Opinion Needed - OEM Stock or Restored

[Number22]

Well, I'm supposed to go check out a original 88 250R on Friday that's supposed to be unrestored. I wanted to get some opinions on if you think it's original or restored as well as what's a fair price.

The only non stock items according to the seller are the pipe and silencer (I'm assuming the air filter as well). An OEM pipe and silencer are included. The frame appears to have had some touch ups down by the shifter/footpeg. I can see that some of the bolts/nuts in a few places are not original.

Engine is supposed to be on original bore and he says it hasn't seen much ride time since he has owned it (he is the second owner).

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

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[DnB_racing]

it looks sweet,

i would be a little skeptical of it being original,

even plastics from 88 never used stored in boxes in climate control will spiderweb the old plastics would shrink and distort unevenly, its just the make up of the older plastics

the skid plate has also been changed

it might be oem but I dont think its unrestored

it will bring a good price but I would be cautious of paying too much, there are some very high quality rebuilds that look new,

a real original showroom mint unrestored to a collector I wouldn't be surprised if a collector would pay 15000- 20000 for a original

for a mint restored I would put around a 3500 to 4000 price,,, but its very subjective and personal choices and priorities

[Number22]

Yeah, I forgot to mention the skid plate. I noticed that as well. I'm starting to think there too many warning signs that it's at least had "light" restoration done to it.

[250Renvy]

It's hard to tell. Either it's been restored or there is so little use that the seat never came off.

If you look in the picture of the subframe with the seat off, you can see that there is no primer showing through where the seat rubbers touch the frame. I have never seen an original painted frame that didn't have those marks on it.

[89trx250r]

And it looks like he has a mint Atc250r in the background next to a Big Red :)

[DoonRider]

I'd say its unrestored and over the years it received some attention here and there to keep it looking decent. If it's been restored recently, the fella missed some obvious things - hose clamp on the air inlet tube and a few fasteners that would have been easy to replace with the correct ones.
I wouldn't let those warning decals be a red flag. They are the same ones as what I got from Honda after I bought my 88 250X. I just compared them.
It looks just like mine and I wouldn't take less than $3500 for mine.

[DoonRider]

It's not in Michigan is it?

[Number22]

Nope, it's in MD. I ended up passing. Don't get me wrong, it looks great but I'm not interested in a restored one.

[aztecgwynn]

Run through it with a fine tooth and comb. Check dates on rims if their OEM and tires there should be build dates on rims next to the size. And use your better judgement and most important consider price.
Be aware parts for that year are very scarce so consider what you will be buying if you plan to ride that 250R. Motor parts or OEM motor parts can be obtained but anything after that is hard to find or EXPENSIVE.

[ATVRacing2]

yea thats not an oem skid plate because I have an oem skd plate and it looks different from that one. Either way, restored or unrestored, or light restoration, its still nice bike in real nice condition either way.