Three Wheelers

[mclean]

I've wanted one for a while. A few friends are getting some old, small 4 wheelers to fix up cheap and i want to join with an old honda.

Any insight on what to look for or tips...besides don't roll and break your neck?

Found a couple 200s that I'm interested in

 

[northern bear]

200s is fine, but it’s a hard tail and well, it gets hard on the back after awhile. I’d look for a 250sx. A machine is only as dangerous as the person riding it. Lose respect for it and it’ll hurt you. They’re really not that hard to ride. Full suspension handles better naturally, Tires with a more square profile improve stability, but also take away from suspension. The big round balloon tires bounce better. But I’ll take handling any day. Any 185/200 cc machine out there that you may get will also most likely need for the timing chain and valves to be set proper.

 

[mclean]

Well yea the 250 would be way better haha. I'm just looking for something fun. A cheap retro ride.

 

[northern bear]

Ain’t nothing cheap out there anymore though. Guys want a grand for beat up barely running trash. That non running bike you used to get for a case of beer is now $500.

 

[TylerG]

I was going to say if anyone would know about Three Wheelers it's likely Greg (northern bear) he's got quite the collection of them.

 

[northern bear]

Lol yeah there’s a few of them around here. Downsized a bit in the last year or so though. Think last count is 20. Plus a bunch of other 70’s - 80’s vintage stuff. Bikes, quads, odysseys.

 

[mclean]

Have any you want to let go? Haha

 

[northern bear]

Not at this time nope. When I get after building my 84 big Red, I’ll perhaps let the 83 Red go. Got an 84 Trx200 quad I would sell perhaps. It has racks and trunk lid now since this pic was taken.

 

[blubbles]

The older 200CC engine is extremely solid though. The 250 will for sure shine on the power end of things, but I wouldn't hesitate if you are just out for a bit of fun. I have the same engine in my Fat Cat's and they honestly tractor extremely well for what they are. Put thousands of hours on them, take them apart and they show very little wear. Not fun to rebuild though with all the little chains in them.

Love my older machines, nothing beats the looks of passing someone on a trail with a machine from the 80s.

And yes, I tow trees back with it on more than one occasion haha Semi Auto Trannies ftw

 

[Dragonalain]

Don’t be scared to Buy something decent. Chances are you will get all of your money back or even a little more. Buddy bought a decent 200x a few years ago. Ppl were harassing him at stops lights wondering if it was for sale. He sold it last fall and got a 84 250r out of a farmers shed on a service call.

 

[northern bear]

The older 200CC engine is extremely solid though. The 250 will for sure shine on the power end of things, but I wouldn't hesitate if you are just out for a bit of fun. I have the same engine in my Fat Cat's and they honestly tractor extremely well for what they are. Put thousands of hours on them, take them apart and they show very little wear. Not fun to rebuild though with all the little chains in them.

Love my older machines, nothing beats the looks of passing someone on a trail with a machine from the 80s.

And yes, I tow trees back with it on more than one occasion haha Semi Auto Trannies ftw

Fat cat engine is a bit different than the trike 200’s. Second generation 200 so to speak. Same as the 86-87 200x is all. Not sure about the 200sx quad if it’s the same.

 

[northern bear]

Don’t be scared to Buy something decent. Chances are you will get all of your money back or even a little more. Buddy bought a decent 200x a few years ago. Ppl were harassing him at stops lights wondering if it was for sale. He sold it last fall and got a 84 250r out of a farmers shed on a service call.

Couple years ago you could buy and then sell and make money with the way Covid was driving the market. Prices are still high right now, but more people are backing down from buying at those prices. Starting to see it maxed out and perhaps dropping in places. Models like the 85-86 350x and 85-86 3rd gen liquid 250r will always command the highest prices. First and second gen air cooled 250r’s are hit and miss. Usually pick up a decent one of those for between $2000-$3000. Any more and they better be pretty nice. It’s the market on the utilities that are still seemingly high. 200e/es big reds and 200m are getting into the $2000 range and they used to be half that at best. Even a plain jane 200, that are in rough shape, guys are wanting close to a $1000 for something you used to get for a couple hun and a case of beer.

 

[northern bear]

Have any you want to let go? Haha

How soon are you looking to buy? Wanting something for the winter to ride or kinda thinking fix/build over winter for spring? I’m working on a project right now and if all goes well, I may have a 200s I’ll let go for reasonable. Runs great, there’ll be some plastic swapping and I’ll be keeping the racks for the build. It’s the one on the right.

 

[Dragonalain]

Couple years ago you could buy and then sell and make money with the way Covid was driving the market. Prices are still high right now, but more people are backing down from buying at those prices. Starting to see it maxed out and perhaps dropping in places. Models like the 85-86 350x and 85-86 3rd gen liquid 250r will always command the highest prices. First and second gen air cooled 250r’s are hit and miss. Usually pick up a decent one of those for between $2000-$3000. Any more and they better be pretty nice. It’s the market on the utilities that are still seemingly high. 200e/es big reds and 200m are getting into the $2000 range and they used to be half that at best. Even a plain jane 200, that are in rough shape, guys are wanting close to a $1000 for something you used to get for a couple hun and a case of beer.

I’m in the market for a nice 3rd Gen 250r. That 81 is pretty much all original minus the front fender. The 84 has a Hondaline 300 big bore, bills pipe and a fmf silencer. I’m kind of debating picking one up down south on a vacation and shipping it back sk.

Aftermarket exhaust not on in photo.

 

[mclean]

Those are nice. I just want an old, rough, slow one. Child hood memories. Just something to throw in the box and go for a short vintage ride with some buddies

 

[Legend14]

Honda 300cc 4x4 is way better and can do any hills,forget the trikes I say

 

[mclean]

I have a rzr1000 for anything like that. I just want an old vintage bike for the experience. It's not going to win races or go bogging. Just for bouncing down trails and enjoying the fresh mountain air

 

[northern bear]

View attachment 246341
I’m in the market for a nice 3rd Gen 250r. That 81 is pretty much all original minus the front fender. The 84 has a Hondaline 300 big bore, bills pipe and a fmf silencer. I’m kind of debating picking one up down south on a vacation and shipping it back sk.

Aftermarket exhaust not on in photo.

Haha don’t we all want a 3rd gen R. Probably your best option right now is to import one. Guys are wanting way to much here. Had a shot at one fairly local to me this spring. Guy was asking $7500. I went and looked at it, cases had been into, steering stem bearings were shot, hubs so worn out that they were on the verge of stripping, Maier plastics musing half the mounting hardware. Kick start ready to fall off shaft. No kill switch, no lights. And some other stuff. Told the guy best I could do was $4500, and even that was stretching it considering the condition. Apparently it sold for $7000. Probably sight unseen, just paid and had it shipped.

 

[northern bear]

Honda 300cc 4x4 is way better and can do any hills,forget the trikes I say

That won’t follow where I go with the sand paddles and Tri-Z or even the 350x lol. Mud is a different story. I’ll fire up the grizzly for that. Trikes n mud really isn’t a lot of fun.

 

[northern bear]

Red Deer River out west of Sundre in the ghost. Make sure one has functioning brakes in that area. Subscribing to the first gear theory can get a guy into trouble real quick.