I grew up on my grandpa's farm and I rode this exact model for years around the farm doing chores, hunting, and working. Ngl I really want this exact 3wheeler. Relive some of the good ole days and ride again.
I grew up on 3 wheelers 250x, 200 m, and a 250 big red exactly like this 1 and could ride the piss out of all of em, people riding them with no common sense caused them to stop making them, all you had to do is remember no matter which way you’re going, always lean up hill and into the turns and never any problems, you got a steal on this gem at $1200, id buy them in that shape all day long at that price 👍🏼
When you mentioned that it was one of the best 3 wheelers ever...It brought back a great memory . My neighbor got one of the baddest 3 wheeler I had ever seen. It was called DuneCycle. It had a 30 hp Rockwell twin 2 stroke in it. That thing scared the crap out of me. (Granted I WAS only 15) The first thing I had to do was crack that throttle wide open (just gotta to see what that baby will do) It pulled me back in that seat like nothing I've ever experienced. Almost pulled my hands off the grips. I'm 66 now and I still remember that feeling. Again...I was only 15. Probably wasn't Super Fast But back then...It sure seemed like it. My neighbor said they come with a 15 or a 30 hp Rockwell engines He chose the 30 hp not the Briggs and Stratton. Just an idea for your next project. There's also a Trisport Z340cc that's street legal which is supposed to be very fast also. I think one of these would be a good project (If they're in your price range). There's a Dune Cat 4 wheeler. Man I loved the 70's. All kinds of dangerous vehicles were made back then. Any body have one of these or agree about the crazy the 70's vehicles were?
Ive owned every type of 3 wheeler 185 and up and every year big red, the best. 3 wheelers are not even close to a 4 wheeler. When Honda came out with the 4 wheeler it was bad but they improved allot. One of the best was the 300 4X4. rode good, steered good and almost bullet proof like Hondas are.
My Dad bought us a Honda 125 ATC new in '84, I was 10 years old, and that was awesome! I have Cerebral Palsy and my balance is terrible. That bike let me run the trails with my dirt bike buddies for years! I love an ATC.
Yea until it flips and lands on top of u and drags u 100 yards down a hill riding on ur back while u slide on ur belly lol true story happen to me loved my 84 250 but I sold it the next day didn't wanna have anything worse happen and my kids loose their dad but I will say outside of the roll over hazard the 3 wheeler was far superior on ruff trails just hard going down hill I miss it but I also like being able to live better
Yea until it flips and lands on top of u and drags u 100 yards down a hill riding on ur back while u slide on ur belly lol true story happen to me loved my 84 250 but I sold it the next day didn't wanna have anything worse happen and my kids loose their dad but I will say outside of the roll over hazard the 3 wheeler was far superior on ruff trails just hard going down hill I miss it but I also like being able to live better
@@Not_ur_typical_millennial MY DAD WAS DRAGGING US BEHIND ONE ON A GARBAGE CAN LID DURING A SNOW IN 89. I FLIPPED OFF THE LID HE MADE A TURN AND HUGGED A TREE AND IT KEPT GOING...BUMPED INTO THE HOSE AS IT LOST MOMENTUM...HE SOLD IT AFTER THAT..
I’m with John. 3-wheelers are superior. I’ve had an ‘85 Kawasaki 110 since new (best birthday present ever!). Also have an ‘85 200X, I love these things. Most injuries were due to inexperienced riders who tried to ride them like a bike (don’t put your foot down!) and/or didn’t understand how to stay balanced while cornering. Nothing corners or wheelies like a trike! Keep ‘em comin’
When I was growing up my neighbor's dad had the exact same one I used to get to drive it all the time because he purchased a banshee and that was just back up I freaking love it so awesome that you guys got one
I'm betting a lot of us old school fans laughed when u said that foam would get sucked in.. That two parts mess they used back in the day about stopped everything from getting through. I owned the 250sx what beast
I had one like that around 1990. Trailered it down to Rocky Point Mexico from Arizona one time, so much fun in those dunes! I’ll never forget that trip or that three wheeler.
I'm old enough to remember my friends getting hurt on 3 wheelers. Neighbor gave me one and I asked why. "Don't want another of my kids getting busted up". I believe they were legislated off the road in many if not all states.
Wasn’t legislated. It’s was an agreement to stop producing them. Guys are making trike kits for newer dirt bikes and they are fast. If you like trikes you have to see the kits. Amazing
Yeah, Ryan at FortNine has a really good video on why 3 wheelers aren’t a thing anymore and it comes down to these trikes needing a “when in doubt throttle out” mentality along with the ability to hang off the sides of it to keep it level in turns. Both things people don’t think about when you’re sitting on a level platform like a car does.
