1985 HONDA ATC 250R

1985 Honda ATC 250R – Icon of Performance, Legend of Fun

At the heart of this beast lies a 246 cc liquid-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine with reed-valve induction and a counterbalance shaft to tame vibrations. Thanks to aggressive tuning, it delivered nearly 40% more power than its predecessor .

Coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, it offered tight gear spacing and razor-sharp control—optimizing performance across shifting terrain   .

Suspension & Handling That Lead the Class

This third-gen ATC lifted Honda’s game with a nine-inch travel front fork and an updated Pro-Link rear mono-shock, delivering unmatched suspension for its time .

Disc brakes on both front and rear (a rarity back then) and lightweight aluminum wheels gave riders control, grip, and braking power that were industry-leading  .

Crafted for Racing, Built for Enthusiasts

Honda aimed this model squarely at racers and performance lovers. Its racing-derived frame, motocross ergonomics, and aggressive geometry made it a weapon on dunes, trails, or flat tracks.

Even now, the 1985 model is highly sought after by classic powersports collectors—and prices often soar beyond $10,000 for well-maintained or restored specimens.

Detailed Specifications

• Engine: 246 cc liquid-cooled two-stroke, reed-valve, counterbalance-equipped

• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox

• Suspension: Front telescoping fork (~9″ travel), rear Pro-Link mono-shock (~9″ travel)

• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear

• Wheels: Aluminum

• Performance: Sport-tuned with dramatic power gains over earlier models

• Production Run: Final gen (1985–1986), limited by regulatory discontinuation of three-wheelers in the U.S.