in the article here on 3WW. This makes sense , still like to see one come out of the woodwork though.

[greenhuman]

I like reading his posts. Reminds me of The Pink Panther

[Ghostv2]

I dont see why it matters if this turns out not to be an 87. Not like this was a waste of your time. You all waste hours on this site anyways, just like i do. If anything, you should be thanking him for entertaining you and bringing back that hope and lust for the ever elusive 1987 ATC250r.

So please, complain all you want but atc500x is just going by what he was told. If you heard someone had a 87 250r in their basement hidden away, wouldnt you want to tell people? Now if this person also had a picture to further support it, wouldnt you share that on here? I would.

[oldskool83]

it puts the loation on its skin, it does whats its told!

[wisconsinite]

i mean the bikes dirty, why would you hang a dirty bike from a rope?

.

Omg, this sentence almost made me spit beer all over my ipad!! :lol: : lol:

[captainweezy]

Omg, this sentence almost made me spit beer all over my ipad!! :lol: : lol:
Took the words out of my mouth

[oldskool83]

ill end the drama....give me the guys number and ill call him.

[Marty]

From the magazines I have back from the 80's there have been numerous articles that Honda was at that time developed and tested a trx 500R! But also at that time was under so much litigation, lawsuits, that many sponsorships, concepts were cut out.

[Afrothunderkat]

So..... Wheres the proof.....

Guy takes a pic of the stamp and not the trike itself? MALARKEY!

[Thorpe]

I like turtles....

[userj8670]

Annnd still no pic...rest my case

[the great gazoo]

Ah, quit being a bunch of doubting Thomas's. He said he'd post pics when he gets 'em, & I for one think he's telling the truth. I've read through all his build threads, & been on multiple threads he's started. He does not seem like the kind of guy who'd do something like this if he didn't believe it himself.

[ScreaminRed]

This is fun!! :Bounce Waiting patiently....

[Mosh]

The proximity of the fender in relation to the downtube in that pic tells me that is a 85 frame unless it is a aftermarket fender mounted badly off point. The frames were raked out in 86 which left a larger gap between the front fender and downtube. It is a noticable difference when compared side by side. They raked them out to make them handle better at high speeds in 86. So unless Honda, jigged up the 85 frame, changed the jig in 86, then went back to the 85 deisign, I am skeptical at best...

Unless that '87' slammed a tree and bent the frame to result in that pic looking like an 85 rake angle. Still waiting for someone to address my thoughts above. Would Honda actually re- tool to set the rake back from 86 to 85 standards?

[rg97]

Mosh, you make a great point that nobody even realized, great attention to detail. Unless Honda realized that the 86 downtube was at a bad rake angle and it was a mistake, like you said, I can't see why they would switch. Just to me, I can someone replicating the original pics by putting a 87 SX tag on his bike and putting white maier shrouds on an 85.

[atc500x]

No new from him.Just sent a email to get new......

[rg97]

I just got more skeptical... look at the pic that the OP has. look closely at the tag, and read it. i mean REALLY CLOSELY. the second line says "...complies to all AMERICAN vehicle safety standards"
Ok, so if these don't exist in the U.S., but only in canada and elsewhere, WHY is it complying to the AMERICAN standards? :confused:
and too right below the vin, does it look like it says "minibike for off road use only" to anyone else? I'm just analyzing the details

500x, you said the vin matched an 87 250sx, but i can barely read the first 4 digits

[robertc]

I just got more skeptical... look at the pic that the OP has. look closely at the tag, and read it. i mean REALLY CLOSELY. the second line says "...complies to all AMERICAN vehicle safety standards"
Ok, so if these don't exist in the U.S., but only in canada and elsewhere, WHY is it complying to the AMERICAN standards? :confused:
and too right below the vin, does it look like it says "minibike for off road use only" to anyone else? I'm just analyzing the details

500x, you said the vin matched an 87 250sx, but i can barely read the first 4 digits

It says "applicable" not American.