Man when you guys fired it up it took me back to being 12 years old riding with my dad all over again, and they are tanks thank you for this project so much
Apparently John has never ran over his own leg,or ankle on an atc before,or rolled one making a turn at speed when the front tire catches a rut,nor has he flipped one over backwards climbing a hill 😆 I grew up in the 70s and we wore out a lot of atcs,and then atvs as well as big wheels,fat cats,trail 90s,etc and the atcs are fun as one can ride on 2 wheels,and they get unstuck easier,plus can go pretty much anywhere an atv can with the right rider..
I have a 1985 Honda ATC 250es that I've swapped a FourTrax 300 engine into I love it I've had it for around 10 years. You guys have found a gem with that 86!
What a great find! Im 57 and have ridden 3 and 4 wheelers but never owned either. I was a 2 wheel guy. 3 wheeler is way for fun than a 4 wheeler in my opinion.
For some odd reason I can't leave a comment I can only reply why is that ? Now that being said guess who's got a 250R three-wheeler John get in touch with me Motors in excellent shape just needs work on the rest you know you're basic carburetor cables brakes so get in touch with me if you happen to see this 😇✝️🙏❤️🇺🇲💯👍
that is the three wheeler i have always wanted growing up! my uncle had one and i never got to ride it because i was too little. i have had a yamaha tri moto 200 before and absolutely loved it. once i get my current tri moto 200 to run correctly its going to be a blast again! they are just so much fun! my friends 200s was SUPER heavy compared to my tri moto 200 though! his was not as sporty and i would not want to get his stuck.
I knew it would start. I’ve had way worse looking Honda 3 wheelers that I got running when other people told me I couldn’t. These were the best in my opinion. Lol
3 wheelers rule and my 200ES rules around here. 40 years old and with the snorkel installed, it still loves a swim across the pond. Did you know that guys ? They float.
We have the exact same 1986 250 big red when I was 9 years old. We put that thing through hell and back and it loved every minute of it. It's still sitting in the back of the barn Transmissions shot. Man we had fun on that thing.
Grew up on my grandpa's farm and he always made sure i had a ATV ...started with a honda 70 and when i got older i got a 110 and then a 200. It was awesome to ride around 40 acres with a 5 acre lake. Wouldnt trade those memories for anything. Good find!
I absolutely loved the 3 wheelers. I was in my teens when they were popular and in my late teens I think when they were banned from being manufactured any longer. I LOVED mine. A man had taken the 200M and a smaller 110cc to the bike shop to get them worked on and maintained but on his way home they both fell out of the back of his truck and cartwheeled down the highway. He put them back in the truck and took them to the bike shop and said "Get what you can for them, I'm done*. So my old man bought both of them. One for me as I was 16 or 17 and one for my younger brother. I put motocross handlebars on it and ANY three wheeler I ever had the first thing I did was change the thumb throttle to a twist throttle. I can't describe with words how much I hated the thumb throttle. Oh the 200 also had a fairly bent axle. I used a press at school to straighten it as best as possible and then the dangerous shenanigans started. Looking back now at 53 years of age it is absolutely incredible that I survived my teens and 20s. I should have died multiple times on my three wheelers and bikes. I loved every damn second of it :). Fearless, healthy, strong, young and dumb as shit lol. Like you guys I would be much more careful if on another one but I'd still go for miles on the back ties. So much fun. I really enjoyed watching you guys with this classic piece of dirt biking/three wheeling history. Thanks again from Canada.
I bought a 1981 Honda 185s two Christmas’s ago. I got a new cbr1000rr the august before that, and my three boys were wanting something to ride. I paid $250 for it, because they couldn’t keep it running. I got it home, pulled the amazon carb, and the clip came off the main needle. It had fallen in the main jet, and wouldn’t let fuel through. I wrapped a wire around the needle where the clip would go, and put it back together. It started right up, and hasn’t stopped since. lol. You literally can’t kill it. I had to unfu€k a lot of stuff they messed up doing terrible repairs, but the thing is a beast. I’ve only upped it once. 😂
Cool little revival, John in the mud hole you got to give it gas going in you can't walk it in and then expect it not to spin that rhymed. Drag race get your weight on them back tires just before you start wheeling get that traction rolling. Very entertaining watching you guys rebuild that stuff keep it up. Remember you have a throttle and a clutch The clutch is your best friend.
Three wheelers have all the disadvantages of a wide body. They quit making three wheelers for a reason never ridden one Don't want to they would be fun to tool around on so is a trail you guys need to hook up with Cletus McFarland and go to some of their races down there you guys would fit in very well.
I grew up and learned on a bare bones 82 Honda 185s with Carlisle trail pro tires, I could do laps on a side wheelie around the house. Watched my dad sink it three separate times in the licking river just for it to float up when he got off and it floated right back to the bank.
