1985 Honda ATC 250R Upgrade

[BENCH]

Don't see many "build" threads with the new site so I decided to share my "refresh". Short back story, received this bike in June '93 as an 8th grade graduation present and have cherished it ever since. Was bought out of the Recycler from the original owner in Walnut, CA. Received copies of the paperwork along with it. Unfortunately i don't have any pics from that day but I remember it vividly.  First pic is from a last year before the tear down, second pic was taken as it sits right now.

My current goal isn't to restore the bike.  I'm getting older so I want something a little more comfortable and a little faster without compromising dependability. So I am freshening up the engine with a few upgrades, replacing worn components and giving some new upgrades a try. The plan is to be back riding by Oct, 2022. Once the season is over and all the bugs are fixed, tear it back down over the summer and do a light restoration.

 

[BENCH]

Original sales paperwork. Took delivery 8-11-1987. Total "out-the-door" price was $2,441.44 (including 48 month extended warranty). I little weird that an '85 was first sold in '87 but all paperwork says the bike was new, not used.

 

[Crusty]

Awesomeness 

 

[BENCH]

Rode the bike a few times and dropped it off at Rob Selvy's shop for a pipe. He tuned it and I never touched the carb again. Still have the receipt. Paid $249.

 

[Poule43]

Awesome Bike!!!

 

[BENCH]

Ok....I have owned the bike since '93 and have never had to put a top end on it. OG piston showed signs of wear and detonation but never blew up. A lot of people talk $h!+ on Golden Spectro but it works! 12oz to 5 gallons of AV or premium for the last 29 years. @wapawekka can vouch, I don't baby it.

I have collected parts for the last year or so knowing the engine was tired. Replaced piston, rings, bearings, seals, gaskets, etc with all genuine Honda parts. My buddy is a mad scientist with these engines so I had him port it, boost window the piston and o-ring the head.

Also adding V-Force reeds and a complete 2001 CR ignition to accompany the Selvy pipe.  Carb is still up for debate though. The OE PE is being swapped out for either a PJ, 38mm PWK or Lectron Billet 38.  Suggestions welcome. I am keeping the stock air box and have a few ideas for a free flowing lid design.

 

[BaBaBouy]

Brings back memories, had a few of them including the Kawi 2fiddy. Used to have Bill’s do my pipes and PEP do the suspension. Looking good!

 

[BENCH]

Brings back memories, had a few of them including the Kawi 2fiddy. Used to have Bill’s do my pipes and PEP do the suspension. Looking good!

Thanks! Swingarm is coming off next to rebuild carrier & bushings. PEP will be rebuilding the rear shock. Rebuilt front forks with progressive springs a year ago.

 

[CAN AM MIKE]

I can vouch for Golden Spectro also. 86 TRX250R & 87 LT500 both owned since 87 nothing but 12oz in 5gallons of premium. Never any problems 

 

[Fireballsocal]

38mm is too big a carb for a stock engine in my opinion. Your PE is a 34mm. Top end rush would be great with the 38 but response would be a touch laggy. You're trying to get more air to move through the intake. For reference, a stock CR500 is 38mm and my ported and squish adjusted service honda CR500AF came with a 39mm. I know plenty of guys run the air striker and love em. For me, I might look for a 34-36mm PJ and have it dialed in by a reputable tuner. 

 

[BENCH]

For me, I might look for a 34-36mm PJ and have it dialed in by a reputable tuner. 

I have a stock PJ on my '86 TRX project bike I might try first. Thanks for the advice.

 

[zilla68]

i loved my lectron 48 on my zilla, easy as hell to tune.

 

[FOG]

Very nice. 
Looking forward to your progress. 
Always had a soft spot for ATC 250 Rs since my brand new 1982. 

 

[BENCH]

I have been eyeing billet pegs from BDT for awhile but decided on a set from BVC trikes.  They are the same length as stock, still fold and were on sale. Here are some comparison pics.

 

[Poule43]

BVC Rocks!!!! absolute BEAUTIFUL 3 wheelers / I want the estart 500AF 3 wheeler!!!

Nice upgrade on the pegs!!!

oule:

 

[Crusty]

Beefy.

 

[BENCH]

Been slacking on updates. Decided to upgrade to Flexx bars. Figured it would be cheaper than inverted forks. Just trying to get a little more comfort. Switched to '86 (black) upper triple clamp to match. Added a low-pro Pro Taper bar adapter and 14° ATV bend bars. FYI, stock bars are 15°. Changed out the bushings to the softest provided. Also did some research on grips. Added ODI Rogue lock-on grips since they are said to provide the best cushioning. Will update you in October.

 

[Crusty]

An ATC250R 85 or 86 really would be my top favorite OHV to have, restore, just make nice, etc.

That was the champion of ATC/V to me as a kid / teen.

I should have never sold my '85  :sad:

 

[IDriveon3Wheels]

Cool thread.  I bought my '85 ATC250R in August 1984; it was one of 5 in the first shipment of that model into CA (3 of those 5 went to people in our group!).  I ended up eventually with 2 of those; mine and my wife's.  Paid about the same; under $2500 otd.  Just earlier this year, decided to combine the best parts of the 2 into 1 and sell the other.  All of my performance parts went onto her stock frame/plastics, and I sold mine (with her top end, etc).  Sold for $4800, that's right, double what I paid for it 38 years ago!

I agree with the Golden Spectro;  I've been riding and racing motorcycles in the CA desert since the '70s, and have run exclusivley Golden Spectro and nothing else.  53:1 (12 oz to 5 gallons).  No better oil for 2-strokes.

This pic is the one I sold; all stock except for a K&N air filter/open airbox and a Bill's Pipe and Answer silencer (with the stock heat shield tacked on):