- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Thoughts on 1985 Big Red 250ES
Posted on 9/25/20 at 10:45 pm
Posted on 9/25/20 at 10:45 pm
I’ve been casually looking for an 85-87 three wheeler mostly for nostalgia. We have some family land in MS that I can keep it on and putt around from time to time. I found one this week that is listed on FB marketplace and Craigslist. It’s an 85 and seems to be in good condition. Owner has sent plenty of pictures and even a video of it starting and idling.
Obviously I am going to look at it in person and feel the owner out to make sure it’s legit. He is asking $2900 which seems high to me. I know a good one is hard to find and it’s hard to get comps for pricing. Just wondering if there’s anything specific to look for on the bike before I start haggling.
It comes with original steel tank, seat, fenders. In the video it didn’t smoke and idled smoothly. He says he’s had it for 20 years and garage kept. A little rust/wear on the front and rear racks but nothing major. I don’t need mint condition but I also don’t want a shadetree project. If anyone here is familiar with these trikes I’d appreciate any pointers.
Obviously I am going to look at it in person and feel the owner out to make sure it’s legit. He is asking $2900 which seems high to me. I know a good one is hard to find and it’s hard to get comps for pricing. Just wondering if there’s anything specific to look for on the bike before I start haggling.
It comes with original steel tank, seat, fenders. In the video it didn’t smoke and idled smoothly. He says he’s had it for 20 years and garage kept. A little rust/wear on the front and rear racks but nothing major. I don’t need mint condition but I also don’t want a shadetree project. If anyone here is familiar with these trikes I’d appreciate any pointers.
9
Posted on 9/25/20 at 10:49 pm to slinger1317
What's to know? They are as close to perfect as you can get.
2900 is a little high, but I've seen near mint go for 4000.
I have a beater in the shed.
2900 is a little high, but I've seen near mint go for 4000.
I have a beater in the shed.
Posted on 9/25/20 at 10:53 pm to slinger1317
Got (I think) an 87 little red 185 with a busted fork and been sitting in the rain for a couple years that I could probably get running with a lot of love. Yours to take for $3.50 and a couple cases of bud heavy.
Posted on 9/26/20 at 4:45 am to slinger1317
If it runs right and its worth that to you then buy it. I love those things.
Posted on 9/26/20 at 5:30 am to slinger1317
For 2900, you should expect it to have the original metal tank (makes sure it's still clean and silver inside), original fenders front and rear (make sure the rear have the black trim pieces on outside edge, working brakes and lights, original seat cover, and for it to run and idle and shift through all gears. Make sure to take cap off the rear end and check the gear oil. Shouldn't be milky, or the seals are gone. Original Ohtsu tires would be a huge plus.
Posted on 9/26/20 at 7:06 am to X123F45
I sold a perfect big red in 2000 for a brand new rancher at the time.
One of the dumbest transactions I've ever made. Would love to have that bike back
One of the dumbest transactions I've ever made. Would love to have that bike back
Posted on 9/26/20 at 7:13 am to slinger1317
I think that if you load a deer on the back and climb a hill it will roll over on you. It will also buck you off if you run one to fast in a pasture and hit cow patty turned into an ant pile!!
As for the price that does seem high unless it’s mint all original
As for the price that does seem high unless it’s mint all original
Posted on 9/26/20 at 8:10 am to slinger1317
I was right where you are about 4 years ago. I was looking all over for one just to ride around the house. They went from junk to collectors pieces. My wife made a Facebook post and one of her good friends replied. Her brother had fallen on hard times and needed some quick cash. He had a 1987 Big Red 250ES. It has the original metal gas tank. It needs some
tLC but little to no rust inside. He was asking 1500 but sold it for 800. His doing not mine. I was prepared to pay him 1500 lol.
All I’ve done to it is clean the carb. It starts right up as soon as you bump the switch.The rear brakes are weak. I have a set to install.
Keep looking and put the word out. You may be surprised what you find.FYI mine isnt for sale.
tLC but little to no rust inside. He was asking 1500 but sold it for 800. His doing not mine. I was prepared to pay him 1500 lol.
All I’ve done to it is clean the carb. It starts right up as soon as you bump the switch.The rear brakes are weak. I have a set to install.
Keep looking and put the word out. You may be surprised what you find.FYI mine isnt for sale.
Posted on 9/26/20 at 8:44 am to pdubya76
Do these old bikes come with a title? The seller didn’t mention it so I assume he doesn’t have it.
Posted on 9/26/20 at 8:58 am to slinger1317
That's WAY too high unless in showroom condition. Be patient and you'll find one that needs a little lovin for next to nothing.
Posted on 9/26/20 at 8:59 am to slinger1317
Mine didn’t. The guys fiancé I bought from worked at a lawyers office. I just got her to do a bill of sale.
This post was edited on 9/26/20 at 9:04 am
Posted on 9/26/20 at 2:56 pm to slinger1317
Update: I went and checked it out this morning and made a deal. It ran great, well taken care of. A few nicks due to age but all original and no rust on the frame. We settled on $2700. I was hoping to pay $2500 but it seemed fair and the seller was legit. I’ve looked around long enough at junk and was ready to pull the trigger. Bringing it up to the camp next weekend where it will have a nice home in the garage.
This post was edited on 9/26/20 at 2:59 pm
Posted on 9/26/20 at 3:36 pm to slinger1317
That thing is clean. Looks great. You did good.
Posted on 9/26/20 at 4:18 pm to slinger1317
She’s a beaut
I had one of those as a youngster. Mine had a steering lock to prevent theft. I will warn you that locking that and doing donuts will not end well for you.
I had one of those as a youngster. Mine had a steering lock to prevent theft. I will warn you that locking that and doing donuts will not end well for you.
Posted on 9/26/20 at 10:17 pm to slinger1317
Damn I’m having a 1980 something flashback looking at that wheeler. Jealous. Brings back lots of memories.
Posted on 9/26/20 at 10:52 pm to MWP
quote:
Damn I’m having a 1980 something flashback looking at that wheeler.
I grew up in the 80’s/90’s and my dad had a 3 wheeler we would take to his hunting camp. Today I test drove the bike and just hearing the soft idle and steering those handlebars made me feel like I was 12 years old again.
I sent the above pic to my dad and he couldn’t believe it. It’s funny how a piece of machinery can have such a connection to certain folks.
Posted on 9/27/20 at 9:04 am to slinger1317
That's a high price in my opinion, but that's what it's worth to the owner. Guess you have to decide what it's worth to you. I know someone selling an 84 200 ES for either $1,200 or 1,500. Don't recall, but he is in Georgia.
Posted on 9/27/20 at 8:44 pm to hophead
2200-2500 is what I've seen.
However, if you like it and are happy then that makes it a good price. I'd love to have one. Looks great. I hope you enjoy the shite out of it.
Congrats
However, if you like it and are happy then that makes it a good price. I'd love to have one. Looks great. I hope you enjoy the shite out of it.
Congrats
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News