My first machine was an 85 200 M, loved that machine!! IMO they were dangerous when ridden irresponsibly but if you respect. 3 wheeler it will take you anywhere you want to go. Great buy guys!
It's nice that it has electric start and kick start instead of pull rope only because I seen online 3 or 4 wheelers for sale , where the pull rope is broken on most of them.
The Big Red rules! Indestructible and Amphibious!!! It's only weakness was hill climbing .. but for any other type.of off road, nearly unstoppable. Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦
I knew a couple of Firemen from OKC. I lived 4 miles from the "Little Sahara State Park" and they were there any time their days off were during the week. They raced a 56 F100 weekends but did buggies and bikes when they had days off M-F. They bought an ATC 90 that was pretty worn and proceeded to finish it off. Then installed a 175 Yamaha with 6 speed in it and it would scream but also had a lot of low end torque. One of their favorite games was to double up on it and each hold a beer while wheelieing to determine when it was time to swap places. They were a lot of fun to watch. And party with.
me watching was like wait tell they pull the cover off and see the kick start . i have a 250es and love it . i like seeing guys that didnt get to injoy these kinda things have a go at it and see why us 80 and 90 kids loved the world back then. great video now lets see how big your eye get when you get that pilot going .
It's "wait TIL they pull the cover off". Til is short for until. I also bristle when folks write "should of" instead of "should've", lol. (English major, ex-writer) Also: Enjoy. And capital letters are useful.
Most fun you can have on two wheels! I had the exact one and they’re well built. Did a lot of mudding with mine and I could keep up with the quads. And they’re a heck of a lot cheaper to fix
I think you're right John I grew up on a Yamaha 225dx on my grandfather's farm. It outperformed all the other forms four-wheelers and all of their Honda 3 wheelers. Thanks for the videos
0:45 anxious to watch this video. I had a 250 big red headed for years PowerPort up front I like that you can takeoff and maneuver for yourself if you had to work on and just straight up fast it wasn’t built for speed but speed is what it has. Ours would run way over 60 and on those big tires it gets pretty scary at that speed. Yes, without a doubt the best three wheeler ever made if they can be said about a three wheeler.
I had so much fun on our Big Red back in the day. We had a little Suzuki Quad runner too. I also got hurt on the 3 wheeler quite a few times acting stupid but I still got back on it. I miss those days.
I had a 200s and a 200x. Most of my life. I always loved 3 wheelers. Wheelies for days and just a totally different riding experience. Once you’re proficient in one they are more fun to me. There’s something about sliding then around corners and the sketch factor that just makes a ton of fun.
I'm 36 this year and I grew up driving 3 wheelers love them but can't insure them anymore which sucks but still fun to ride wish I could insure my 225 Yamaha dx and wish it had Reverse just bought a rear dif for it pinion was gone had no oil got hot and well you know love your videos keep up the awesome work
My first ATV was a 90cc Honda 3 wheeler bubble tire with zero suspension. I loved that thing, even though it would eject me off the side every time I landed wrong off of a jump.
I had a 1980 3 wheeler and we went anywhere we wanted to even across shallow pond’s lol I got so good riding it I could ride a wheelie up to the back of my truck and set the front wheel onto my tailgate. Yall are bringing back good memories for me thank you guys for that.
The number of injuries is what I recall about their demise. I had a real tall friend in high school, and he tended to run over his legs a lot--never really got hurt bad, just had to look for help a lot!
When I was a kid my dad had one of these, it wasn't electric only, under the the right side panel there was a hidden kick starter just in case, also the headlight detached and had a long cord to be used like a work light...a few hidden features on the 250es.
That rzr sounded like the belt was worn... Grew up on 2 wheelers, when 3 wheelers came out I was already into cars & road bikes, lol.. Know quite a few that got hurt, only rode a couple, good fun, but I had raced snowmobiles, lol. My son has bought a few & loves them. Just have to be aware of the quirks. Great find, & video too! Thanx !
I have the 4 wheeler version of that big red. 1985 250 2wd. Came to me as a rolling frame and several boxes of parts. Not fast but it's a tractor. I like the super low gear for pulling a trailer.
I just upgraded my son's Thumpstar 110cc semi-auto pit bike to a 140cc full manual engine, and I also upgraded to an extended swing arm, 16" rear tire from 12", and a 17" front tire from 12". It came with a 11.5" coilover for the rear suspension and it's not even rideable with that long of a shock, so I purchased a 5.9" rear shock for it along with a brand new gold 428 HD chain. The 140cc engine is kick start only. The old 110cc engine I actually upgraded from kick start only to an electric start because my son is small and he was having issues with it, plus the original engine had worn out piston rings and was smoking like crazy.
