What's an ATC250 Big Red worth?

[benroels]

If a 1986 Big Red is in near mint condition, what's it worth? Suggestions?

[wilkin250r]

First off, "mint" is probably the most incorrectly-used term in advertising. I've seen a lot of quads that are in "very good" condition, but still nowhere NEAR the actual condition they were on the showroom floor. Very few quads are. So let's get that out of the way, there is a huge, huge, huge difference between "very good" and actual "mint" condition.

3-wheelers just don't have much value, except to maybe a collector that has a passion for them. The Big Red was popular when it came out, but it wasn't like the ATC250R that evolved into a legendary quad. There just wasn't a huge follow-up, which decreases the sentimental value to people.

If it's truly in "very good" condition, I think you're looking at $1200 absolute tops, probably closer to $800~$1000.

[Black Sheep]

Originally posted by wilkin250r
...but it wasn't like the ATC250R that evolved into a legendary quad.

some people would consider that de-evolution ;)


Big Reds are still very popular with the trike crowd. A true mint condition 86 Big Red could easily sell for over 2,500 but, as wilkin pointed out "mint" is overused. Mint condition is, off the showroom floor condition...nothing else

Very Good condition 86 Big Reds are in the 1,200-1,600 range depending on condition. year is also important as the newer Big reds had more features and are harder to find. If you had a 87 you could easily add 500 to the price range

[madsmokey12]

Originally posted by Black Sheep
some people would consider that de-evolution ;)


Big Reds are still very popular with the trike crowd. A true mint condition 86 Big Red could easily sell for over 2,500 but, as wilkin pointed out "mint" is overused. Mint condition is, off the showroom floor condition...nothing else

Very Good condition 86 Big Reds are in the 1,200-1,600 range depending on condition. year is also important as the newer Big reds had more features and are harder to find. If you had a 87 you could easily add 500 to the price range

i think 800 max. i see the 86 ATC 250R 3 wheelers for $1100 obo

[benroels]

Either way - THANK you gentlemen for your responses...and yes, it is way closer to - Very good condition than "mint". And I have not bought it yet, maybe will not. If I had the room, I would buy a bunch of ATC's.

[Black Sheep]

Originally posted by madsmokey12
i think 800 max. i see the 86 ATC 250R 3 wheelers for $1100 obo

There are a lot more 250R's in good condition out there. Most Big reds are beat on because they were used hard and not taken care of like a typical sport bike. Not saying you can't find a smoking deal but 800.00 will usually get you a beat up Big Red, not very good-mint

[smr]

Black Sheep has given you good advice.

I'm sure were wilkin250r lives the 86 250r is worth more than the 86 big red. However around here one in good shape will bring 2 grand easy..and also like Black Sheep said, if you had an 87 in great shape it will bring more than it cost new.

[wilkin250r]

Originally posted by smr
Black Sheep has given you good advice.

I'm sure were wilkin250r lives the 86 250r is worth more than the 86 big red. However around here one in good shape will bring 2 grand easy..and also like Black Sheep said, if you had an 87 in great shape it will bring more than it cost new.

It's not just that I think 250Rs are cooler. It's because the TRX250R was such a popular quad and are still used today, with people looking for parts, and the 85 and rare 86 ATC engines are almost identical and will bolt up. More demand means more price, plain and simple.