New Member in Michigan

[delling3]

Hello -

I just found this forum - looks like a great resource.

I am new to ATV's. Had a dirt bike a long time ago, and have been riding street bikes for years. My wife and I recently purchased a cabin in Northern Michigan, and we are looking to get some "toys".

Our use will be pretty tame by most standard. Dirt roads, ORV trails, with terrain ranging from sand to snow, and pretty much everything in between. We aren't going to be ripping up the countryside, and my wife would prefer not having a manual clutch. I don't have a big budget, and it seems like I can get a lot more bang for the buck with a three-wheeler as opposed to a quad. I am looking primarily at mid-to-late 80's Honda's - like the Big Red 200 or 250.

I would welcome any and all opinions you folks can offer. What to look for, what to stay away from, etc.

Thanks!

[hublake]

Welcome to the site. Where in Northern Michigan? There have been some on Craigslist in the Northern Michigan section lately. I am in Hubbard Lake.

[jakep53]

welcome to 3ww

[delling3]

Our cabin is in Presque Isle - between Alpena and Rogers City. I looked at two ATC200's locally in the Detroit area yesterday, I am I am planning to look at a couple of Big Red's next week (assuming they are still available). There are three on CL right now that I am interested in. One is a '82, one a '84, and a '86 250. All appear to be in pretty decent condition.

What should I be looking for with these?

[deuce228]

Depends what you are looking for. I paid 200 more for my 84 200es because I wanted shaft drive, reverse and dual range 5 speed tranny. In 85 they went to a single range 5 speed, however, you gain rear suspension. I am in West Branch, Mi and will have a Yamaha 200el for sale soon. Downside is it is a model without reverse (and it is yellow and not red!)

[Atcrumm]

Welcome to the boards

[Schmitty]

I think what you should be looking for is honda 250sx. They have front and rear suspension, shaft drive, electric start, and reverse!

[delling3]

Just back from a week at the cabin and have internet access again!

I ended up looking at several Honda Big Red 200's (82-84), as well as an '85 200X, and an '85 250SX. The 250SX was pretty nice, but the reverse had been disabled, and the brakes removed. The 200X had a stretched swingarm for more stability, but also had a custom exhaust (no spark arrester, and loud!!!) I also felt the Big Red 200's were a little small for me. I also had a chance to ride an 86 Big Red (250ES) and I love that machine. I am now searching for one.

I did buy an 1986 TRX200 Fourtrax. The plan was to buy 2 machines, and I think my wife will be happier with a quad. I think I got a pretty good deal - it's complete, plastics in good shape, everything works (needed two tires and will need brake pads) for $800.

So if anyone has a ATC 250ES available in the Michigan/Ohio/Indiana area, send me a line.

Thanks for all the advice to date.

[Keepah Rolln]

Welcome, cant go wrong with the sx or big red

[its_serg]

mi here as well

[Jmoozy27]

The 250es / 250sx were made in USA from 1985 to 1987 and are the best you will find for your buck. The design got better each year but less were sold so you will pay more for the later models. 85's had finicky carbs, and leaky rear ends. Mine got a rebuilt rear end and 1986 carb and all is fine. Just keep good fluids and don't be afraid to apply lube to anything that moves. Good luck...