We had a 90 and 185. Wife loved the 90, named it Thunder. She had one too many one time and took it to the field across the street and rolled. . . . forward!! 😳 We all ran over and she was flat on her back saying what happened. It was a good thing she was toasted, loose and limber or she might have been hurt. LOL!! Rollover /tip over in turns was why they went to four wheel, they were accused of manufacturing an unsafe machine.
There's a trick to getting jets that are stuck in the tubes to turn . Take a pencil torch and heat the aluminum up first then try it. Usually will turn that old fuel into a mush so jet will turn
A buddy of mine took part of a 350x engine and a 250 engine and made his big red a 350. What a monster. You can also take a trx300 engine swap angle shafts and away you go(you also need the 300 electrical)
I’ve got a couple of the old 3 wheelers from Honda and love taking them out. I have a big red that I believe is an ‘86 and a ‘82 or so 185s. They’re a blast to ride.
Correct me if I'm wrong Ike but don't the motorcycle manufacturers recommend checking the fluid level with the stick sitting on the threads loose rather than screwed in?
The old thing started right up too! Diggin' Ike's period correct oldschool 70's helmet. Not quite DOT approved, but good enough for testing purposes. That'll be a fun ride.
I've ridden the poop out of a Honda ATC back as a teenager. I did pretty everything wrong on one that you can name at LEAST once, a couple of them two and three times and I can confirm how dangerous they are. I was SO happy when the four wheelers replaced the three wheelers. (autocorrect keeps wanting to replace 'three wheeler' with 'wheelchair' ! which I find is kinda fitting really!)
My dad bought me one when I was 13 (7 years ago) we took it in a quad ralley with those exact rear tires super swampers they’re called we went everywhere canams went and we floated across water where they were getting stuck. There’s a kickstart on right side of engine rear fender flips up
Finding a 250R is easy ... affording one is a whole new challenge. That Big Red is one of few 3-wheel Honda's I never owned, but a good one indeed. The SXS is a nice addition to the pack as well. Have fun at your event and remember *CRASHING SUCKS*
I grew up on my grandpa's farm and I rode this exact model for years around the farm doing chores, hunting, and working. Ngl I really want this exact 3wheeler. Relive some of the good ole days and ride again.
The Stock yamaha blaster 200 and the big red are neck and neck for top speed. My cousin and I tested this. 😅
If you buy a pressure washer for Ike, you'd probably save some money on shop towels.
Meh..
No, they like scratching the surface.
@@Buck1954 its a big red do you really think the plastics are not already scratched to fuck from driving in mud and forests?
I was yelling it has kick start and the back flips up the whole time they had no idea lol
Same here lol
Yep same here lol.
Yep lol i said its kick start then i saw yalls comment
100%
Yep same
I grew up on 3 wheelers 250x, 200 m, and a 250 big red exactly like this 1 and could ride the piss out of all of em, people riding them with no common sense caused them to stop making them, all you had to do is remember no matter which way you’re going, always lean up hill and into the turns and never any problems, you got a steal on this gem at $1200, id buy them in that shape all day long at that price 👍🏼
It always cracks me up. John gets so excited when they start up.
That's my childhood right there boys. Treat it well.
When you mentioned that it was one of the best 3 wheelers ever...It brought back a great memory . My neighbor got one of the baddest 3 wheeler I had ever seen. It was called DuneCycle. It had a 30 hp Rockwell twin 2 stroke in it. That thing scared the crap out of me. (Granted I WAS only 15) The first thing I had to do was crack that throttle wide open (just gotta to see what that baby will do) It pulled me back in that seat like nothing I've ever experienced. Almost pulled my hands off the grips. I'm 66 now and I still remember that feeling. Again...I was only 15. Probably wasn't Super Fast But back then...It sure seemed like it. My neighbor said they come with a 15 or a 30 hp Rockwell engines He chose the 30 hp not the Briggs and Stratton. Just an idea for your next project. There's also a Trisport Z340cc that's street legal which is supposed to be very fast also. I think one of these would be a good project (If they're in your price range). There's a Dune Cat 4 wheeler. Man I loved the 70's. All kinds of dangerous vehicles were made back then. Any body have one of these or agree about the crazy the 70's vehicles were?
Ive owned every type of 3 wheeler 185 and up and every year big red, the best. 3 wheelers are not even close to a 4 wheeler. When Honda came out with the 4 wheeler it was bad but they improved allot. One of the best was the 300 4X4. rode good, steered good and almost bullet proof like Hondas are.
I fell in love with these after seeing them featured in the “In A Big Country” music video.
My Dad bought us a Honda 125 ATC new in '84, I was 10 years old, and that was awesome! I have Cerebral Palsy and my balance is terrible. That bike let me run the trails with my dirt bike buddies for years! I love an ATC.