[Ghostv2]

I just got more skeptical... look at the pic that the OP has. look closely at the tag, and read it. i mean REALLY CLOSELY. the second line says "...complies to all AMERICAN vehicle safety standards"
Ok, so if these don't exist in the U.S., but only in canada and elsewhere, WHY is it complying to the AMERICAN standards? :confused:
and too right below the vin, does it look like it says "minibike for off road use only" to anyone else? I'm just analyzing the details

500x, you said the vin matched an 87 250sx, but i can barely read the first 4 digits

I see what you mean so then i decided to save the picture and try to blow it up but it is just way too low of quality to distinguish anything unless its zoomed out. I see minibike but everything else is missing bits and pieces and the key words you claim to see are just too blurry for me to properly identify anything substantial. But it does look close but the full picture of the sticker is just not there.

Also whats in the bottom left hand corner in the shadow there, is that Honda's font? Just to the left of the white plastic.

[Dirtcrasher]

Leave it alone, don't piss on a member that has proven himself to be talented and has contributed to the board; No reason for him to make up stories.

I'm sure he is merely trying to end the myth as well................

[Red Rider]

Leave it alone, don't piss on a member that has proven himself to be talented and has contributed to the board; No reason for him to make up stories.

I'm sure he is merely trying to end the myth as well................I don't think anyone is saying atc500x is making this up. We're all questiong the integrity of this guy who supposedly has the '87 250R hanging from a rope in his basement.

[Marty]

Red Rider you are on the money with your quote!!!!!

[gus]

cant wait till thanksgiving !!

[slashfan7964]

Has anyone ever actuallly tried to contact Honda and see if they get a response?

[atc500x]

Got an email tonight....finally......he finally check his trike.He feel a little bit desapointed.He paid 5000$ in 1994 for a 87 model,and today I made him realize the serial number been altered and repainted by the dealer.He returned to see the dealer this week and he said he don't remember......haha.All the plastic are original white plastic,and have the key switch ignition.So it's maybe a 87 but with no serial number to prove it,or it's another year with a complete 87 body on it.In this case there is probably a 87 that came to this dealer and been destroyed when honda ask it,or sold to racer who changed the plastic.He didn't send me any picture.....I will ask again,or if I go to see his collection I will took some myself.

[slashfan7964]

I will try and call them in a little bit. I'll record them on speaker to see if I get any good info. If need be I'll write up a transcript. I'm a firm believer these R's are out there.

[wonderboy]

For what it's worth, I wrote an E-mail to Honda support asking about all this (asked about 87 250R and 350X). Of course, this isn't definitive and they are probably just repeating the official company line, but here is their reply:


Good afternoon Mr. Thompson,

Thank you for contacting Honda Canada.

Those two models were only sold in Canada from 1985 to 1986, and we are
unaware of any 1987 iterations and have no confirmation that they were, in
fact, built or sold for the 1987 model year. In 1987, the ATC250ES, ATC200X
and ATC250SX were available for sale in Canada.

Additionally, we would not be able to release customer information to a
third party as this would be a breach of privacy.

Thank you again, Mr. Thompson, for contacting Honda Canada and allowing us
the opportunity to respond.

Regards,


HONDA CANADA INC.

Scott Johnson
Customer Relations Specialist

[slashfan7964]

I can't seem to find their email. Anyways, it's worth a shot. I'm going to provide them with some of the evidence found here on 3WW and press them pretty hard.

[slashfan7964]

I have confirmation from Honda Canada they were indeed produced and sold, some may even have been built in the US and imported to Canada.

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/162260-1987-Honda-ATC-250R-and-350X-Honda-Canada-Confirms-They-Exist!!!

[oscarmayer]

how about pink ponies? do they exist? :)

[slashfan7964]

how about pink ponies? do they exist? :)

Well that would be interesting lol

[just ben]

how about pink ponies? do they exist? :)I don't know about ponies but I have seen pink sheep.179489 :lol:

[rg97]

I expected nothing less from this thread. Another dud, time to move on. Sorry if this got anyones hopes up lol