Gonna Build a 250r from the frame up; a few questions.

[250rampage]

I've always wanted an 'R, so now I'm gonna bite the bullet and get one, just a bit different than most people do. First, i'm going to get a trx frame in good shape, and an 85-86 ATC250r, and go from there. I'm aware of the work this requires, but this way, I know how it was done. So, I have a few questions first;
1) I seem to remeber reading somewhere that the 85-86 ATC rear end (swingarm back, including shock) can be used in a trx frame. Is this right?
2) Will the intake/carb boot/airbox off of an ATC work in the TRX frame?
3) If I use the 85-86 motor, I have to use the 86 frame because of the rear engine mount, correct?

I know I'll think of more before I even start this, but that's all I can think of off hand....

[ride300exred]

Im not sure it might work but if it doesnt i have a 86-87 legnth 250r westcoast swingarm , stock shock axle and hubs , with a aftermarket carrier , for around $250 plus shipping

[mental1]

Everything from the rear end of an ATC will match up with an 86 and 87 TRX frame. The 86 TRX250R I sold (and shouldn't have) had the ATC motor in it, I didn't find out until I had it rebuilt though. The only difference in the motors is bore and stroke from what I understand. I don't know about the intake stuff though, and all the mods I did (pipe, reed spacer, reeds) everthing I ordered was for a TRX250 and except for clearance issues with the pipe everthing worked. By clearance issues I mean fmf pipes don't fit well (not for me any way).

[beerock]

Originally posted by mental1
Everything from the rear end of an ATC will match up with an 86 and 87 TRX frame. The 86 TRX250R I sold (and shouldn't have) had the ATC motor in it, I didn't find out until I had it rebuilt though. The only difference in the motors is bore and stroke from what I understand. I don't know about the intake stuff though, and all the mods I did (pipe, reed spacer, reeds) everthing I ordered was for a TRX250 and except for clearance issues with the pipe everthing worked. By clearance issues I mean fmf pipes don't fit well (not for me any way).

The bore and stroke of the atc and trx is THE EXACT SAME.:rolleyes: The GEAR RATIO IS DIFFERENT


the connecting rod is longer on the 88-89 engines and the wrist pin position is moved up.

you can bolt up a 85-86 atc motor to any year 250r frame.

If you do buy a frame try to get a 88--89

FMF pipes fit great you just have to know how to put them on right.(if you put the header on wrong it wont fit right)

[mrusk]

Your better off just buying a 250r. Be patient. Yuo willa dventually find a good one cheap. I know it is possible.

matt

[mental1]

I stand corrected, the bore and stroke thing was just what I read on some site awhile ago, maybe I misunderstood. I firgured that the motor would work in any frame but the question was "will an ATC rear end bolt up to a TRX frame?" yes, as long as the frame is an 86 or 87 it will but it will not work with an 88 or 89 frame because honda changed the swing arm mounts the last two years. But I think it would be easier to wait and find a TRX that needs some work and go from there. Besides if you find a decent runnig ATC they can still be kinda pricey and to have to buy the TRX frame it could end up being alot. You could always try to find a TRX that someone was rebuilding and gave up on, I came across one about a year ago that was in pieces and occupying about three boxes according to the ad, but at time I didn't $800 to go get it, I wish I did.Either way good luck.

[250rampage]

Thanks for everybody's help! I'm going the ATC to TRX frame because I enjoy doing it, and need a project to occupy my spare time. I'm sure i'll have more questions over time, and I plan to post pics as I move along on my project..

[doctor_915]

Hey I know this aint right, but couldnt you get a 400ex frame and stuff and mod an ATC 250 engine into it? A brand new stock frame wouldnt be bad to have, replacement parts would be easier to get also.

[SGA]

Originally posted by doctor_915
Hey I know this aint right, but couldnt you get a 400ex frame and stuff and mod an ATC 250 engine into it? A brand new stock frame wouldnt be bad to have, replacement parts would be easier to get also.

I've thought of this several times. Wouldn't that be like a modern 250R? The 400's frame is based on the 250r's frame. You purists don't jump on me, I like performance machines in their stock form as much as any of you, but the useable 250r chassis's are getting few and far between. I'm surprised I haven't seen more 400ex's with ATC/250r engines. For that matter , I don't think i've ever seen any. Anyone got a link to a 400EX/ 250 engine conversion?

[mental1]

There is a site that sells new parts it's basically like ordering parts from a dealer but they say they give deals on online orders, and last I checked they did have all years of 250R frames, but I'm not sure of the price around $900 something. But I thought I heard that some 250R parts were no longer being made by Honda. But I do like your idea. Good Luck.
the site is www.rivayamaha.com go under new parts then Honda ATV

the frame is not made anymore, the stock one

[250rampage]

Are you sure? I heard they discontinued all the years except the 89 version frame

[Dave400ex]

No I`m sure Honda doesn`t make the 250r Frames anymore or we would Buy one.

[mental1]

I just checked the Riva site and the frames are still listed 86-87 $1300 something and 88-89 $966. Don't get me wrong I'm not arguing the fact that they maybe discountued but I'ld call them and find out if they still have some, probably since their prices have gone up. But 400EX frames are around $650.

[Dave400ex]

Yeah I might have to Call and check on the Frames. That would be Cool if they still had some.

[NJ300ex]

400ex frames from servicehonda are about $400. That riva place is more expensive than servicehonda.

[Dave400ex]

Does anybody know Service Honda`s Number? I want to Call and ask about those Frames.

[mental1]

Here go, www.servicehonda.com Parts telephone 219-932-9332

[nuttynewt]

I tried to buy a new frame from my factory Honda parts dealer, and he told me that you could still get any part for the 86 R EXCEPT for the frame. I ended up buying one off of Ebay. I bent mine a year and a half ago, but had it professionally straightened at a cycle shop. They told me that the a-arm locations and steering stem locations were right on, but that there might still be a slight bend in front of the a-arms (which I think there is). I bought the other one to have powdercoated and ready so that when I strip my R down and rebuild it I can slap parts right on to it. My old frame will be for sale later this summer...

As for the FMF pipes, be careful. Several of their models are for 87 and up quads, and don't fit properly on the 86. I have one that is this way. The mounting bracket does not even come close to anything, so you have to do some work to bolt it up (or leave it loose like mine).

DO NOT make the mistake of finding an ATC and trying to buy a 4 wheel conversion kit. A friend of mine ended up one of those, and unloaded it as quick as he came across it. They do not handle right.

Good luck with your project!

[Evan]

I am building my R but I am wondering how hard it would be to put a CR450 motor in it and make some brackets so that I could switch between it and my R motor.

what years does the honda 250r atc fit the trx 250r

[coolex]

Originally posted by atcfanatic84
what years does the honda 250r atc fit the trx 250r

wat does all that non sense mean:confused:

[coolex]

they dont make the stock 250r frame ne more