Old Honda 3 wheeler will take you into the woods and will always bring you back.
JUST DONT GO UP THOSE "PIPELINE" HILLS UNDER THOSE HUGE POWER LINES...IT COMES DOWN A LOT QUICKER THAN IT GOES UP...HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA....
Always
Yea until it flips and lands on top of u and drags u 100 yards down a hill riding on ur back while u slide on ur belly lol true story happen to me loved my 84 250 but I sold it the next day didn't wanna have anything worse happen and my kids loose their dad but I will say outside of the roll over hazard the 3 wheeler was far superior on ruff trails just hard going down hill I miss it but I also like being able to live better
Yea until it flips and lands on top of u and drags u 100 yards down a hill riding on ur back while u slide on ur belly lol true story happen to me loved my 84 250 but I sold it the next day didn't wanna have anything worse happen and my kids loose their dad but I will say outside of the roll over hazard the 3 wheeler was far superior on ruff trails just hard going down hill I miss it but I also like being able to live better
@@Not_ur_typical_millennial MY DAD WAS DRAGGING US BEHIND ONE ON A GARBAGE CAN LID DURING A SNOW IN 89. I FLIPPED OFF THE LID HE MADE A TURN AND HUGGED A TREE AND IT KEPT GOING...BUMPED INTO THE HOSE AS IT LOST MOMENTUM...HE SOLD IT AFTER THAT..
Junkyard digs Kevin would be proud
I agree 😂
I’m with John. 3-wheelers are superior.
I’ve had an ‘85 Kawasaki 110 since new (best birthday present ever!).
Also have an ‘85 200X, I love these things.
Most injuries were due to inexperienced riders who tried to ride them like a bike (don’t put your foot down!) and/or didn’t understand how to stay balanced while cornering.
Nothing corners or wheelies like a trike!
Keep ‘em comin’
Had a 200X once. Total blast to ride!
When I was growing up my neighbor's dad had the exact same one I used to get to drive it all the time because he purchased a banshee and that was just back up I freaking love it so awesome that you guys got one
Yes! Another Honda Big Red vid 🎉
I'm betting a lot of us old school fans laughed when u said that foam would get sucked in.. That two parts mess they used back in the day about stopped everything from getting through. I owned the 250sx what beast
You should for sure do a restoration on this beautiful machine!
Bah. Just ride and enjoy it. They dont need to impress anyone else with it.
@@JeffKopis yeah.
I had one like that around 1990. Trailered it down to Rocky Point Mexico from Arizona one time, so much fun in those dunes! I’ll never forget that trip or that three wheeler.
I'm old enough to remember my friends getting hurt on 3 wheelers. Neighbor gave me one and I asked why. "Don't want another of my kids getting busted up". I believe they were legislated off the road in many if not all states.
Our neighbor was k'lled by one in the 90s.
Handlebar impalment.😥
Wasn’t legislated. It’s was an agreement to stop producing them. Guys are making trike kits for newer dirt bikes and they are fast. If you like trikes you have to see the kits. Amazing
@@robertletkeman790 BVC Trikes are nuts
Lots of old guys watching the younger generation. love it
Yeah, Ryan at FortNine has a really good video on why 3 wheelers aren’t a thing anymore and it comes down to these trikes needing a “when in doubt throttle out” mentality along with the ability to hang off the sides of it to keep it level in turns. Both things people don’t think about when you’re sitting on a level platform like a car does.
Man when you guys fired it up it took me back to being 12 years old riding with my dad all over again, and they are tanks thank you for this project so much
You need junkyard Digs Kevin to make a lap on it.
This would make the best full restoration project. I really hope you restore it fully and put it up on RUclips
Apparently John has never ran over his own leg,or ankle on an atc before,or rolled one making a turn at speed when the front tire catches a rut,nor has he flipped one over backwards climbing a hill 😆 I grew up in the 70s and we wore out a lot of atcs,and then atvs as well as big wheels,fat cats,trail 90s,etc and the atcs are fun as one can ride on 2 wheels,and they get unstuck easier,plus can go pretty much anywhere an atv can with the right rider..
I have a 1985 Honda ATC 250es that I've swapped a FourTrax 300 engine into I love it I've had it for around 10 years. You guys have found a gem with that 86!
It’s really cool and I love them, however there is no possible scenario where a 3 wheeler is better than a 4x4.
the rolling over scenario comes to mind. 😆 and i say this from experience.
What a great find! Im 57 and have ridden 3 and 4 wheelers but never owned either. I was a 2 wheel guy. 3 wheeler is way for fun than a 4 wheeler in my opinion.
