Is there a "Best" year for the all time great Honda 250r quad? Since they were only produced for a few years is there much of a differance in the year models that a recreational rider would need to know about or be able to tell them apart by the ride and power?
Thanks.

I used to have an 86, but I always liked the 89. the last year they were built.

88-89 would be nice for the clutch upgrade, better cylinder and plastics of course, but any year is an excellent bike, especially for its time.

I have always heard that the 88' was the best year, love the look of a well maintained 89' though

IMO 88-89, any one is fine though

1998-2002

Thanks, the reason for the question is I am considering buying one after the season or during the summer.
Thanks again.

isnt that the same thing.

I like the 86 the best but that's because I have one. Anyway On the 88-89 the clutch update kit is nice but I did it to mine for like 60 bucks. On the 88-89 the swing arms is aluminum and 1" shorter the the 86-87's steel.
The plastics as far as I can tell are the same except for the headlight being mounted to the hood on the 88-89.
A few other parts are different but that's about it.

If your just a rec rider then any year would be cool I'm sure.
Hope this helps.

i know....but i was telling the truth

the 88/89 250rs also have the different frame. the geometry is way different! any one who has spent any amount of time on both will tell you the 88-89s are the ones to get, they have different tranny, LR crank, different cylinder, different clutch better plastic, er clutch update sorry. I personally have an 86 with an 85 motor in mine and I love it!

if i where shopping for another though it would be the 88 89 I had an 88 a few yrs ago with LSR suspension and it was the best dang handling quad ive ever ridden!

o if memory serves me correct i think the 88-89s have front a arms are moved forward an inch, the swing arm is 1" shorter, and is alum so the rear is ligther, also the whole thing sits lower?

Thanks.

I LOVE MY 89!!!!
HERES A FEW PICS OF IT....

dude that is a nice 250r! I love the 89s! good looking rig!

i-ride...you should have posted this a few weeks ago. mY '89 is for sale, and I justbrought it back to FL.

Has a bunch of extras with it...was asking $4000 for it all...5 sets of tires, extra cylinders, gears, etc etc

My Buddie has a clean 88 for sale that I posted in the buy&sell section for $3800 or best offer! Give him a call!

I have a 88 for sale, I'll take the first 5000. I've had it since day one and it's been a great quad. Come on over and take a look....86

The 86's are faster

Like everyone else is saying though ... There ALL Good!

Isn't it kinda odd that everyone either has the '86 or an '88/'89 ...........
but ya don't hear too many people saying they have an '87 .......
just seems there are way more from the other 3 years

Sandho,
That's a good point, you really don't hear lots of people with 87's.
I like 86 the best as that's what I have.

I have an 86 with a 89 motor in it. I will keep this bike forever. I

My wife has an 87 with a Trinity stage III motor in it, it flies, I have an 88 with minor bolt on mods, I can tell a difference riding both.. I prefere my 88, but my wife likes the longer 87, she says its less squirly...

But what does she know.....

88's ROCK!!!!!