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ATC for free? Big Red's rebirth.

Tryloff

Tryloff

Well-known member
Joined
May 20, 2020
Member Number
788
Messages
369
I got this very neglected Big Red for free about a month ago from a childhood friend's Dad. It's kinda like the neighborhood whore. Everyones had a turn on it and nobody gave a damn about preserving any part of it for the next guy. I'm still trying to figure out why I'm the guy who's decided to wife it up.. :lmao:
I don't have many pictures of before I tore into it, but just assume nothing is undamaged, and it's coated in mud and oil. Here's the few I took after giving it a solid two hours of pressure washing:
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I promised my wife I wouldn't get carried away with fixing this thing up, but I think that really means that I need to get carried away quickly and get it done before she realizes..

My plan with this one is disassemble to bare frame, then rustoleum restoration from there. Theres really not much to these bikes, so if I can complete one or two parts a day it shouldnt take too long. I'll probably try to sell it when I'm done for the same reason I'm selling the rm125. I'm getting older and I just don't bounce like I used to. I see them on fbmp from time to time for 1800-3500, so I'm putting a 1500 budget on this project and hoping it sticks. It needs at least one tire, all 6 cables, and a seat cover. So that will eat some money right off the rip.

Last anyone remembers, it ran alright but the tires were flat and the brakes were all locked up. I drained the oil and aside from being black as sin, there was no glitter party. Off to a good start! I haven't pulled the oil filter yet, so that might change things..

More tomorrow..
 
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Today was the battery tray. They tuck this bad boy in there tight so even though this rig has been arse over head more times than a 5 dollar hooker on 8 dollar rebate night, it's still in decent shape. I was able to wire brush off any scale there was and hit it with the spray paint. The plastic tray and rubber grommets went into the dishwasher and came out in decent enough shape. I used wheel cleaner on the regulator but didn't get too aggressive due to not wanting to buy another if I damage the wiring or whatever. Add in the cheapest "assembly required" battery and were good to go here.
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Bonus points for getting the rear diff skid plate done as well. I was surprised by all of the bolts coming out easy, so I went ahead and gave it the same treatment. Rubber grommets in the dishwasher and wire brush to the metal. It came out looking somewhat respectable as well.
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I know that this stuff is kinda non exciting, but doing little things like this and making some sort of progress is the only way I'll keep going on this. If I tried to yard it all apart and do it in a logical manner, it would never get done and my wife would "I told you so" me. She gets to do that enough already.
 
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Here is half your budget, and probably a reason it wasn’t ever done.

maierusa.com

85-87 Honda ATC250ES Big Red Fender Kit

Kit includes: Front Fender, Rear Fenders, Side Panels and Trunk Lid. Fits: 1985-1987 Honda ATC250ES Big Red
maierusa.com

Or just the rears
maierusa.com

85-87 Honda ATC250ES Big Red Rear Fenders

Sold in pairs. Fits: 1985-1987 Honda ATC250ES Big Red
maierusa.com

$300
www.zmperformance.com

Honda ATC250ES 85-87 Big Red Rear Fenders

ZMPerformance is a local, one-stop shop for ATV parts and accessories, dirt bike gear and much more. Let's get out there and ride!
www.zmperformance.com www.zmperformance.com
 
Sorry for no posts, been super busy. I have made some progress though!

I saw those fenders. I really only need the two rear. The only reason I haven't bought them is I didn't want to deal with the mismatch in color or to spend extra on the whole set to match. I could resell the front, sides, and center rear to offset some. But those aren't very valuable since they don't break along with your neck when you roll it trying to make a gentle turn.
 
It might be easier to sell with new rear fenders, and a spare.

Update photos would be cool.
 
I got the carb done. Pics are put of order. The choke plunger has since been removed. The o ring on the original was messed up, and the "all balls" aftermarket one doesn't fit quite right. I still have to get to the bottom of that. I reused the choke cable and bought a new throttle cable (and reverse and all 3 brake cables). I still have to replace the burnt vent line. I think I'm going to use 1/4 air line like is used on a semi truck. I haven't test fit it yet, but it looks close in size and material.
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Here's the bars. They're shined up as good as they're going to get. I coated them in a heavy wax hoping it will keep the rust away for a while. I have my doubts. They're pretty tweaked. I didn't realize it before. I found used ones for sale on ebay, but I don't think I want to spend the money on them. I bought both brake levers on ebay. Mine were trashed. These are refurbished and look perfect. And I have new grips too. I think I'm going to wait to install the grips until I get it running and riding so I can tell if the bent bars are going to piss me off $100 worth.
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I'm currently working on cleaning the air box and skid plate up.
 
I thought about that but if I go through that I'd rather gamble on some ebay bars.
 
I could do all of that! I just don't want to put that much money into it. Plus, these bars are tweaked, so it'd be a waste anyways. If I do anything else it will be to find the best sub $100 set that ebay or fb has to offer and call it good.
 
I'll never get this done.

FREE TO A GOOD HOME. ALL PARTS INCLUDED

Must continue the thread.

I have the exhaust done now. Thats all the progress I've made.
 
Tryloff said:
Very few pieces are undamaged. There were 10 of us kids who grew up thrashing this thing. It's a champ.
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I cut the rear fenders where urs are broke. Mine would float with me on it and propelled itself so much better with fenders cut!
Front rack was bent hard to the right. From wheelies and several trees.

Still have scar on right calf where a tree caught peg and bent alot like your picture..tree took my leg and pinned against muffler not the pipe . Full send as I was hopping downed trees rite then.. :usa:
Many a white tail deer rode home to be hung on rear rack and seat with my @$$ holding them down and on trike.
 
Still free to a good home. I need the space.
 
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I like 3 wheelers, at one point between myself and my dad we had 7, I’ve considerably thinned the heard, down to my 250R, 185S (for sale) and ALT50

Just finish it. The Big Reds are sweet yard carts, pit bikes if you have the room to bring it along.
 
If you are reasonably close to me I might take you up on this. My daughter and I have been thinking about finding a three wheeler for a winter project.
 
Byro said:
0A88B9D8-1E29-4A17-8FF2-7A3AF82704AA.jpeg


I like 3 wheelers, at one point between myself and my dad we had 7, I’ve considerably thinned the heard, down to my 250R, 185S (for sale) and ALT50

Just finish it. The Big Reds are sweet yard carts, pit bikes if you have the room to bring it along.
Click to expand...

I'd like to but I have way too much going on and need the space and really need to not spend the money on it. Shoot, I'm about to list some of my completed running and driving classic cars.
 
First 3 wheeler I ran was a 250R. Was scary fast.
 
Dude, that's an awesome offer! If tin roof doesn't want it, I might be down for a road trip, got a few 3 wheelers already but always wanted a 250es. :grinpimp:
 
toocheaptosmoke said:
Dude, that's an awesome offer! If tin roof doesn't want it, I might be down for a road trip, got a few 3 wheelers already but always wanted a 250es. :grinpimp:
Click to expand...

It's ready for you!

I have it all boxed up. I haven't posted pics of the exhaust yet but I had it sand blasted and cerokoted (sp?). There's a guy on ebay selling g the correct gaskets and hardware to mount the exhaust for a reasonable price but I never bought it.

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