1 view in 35 seconds? Ugh
it be like that sometimes🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂
Takes 30 seconds for a view to count
For some odd reason I can't leave a comment I can only reply why is that ? Now that being said guess who's got a 250R three-wheeler John get in touch with me Motors in excellent shape just needs work on the rest you know you're basic carburetor cables brakes so get in touch with me if you happen to see this 😇✝️🙏❤️🇺🇲💯👍
that is the three wheeler i have always wanted growing up! my uncle had one and i never got to ride it because i was too little. i have had a yamaha tri moto 200 before and absolutely loved it. once i get my current tri moto 200 to run correctly its going to be a blast again! they are just so much fun! my friends 200s was SUPER heavy compared to my tri moto 200 though! his was not as sporty and i would not want to get his stuck.
I grew up with Honda three wheelers love to see people keeping them alive. Keep up the good work.
You guys should do a video with the 250es competing with the ATC 200!
I’ve ridden those a lot but my favorite was the Yamaha 225 it is great for riding wheelies
I knew it would start. I’ve had way worse looking Honda 3 wheelers that I got running when other people told me I couldn’t. These were the best in my opinion. Lol
I had a 77 atc 90 and I loved it now I have a 2005 Polaris predator 90 and I love it
3 wheelers rule and my 200ES rules around here. 40 years old and with the snorkel installed, it still loves a swim across the pond. Did you know that guys ? They float.
We have the exact same 1986 250 big red when I was 9 years old. We put that thing through hell and back and it loved every minute of it. It's still sitting in the back of the barn Transmissions shot. Man we had fun on that thing.
Where you located at ?
Would you be willing to sell I'm definitely interested
Grew up on my grandpa's farm and he always made sure i had a ATV ...started with a honda 70 and when i got older i got a 110 and then a 200. It was awesome to ride around 40 acres with a 5 acre lake. Wouldnt trade those memories for anything. Good find!
I absolutely loved the 3 wheelers. I was in my teens when they were popular and in my late teens I think when they were banned from being manufactured any longer. I LOVED mine. A man had taken the 200M and a smaller 110cc to the bike shop to get them worked on and maintained but on his way home they both fell out of the back of his truck and cartwheeled down the highway. He put them back in the truck and took them to the bike shop and said "Get what you can for them, I'm done*. So my old man bought both of them. One for me as I was 16 or 17 and one for my younger brother. I put motocross handlebars on it and ANY three wheeler I ever had the first thing I did was change the thumb throttle to a twist throttle. I can't describe with words how much I hated the thumb throttle. Oh the 200 also had a fairly bent axle. I used a press at school to straighten it as best as possible and then the dangerous shenanigans started. Looking back now at 53 years of age it is absolutely incredible that I survived my teens and 20s. I should have died multiple times on my three wheelers and bikes. I loved every damn second of it :). Fearless, healthy, strong, young and dumb as shit lol. Like you guys I would be much more careful if on another one but I'd still go for miles on the back ties. So much fun. I really enjoyed watching you guys with this classic piece of dirt biking/three wheeling history. Thanks again from Canada.
I bought a 1981 Honda 185s two Christmas’s ago. I got a new cbr1000rr the august before that, and my three boys were wanting something to ride. I paid $250 for it, because they couldn’t keep it running. I got it home, pulled the amazon carb, and the clip came off the main needle. It had fallen in the main jet, and wouldn’t let fuel through. I wrapped a wire around the needle where the clip would go, and put it back together. It started right up, and hasn’t stopped since. lol. You literally can’t kill it. I had to unfu€k a lot of stuff they messed up doing terrible repairs, but the thing is a beast. I’ve only upped it once. 😂
Cool little revival, John in the mud hole you got to give it gas going in you can't walk it in and then expect it not to spin that rhymed. Drag race get your weight on them back tires just before you start wheeling get that traction rolling. Very entertaining watching you guys rebuild that stuff keep it up. Remember you have a throttle and a clutch The clutch is your best friend.
Three wheelers have all the disadvantages of a wide body. They quit making three wheelers for a reason never ridden one Don't want to they would be fun to tool around on so is a trail you guys need to hook up with Cletus McFarland and go to some of their races down there you guys would fit in very well.
I grew up and learned on a bare bones 82 Honda 185s with Carlisle trail pro tires, I could do laps on a side wheelie around the house. Watched my dad sink it three separate times in the licking river just for it to float up when he got off and it floated right back to the bank.
My first machine was an 85 200 M, loved that machine!! IMO they were dangerous when ridden irresponsibly but if you respect. 3 wheeler it will take you anywhere you want to go. Great buy guys!
Wow that motor sounds tight! You may want to lean out the fuel screw.
My brother had a 200 that he re-did. Blue frame and white plastics. It was sick
It's nice that it has electric start and kick start instead of pull rope only because I seen online 3 or 4 wheelers for sale , where the pull rope is broken on most of them.
