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Thread: Honda 185 Recoil/Decompression Cable Question?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    --
    7

    Honda 185 Recoil/Decompression Cable Question?

    Hello, I am fairly new to this site and look forward to learning more! I use to own a 83 Honda 185s but it has been a few years since I've messed with trikes. I thought some of you guys could give me some advice.
    A few weeks ago I picked up what I believe is a Honda 185 or 185s. Basically a barn find. I can't seem to find the stamp or sticker with the model on it. The guy told me it was a 1981 185r but I don't think they made a 185r. The forks on it look like they are off a 200x,250r or something like that, it has 2 round side by side headlights. I was told the engine was rebuilt and rebored. The recoil rope was broken. Before I bought it the owner got it started by pulling it behind his atv. Once I got it going it handled twice as good as my old 185s I use to have. It seemed a lot faster too. So I bought it for about half the price that they go for around here, knowing it needs some tlc.

    The issue I'm having is I purchased a aftermarket recoil rope and T handle for the trike for a 185 or 185s,200. The original rope and T was frayed and missing. I've taken the recoil apart and it dawned on me after seeing the empty hole on the cover of the recoil that I'm missing the decompression cable and decompression spring inside the recoil. It looks like it was once their and someone removed it maybe, I can see the old marks. Is it necessary that I get the decompression cable and other parts to hook it up or can I do without? I would rather not spend the extra money if it's not necessary, plus I read that these parts are hard to get ahold of. I believe there is a lever around the head area that that cable would hook to, is that correct? Thanks guys for taking the time to read this and help! Everything looks to be in good shape in the recoil besides the decompression stuff missing,lol.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
    --
    3,415
    If you can start the engine fairly easily without it..I say forget it!

    Properly tuned these are a one pull trike!
    Current toys..
    1986 Honda 350X..trail bomb!
    1985 Honda 250SX..my main mudder
    1985 Honda 250ES..Back in Black Trike
    Current non-trike toys:
    1990 Honda TRX300FW
    1995 Seadoo GTX
    1998 Polaris Indy Lite 340(Nearly new looking)
    1998 Polaris Touring 500
    1998 Club Car (electric)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Florida
    --
    110
    My 1980 185 had a manual decompression lever... You flipped it upward every time before pulling the rope. If it didn't stay up that meant there was no compression at the time.

    Perhaps you can treat yours the same way. Is a hassle when it's hard to start, having to flip the lever and pull and repeat, but as Doug said it will only take a pull or two to crank your machine once you get it sweetened up.

    Russ

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    --
    7
    Okay, I'll try to do without and see what happens. What exactly is the decompression lever's purpose, what does it do or control? Just trying to understand the reason I may be able to do without.
    Chris

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Central PA
    --
    2,362
    It opens up the exhaust valves and releases compression making it easier to start so it wont rip the pull starter out of your hand.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    --
    7
    Ghostv2 thanks for the explanation. I found out today what it's like to get the pull starter ripped out your hand, lol, gave me the explanation of decompression hands-on. Thought it was going to take my shoulder off with it. So when I rotate the top of the lever to the 12:00 position it doesn't want to stay up but when I rotate it to the 9:00-10:00 position it stays tight by itself and then slams shut against the cylinder when pulling the starter. Is placing the top of the lever in the 9:00-10:00 position okay to do? I can see it leaving a small indention on the cylinder where it slams shut(from years of use probably), that's pretty common and normal I would guess? thanks again guys

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Florida
    --
    110
    It's fine.

    Russ

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