If You Could Only Have One ATC

[StinkerBean]

I got bit by the ATC bug after acquiring my very first 3 Wheeler which is a 1983 ATC 185s. Now I find myself looking everyday locally for another one but also got me thinking if I could only have one ATC that was more of a do it all what would it be. I'm very new to these fine machines and learning daily about them. So, if you could only have one which would it be?

[Footy]

Probably a ATC250SX. It does work and play. Having said that my atc350X is by far my favorite trike.

[StinkerBean]

Probably a ATC250SX. It does work and play. Having said that my atc350X is by far my favorite trike.

I found a 250SX for sale about an hour away couple of weeks ago. Original owner and super clean. Was asking $1K for it. Saw the ad 4 hours after it was posted and messaged the seller. Didn't respond till the following day saying it was sold. The guy who bought it cleaned it up and reposted it for $4500.

[keister]

Would have to be the fully suspended 250ES Big Red. Mine has a plow and a hitch and still goes virtually anywhere (except the most extreme hill climbs, but you can always find a way around). With autoclutch, e-start and reverse, it can take on any trial.
Having said that, my 1986 125M is my favorite trike.

[StinkerBean]

Would have to be the fully suspended 250ES Big Red. Mine has a plow and a hitch and still goes virtually anywhere (except the most extreme hill climbs, but you can always find a way around). With autoclutch, e-start and reverse, it can take on any trial.
Having said that, my 1986 125M is my favorite trike.

What year is the fully suspended 250ES that you are referring to? Why is your 125M your favorite?

[Jim mac]

for general riding, I'd say a 1st gen 200x. I have 3 185s, 2 200x, 350x and a 70. the 200x is easier on my knee to start and has decent suspension. jim

[350for350]

I have to second the 250ES. I LOVE my 1985 and it's my favorite. I like it better than my SX because it rides smoother. That's why I'm slowly working on building another one.

[robgdds]

I have always loved the 185s due to the size and sportiness, and it was my first 3-wheeler back in 82. I finally got around to rebuilding one and I love it but now some 40 years later I rear wish it had better front shocks and rear suspension(my back is getting old). I know a 200x kinda fits the bill but a well-done 185s with good suspension would be my choice.

[deejaycee_2000]

250ES big red for sure.

[whiteman350x]

If I could have only 1, it would be 86 or 87 200x. Very easy to kick/crank compared to 1 gen 200x. I ride them the best of all the sport trikes (yes I have had all the sport models except 2nd gen r and had to one of those avaliable to ride). They are also one of the best head turners, being all white. Light enough to handle by yourself if need to load/ move ect.

[StinkerBean]

That 86 and 87 200X sure is a good looking trike. I'm going to be on the lookout for a 250ES.

[ATC King]

I wouldn't consider anything without a dual range transmission if owning one trike.

One trike means play and work use. Having low range makes work use much easier on the trike. Pulling yard carts and small trailers isn't nearly as hard on the engine and clutch with low range. On technical trails, low range has the same effect, it's a whole lot easier on the engine and clutch and climbing steep hills doesn't impart nearly the same strain on the trike as with only one transmission range.

The 200ES would be my one trike. Not as powerful or smooth riding as the 250ES, but about a 100lbs lighter weight with similar ground clearance and a lower center of gravity. the 200ES has a dual range transmission, which also means all five gears in reverse (no reason), shaft drive, reverse, and now worries about loosing a side panel.

[psujeepguy]

I would also go with a 250SX. Love the 250ES as well, but I find the 250SX is a little more nimble. 250SX can also be fitted with a rack and hitch. And I do prefer the styling of the 250SX over the 250ES

[Hedbngr18]

I live in southern CA and only do desert riding, so I would have an 86 250R.

[keister]

What year is the fully suspended 250ES that you are referring to? Why is your 125M your favorite?

1986 or 1987 are the best. The most important upgrade over the '85 is the cold start carb. The '85s take a while to fire up when it is below zero. But I see you are from South TX, so probably a non-issue for you.

The 86-87 125M has electric start and reverse and is the only mini I know of that does. It is just so nimble on tight trails. It has more than enough power for an adult, and mine even has a rack to haul refreshments. The best part is seeing all of the big 4x4 quads lined up and waiting at a big mud hole or water crossing, and you can just hop off the trail, weave through some trees, cruise around or over whatever obstacles are holding up the group, and find yourself at the front of the pack

[big specht]

I’m 85/6/7 250es for me too. I think it’s the best all around trike. Just my .02:p

[MrConcdid]

Personally I think you need 3
Work, Play and Play harder 250sx, 350x, 250r

But if I could only have 1 and needed to use it for work and play, it would have to be my 85 250sx.
reverse, racks, wheelies, trial ride, comfortable, strong, electric start.
it does it all very well.

[N328]

350X but it would have to have a goki. I loved mine but once almost over the bars from kickback made me gunshy as hell. Had to put the goki on it

[Sneakers]

Interesting post, over the years I’ve owned a 200X, 250R, Tecate and currently a 85 200M. At 58 years old I’m good with my 200M and electric start, just missing the rear suspension.

[scottp597]

Its hard to decide between the 350x or the 250r for me. I think if I put a quiet exhaust on the R and all things are equally mint, I would go R