I have a Honda trx350d 1988 foreman and it's the first actual 4x4 quad built and all the others were designed on them.❤️💛💚
The Big Red rules! Indestructible and Amphibious!!! It's only weakness was hill climbing .. but for any other type.of off road, nearly unstoppable.
Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦
Been riding 3 wheelers since I was 4, got my bigred when I was 7. Still have it. I'm 35 now
I knew a couple of Firemen from OKC. I lived 4 miles from the "Little Sahara State Park" and they were there any time their days off were during the week. They raced a 56 F100 weekends but did buggies and bikes when they had days off M-F. They bought an ATC 90 that was pretty worn and proceeded to finish it off. Then installed a 175 Yamaha with 6 speed in it and it would scream but also had a lot of low end torque. One of their favorite games was to double up on it and each hold a beer while wheelieing to determine when it was time to swap places. They were a lot of fun to watch. And party with.
Great video as always. Yes we all want a RZR build!!!
me watching was like wait tell they pull the cover off and see the kick start . i have a 250es and love it . i like seeing guys that didnt get to injoy these kinda things have a go at it and see why us 80 and 90 kids loved the world back then. great video now lets see how big your eye get when you get that pilot going .
It's "wait TIL they pull the cover off". Til is short for until. I also bristle when folks write "should of" instead of "should've", lol. (English major, ex-writer) Also: Enjoy. And capital letters are useful.
@@JeffKopisYou contributed a lot to this comment
@JeffKopis don't care buddy have a great day
My favorite three wheeler ever made! First bike I ever rode was a Honda atc 70 and I still own it and two big reds a 1985 and a 1987!
Most fun you can have on two wheels! I had the exact one and they’re well built. Did a lot of mudding with mine and I could keep up with the quads. And they’re a heck of a lot cheaper to fix
I think you're right John I grew up on a Yamaha 225dx on my grandfather's farm. It outperformed all the other forms four-wheelers and all of their Honda 3 wheelers. Thanks for the videos
So good to see a video like you guys used to do. Low budget builds. Especially the old 3 wheelers and motorcycles for me
0:45 anxious to watch this video. I had a 250 big red headed for years PowerPort up front I like that you can takeoff and maneuver for yourself if you had to work on and just straight up fast it wasn’t built for speed but speed is what it has. Ours would run way over 60 and on those big tires it gets pretty scary at that speed. Yes, without a doubt the best three wheeler ever made if they can be said about a three wheeler.
I had so much fun on our Big Red back in the day. We had a little Suzuki Quad runner too. I also got hurt on the 3 wheeler quite a few times acting stupid but I still got back on it. I miss those days.
I had a 200s and a 200x. Most of my life. I always loved 3 wheelers. Wheelies for days and just a totally different riding experience. Once you’re proficient in one they are more fun to me. There’s something about sliding then around corners and the sketch factor that just makes a ton of fun.
I'm 36 this year and I grew up driving 3 wheelers love them but can't insure them anymore which sucks but still fun to ride wish I could insure my 225 Yamaha dx and wish it had Reverse just bought a rear dif for it pinion was gone had no oil got hot and well you know love your videos keep up the awesome work
My first ATV was a 90cc Honda 3 wheeler bubble tire with zero suspension. I loved that thing, even though it would eject me off the side every time I landed wrong off of a jump.
Friggin love 3 wheelers. I’m 23 and just got into them last year. I only own 2 right now but that’s gone change! I’ve got a 200X and 200es big red
I have a 250es I'd be willing to sell
@@tristanalleman5015 price and approximate location?
i remember using those things on the ranch while in college. they were a life saver repairing fence.
Parents got me a Honda 110 in 1984 and it was so much fun and I always wanted a big red I'm jealous that thing is a beast.
My uncle had one and loved being able to ride it growing up
I had a 1980 3 wheeler and we went anywhere we wanted to even across shallow pond’s lol I got so good riding it I could ride a wheelie up to the back of my truck and set the front wheel onto my tailgate. Yall are bringing back good memories for me thank you guys for that.
Glad you guys finally learned how to find the kickstarter and open the rear lid. I get it, it was your first Big Red.
The number of injuries is what I recall about their demise. I had a real tall friend in high school, and he tended to run over his legs a lot--never really got hurt bad, just had to look for help a lot!
Man that cobra exhaust sounds good! I have an old cobra on my big bear 350. These old bike just won't die!
When I was a kid my dad had one of these, it wasn't electric only, under the the right side panel there was a hidden kick starter just in case, also the headlight detached and had a long cord to be used like a work light...a few hidden features on the 250es.
Those things had a ton of torque and is also why they came with a freaking trailer hitch. Theyll do more than a 4 wheeler can.
