250R Questions

[RyanRX7]

I'm very sorry if this is a dumb question, but what are the differences between the 250R models? What changed as they went along? What parts interchange? I was thinking of getting an 81-82 model and wanted some feedback on them, any good? Fast? Thanks a lot guys, Have a Happy Holiday

[Dammit!]

They go in pairs. 81 and 82 are nearly identical with only minor changes. Same with 83, 84 and again in 85 and 86.

The 81-82's are peppy but have poor suspension and don't handle all that well. That's not to say you can't have a blast on them though. 83, 84 made big improvements in handling. 85 and 86 are the cream of the crop. Major improvements in every category.

[trikezilla]

the 81-82s are nice. they are not the fastest of the Rs by any means, but IMO have proven to be dependable. The 81-82s have drum brakes, and the 83's and later are all disc. The 83s and later all sit higher and longer. the 81/82 has a 22x11x8 size front tire, so it goes through decent amounts of wet stuff w/ out having to wheelie (the later Rs have a narrower front) another difference is of course the watercooling factor (but i love the aircoolers) alot of the 81-82 parts are interchangeable. So are the 83/84 years, and the 85/86s have "switchable" parts too.

the 81/82 haul along pretty well, especially if they have been rebuilt. i like them because thay are fairly easy to work on
HERE ARE A FEW MORE DIFFERENCES:
the 81s weigh 302 pounds dry, and the 82s weigh 298. the 81s have more weight distribution towards the rear (2 lbs. more) . the suspension was upgrade in every "generation" too. NOT A DUMB QUESTION AT ALL...sry i dont know all that much about the water coolers except that i severly!!!! want one

[trikezilla]

o yeah..read some of the links on the bottom of this page. look under the part that says "Similar threads"

[faf_racing]

not a dumb question, "dammit" says it right but my opinon is what do you want? air cooled or liquid? 81-84 is air cooled, parts more less interchangable 85 -86 liquid cooled. however 84 and 85 R's alot of parts do not interchange cuz of a drastic change.

[RyanRX7]

Well I do like the air cooled, but I'm wondering is getting an 84 over an 82 worth spending an extra $400???

[Kel]

The 81's and 82's were almost identical but the 81's were the only ones with drum brakes. I had an 82 and it had discs. Kel.

[RyanRX7]

Welp spent the extra cash and got an 84 250R, decent shape, runs good, got an extra set of wheels and tires all for $800. Not too bad I guess. Thanks guys

[Lots_Of_Nothing]

You will be much happier with the 84. The 81/82's were ones of Hondas first cracks at the "big" trike world, when they were still in there Balloon tire phase, To sum it up best, a 81/82 is like a 110 on crack.

[Wickedfinger]

The 81/82's were ones of Hondas first cracks at the "big" trike world It was the first factory full suspension racer made by ANYBODY. It revolutionized ATVing as we know it.

The 81's and 82's were almost identical but the 81's were the only ones with drum brakes. I had an 82 and it had discs. Kel. As well as a full snorkle air-box design that breathed through the center of the frames main-tube. The 1981 was rated at @20hp/6.6:1 compression ratio (I've seen 18 and 21hp quoted before as well), the 1982 had 22hp/6.7:1 c/r, the 1983 had 24hp/6.7:1 c/r and a 30mm carb, and the 1984 had 29hp/7.3:1 c/r with revised porting. The water cooled R's for the most part have around 38/9 hp stock.

[350x'inNY]

To sum it up best, a 81/82 is like a 110 on crack.

Yep..that is the best description I've heard.. that 4.3" of rear suspension is nothing like the 350X. I can ride the 350X all day and be as sore as riding the R for 30 minutes!

You ride on a 350X while you are taken on a ride on the 250R. Like riding a rollercoaster w/o the safety latches!

Bruce