Incredibly, with the new engine and a six-speed transmission, the 250R was capable of a top speed north of 70 miles per hour. The popular Pro-Link suspension technology continued to be used, while front and rear suspension travel was increased to almost 10 inches. The 250R seen here was a monster (in the best way possible), equipped with a new, more powerful liquid cooled engine and a stronger frame. Honda eventually agreed to stop selling its three wheelers as a way to a quell the building firestorm, but not before releasing a high performance model for 1985/1986. Deaths and serious injuries resulting from roll-overs soon began to pile up, along with the lawsuits. It became obvious within short order that Honda’s dealer network wasn’t properly advising inexperienced riders and parents of children that the ATC wasn’t intended for rookie riders. The professional riders shown hurtling the ATCs into impressive drifts across sand dunes or dusty trailers were inspirational to the average rider, but the three wheeled Hondas weren’t the kind of vehicle that permitted amateur riders to look more talented than they were. When the promotional videos debuted for Honda’s ATC line, it was hard not to be tempted into ownership. Sales ended abruptly as lawsuits began to mount, and that makes survivor examples like this 1986 Honda ATC 250R here on eBay so collectible today. These ATVs were a way for Honda to make it through the winter season on something other than snowmobile sales, but there was a big problem: the bikes were intended for mature riders only, and dealers were selling these three-wheelers to everyone from kids to adults who couldn’t much drive a car correctly, let alone a high-powered three-wheeler. Photos taken during the final stages of the refurbishment can be viewed in the gallery.When it comes to vintage ATVs, Honda’s lineup of rowdy three-wheelers have earned a somewhat legendary reputation. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed transmission and a drive chain. The selling dealer states the engine was rebuilt with replacement bearings, gaskets, and seals as well as a 0.50mm-oversized piston. The liquid-cooled 246cc two-stroke single is equipped with CDI ignition, a 35mm Keihin carburetor, and a kickstarter. No instrumentation is present, therefore total mileage is unknown. The black handlebar is mounted to the top triple clamp via a riser and features hand controls for the manual clutch and front brake. Stopping power is provided by front and rear disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors, and the selling dealer states the brake pads were replaced in anticipation of the sale. Suspension travel of 9.8″ is available at both ends. Suspension consists of a 39mm conventional fork with blue rubber gaiters as well as a monoshock mounted to the gold-finished Pro-Link swingarm. Gold-finished 9″ wheels are mounted with knobby Dunlop tires. ![]() Zinc-coated fasteners were installed by the selling dealer. Features include a red tubular steel frame, a blue bench seat, a black grab rail, a headlight, and a taillight. The headlight fixture, fuel tank, side panels, and fenders are finished in red, and replacement red, white, and blue decals were applied during the refurbishment. ![]() This ATC 250R is now offered at no reserve in Minnesota with refurbishment photos and a bill of sale. The machine wears red bodywork with red, white, and blue graphics, and equipment includes a six-speed transmission, CDI ignition, a kickstarter, a blue bench seat, a black grab rail, adjustable long-travel suspension, gold-finished 9″ wheels, and front and rear disc brakes. This 1986 Honda ATC 250R was refurbished by the selling dealer’s shop within the last year in a project that is said to have included refinishing the frame in red, fitting zinc-coated fasteners, and rebuilding its liquid-cooled 246cc two-stroke single with a 0.50mm-oversized piston.
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