A couple Big Red notes....

[CaptainRon]

Tried to jet my '85 Big Red for a higher altitude, and was unable to find smaller jets in time for my trip.
So screwed pilot screw in to get highest idle, and lowered needle.

Unsure where to get correct jet (selection), was hoping to find my stash of ATC185 carbs in hope of smaller main and pilot jets, but still looking.

Drilled (cut out) 5 holes in a spare Big Red airbox lid - made a slight but noticeable difference in low-end power, so much so that I needed to readjust the mixture screw a little because of change in air flow.
But dirt/dust gets to the filter MUCH easier, by the way.

Also installed a MUCH brighter headlight I got from Oreilly Auto (Advance Auto has 'em too).
Bulb is for a two-headlight car, and is the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra bulb.

To ride in extremely rocky conditions I had to air down to slightly over one pound pressure, so suspension not as overtaxed.
I had just installed new tires, with more plys than stock, which likely also makes a difference.

Removed and disassembled carb to clean it before trip - after reinstalling I noticed that the throttle lever bottomed out on handlebar stop before carb opened all the way - readjusted cabling so throttle slide in carb audibly stops before throttle lever does (on handlebar).
Might be something to watch for/check out.....

Installed new Moose air filter for the Big Red from DennisKirk.com, seems to flow slightly better and was inexpensive.

[OKSTATE#1]

Very good info really. Thanks!

[Marksman]

You don't happen to have the part number from that headlight available do you? Any issues with blowing fuses, etc?

If you don't mind... post a few more pics of that new tire/wheel combo if you get time. I know you posted one pic in the past, but let's see a few more angles. I still haven't pulled the trigger yet on new tires/wheels for my '87 ES.

[CaptainRon]

Will try to find part# and price for new headlight bulb.

Bulb/packaging says the new bulb uses 55 watts low beam, 60 watts high beam.
Honda ATC250ES service manual says stock bulb uses 60 watts low, 60 watts high beam.
So no more wattage used, just more light available.
One evening late I fired it up and tried headlight - MUCH brighter than stock

The wheels and tires look decent, but I was unable to climb snowbank in second pic so how good can they really be?
197552197553

[Flyingw]

The bulb Ron is referring to is an H4 55/60 available at any auto parts store. They come is different light colors (Incandescent, Xenon, halogen). I bought a bulk pack (10 each) of H4 Xenon bulbs off Ebay for about 10 bucks. The H4 bulbs work in the SX, ES, and 85/86 250R.

[Marksman]

The bulb Ron is referring to is an H4 55/60 available at any auto parts store. They come is different light colors (Incandescent, Xenon, halogen). I bought a bulk pack (10 each) of H4 Xenon bulbs off Ebay for about 10 bucks. The H4 bulbs work in the SX, ES, and 85/86 250R.


Flyingw: Are the bulk pack bulbs that you are referring to on eBay the Sylvania Silverstar's or another brand? I know the Sylvanias are typically priced much higher than that.

[Marksman]

Will try to find part# and price for new headlight bulb.

Bulb/packaging says the new bulb uses 55 watts low beam, 60 watts high beam.
Honda ATC250ES service manual says stock bulb uses 60 watts low, 60 watts high beam.
So no more wattage used, just more light available.
One evening late I fired it up and tried headlight - MUCH brighter than stock

The wheels and tires look decent, but I was unable to climb snowbank in second pic so how good can they really be?
197552197553


If you find a set of tires that will climb that snowbank, let me know, and I will order them today!!!

[Flyingw]

The ones I bought were no name brand but worked just as well as the named brand.

[Flyingw]

I put two in my wifes' SUV, in my SXs, and my R. Much better light over stock incandescent bulbs.

[Marksman]

I put two in my wifes' SUV, in my SXs, and my R. Much better light over stock incandescent bulbs.

Thanks for the info... that's quite a savings over what I would pay at Walmart, Autozone, etc.

[Flyingw]

The reality is pretty much all the bulbs are made in China anymore with a brand on the packaging such as Sylvania. That allows them to sell them at a higher cost because of the name on the package. The bulbs I put in my wife's SUV have been there about 4 years now.