Yep, that is the Honda smell, I have discussed it with other people too...
That rzr sounded like the belt was worn... Grew up on 2 wheelers, when 3 wheelers came out I was already into cars & road bikes, lol.. Know quite a few that got hurt, only rode a couple, good fun, but I had raced snowmobiles, lol. My son has bought a few & loves them. Just have to be aware of the quirks. Great find, & video too! Thanx !
I have the 4 wheeler version of that big red. 1985 250 2wd. Came to me as a rolling frame and several boxes of parts. Not fast but it's a tractor. I like the super low gear for pulling a trailer.
Weird. Just got off my 85 Big Red 5 minutes ago. Best yard machine ever, fun in the trails too if you are ok with going slow.
I’m 25 and I love 3 wheelers I got my first one when I was 7 and it’s was a 200m
I just upgraded my son's Thumpstar 110cc semi-auto pit bike to a 140cc full manual engine, and I also upgraded to an extended swing arm, 16" rear tire from 12", and a 17" front tire from 12". It came with a 11.5" coilover for the rear suspension and it's not even rideable with that long of a shock, so I purchased a 5.9" rear shock for it along with a brand new gold 428 HD chain. The 140cc engine is kick start only. The old 110cc engine I actually upgraded from kick start only to an electric start because my son is small and he was having issues with it, plus the original engine had worn out piston rings and was smoking like crazy.
Glad to see you fellas enjoying your dreams. You deserve all the success you want.
We had a 90 and 185.
Wife loved the 90, named it Thunder.
She had one too many one time and took it to the field across the street and rolled. . . . forward!! 😳
We all ran over and she was flat on her back saying what happened. It was a good thing she was toasted, loose and limber or she might have been hurt. LOL!!
Rollover /tip over in turns was why they went to four wheel, they were accused of manufacturing an unsafe machine.
There's a trick to getting jets that are stuck in the tubes to turn . Take a pencil torch and heat the aluminum up first then try it. Usually will turn that old fuel into a mush so jet will turn
Just sold my 250 sx , had since 1985 , did have a kick start , which was a big big plus but u always needed a good battery
Definitely do a video on the rzr
A buddy of mine took part of a 350x engine and a 250 engine and made his big red a 350. What a monster. You can also take a trx300 engine swap angle shafts and away you go(you also need the 300 electrical)
I’ve got a couple of the old 3 wheelers from Honda and love taking them out. I have a big red that I believe is an ‘86 and a ‘82 or so 185s. They’re a blast to ride.
Before video games or cellphones this was the most fun thing to do on my grandparents farm
Awesome! Also yes we want a video on the Polaris side x side!
I think it was the 300R or 350R that my buddies were boring and racing back in the 80’s. They were an absolute blast! ❤
Correct me if I'm wrong Ike but don't the motorcycle manufacturers recommend checking the fluid level with the stick sitting on the threads loose rather than screwed in?
3 Wheelers are great for using in the snow, because it's harder to get high-centered and they definitely have the cool factor.
I owned one growing up, fun fact about the big red. The headlight detaches and can be used as a spot light.
An exhaust system doesn't have to be loud to sound good, and perform good. I know this because I worked in a muffler shop.
Im a 90s kids and have had 6 3 wheelers still have 3 of them, 1981 Honda 250R 1985 Honda 250SX and a 1986 Honda 350X
You are correct, the 3 wheeler is soooo much fun!!!
The old thing started right up too! Diggin' Ike's period correct oldschool 70's helmet. Not quite DOT approved, but good enough for testing purposes.
That'll be a fun ride.
Had one years ago and had tons of fun.
I would like the see the side by side video I also would like to see a three wheeler powered predator engine
I've ridden the poop out of a Honda ATC back as a teenager. I did pretty everything wrong on one that you can name at LEAST once, a couple of them two and three times and I can confirm how dangerous they are. I was SO happy when the four wheelers replaced the three wheelers. (autocorrect keeps wanting to replace 'three wheeler' with 'wheelchair' ! which I find is kinda fitting really!)
The headlight doubles as a work light. Cool feature
The headlight will detach and you can use it for a spot light or working around the three wheeler is what i loved about the big red.
love seeing that mechanic's grin. this is cool. hell i'm grinning to. that removable head light is good when your doing a lot of stuff.
My dad bought me one when I was 13 (7 years ago) we took it in a quad ralley with those exact rear tires super swampers they’re called we went everywhere canams went and we floated across water where they were getting stuck. There’s a kickstart on right side of engine rear fender flips up
Finding a 250R is easy ... affording one is a whole new challenge. That Big Red is one of few 3-wheel Honda's I never owned, but a good one indeed. The SXS is a nice addition to the pack as well. Have fun at your event and remember *CRASHING SUCKS*