I'm looking at a 1984 Honda 200ES to use on our property. Does anyone have one? Issues to be aware of?

If that's one of the 3-wheelers, they were death-machines. A good way to end up in a wheelchair.
Go with a 4-wheeler.

Bruce

I had an '86 ATC down at the farm. I used it pretty heavily to log for firewood (8 cord/winter for that drafty old farmhouse) for several years. A distant acquaintance still has it, and supposedly it still runs today. They aren't as stable as a four wheeler, and not as agile as a side-by-side.

The anecdote of the six cylinder motor having all of the power of a four cylinder and all the fuel economy of an eight cylinder comes to mind.

If memory serves, the ATC200S model had the red/white color scheme(?), and had front suspension forks. It was a little faster and stouter than the much more popular, all red, ATC185S.

Don't abuse the shifter, keep your carburetor clean, change the oil regularly, and keep the brake and other cables in good repair (or replace them).

Remember to keep your weight forward, keep your front wheel planted, and watch for the torque steer.

You should be fine.

H&K-Guy

Thank you. It would only be used on our acreage to haul tools around with chainsaw on the front to add weight on front wheel.

On flat ground with an adult rider, not screwing around, they are more safe. On a slope or with a fool at the wheel, they are inadvisable.
It sounds like you're fine. They run forever.

Bruce

quote:

Originally posted by az4783054:
Thank you. It would only be used on our acreage to haul tools around with chainsaw on the front to add weight on front wheel.

That being the case, try to find the back rack that attaches behind the seat. It is very useful for hauling tools and chainsaws. We even used it to tow sections of logs. A very handy addition.

H&K-Guy

I had the 185 which was very similar. Honda builds good stuff but in the case of a 1984 model, previous ownership and maintenance is everything. That thing is 35 years old. What accurate information do you have on previous owners and it's care? Engine, transmission and tire repair/replacement can get expensive on older machines if needed.

I rode Honda 3-wheelers for years. I don’t think they deserve their reputation when PROPERLY driven, like anything else.

Honda is a great brand for reliability, but after all those years I’d think hard some 1st.

A 10 y/o Foreman shouldn’t be much. Years ago I tried to resurrect an old 3-Wheeler, gave up after a few $100 spent. Even that 1996 Ski-Doo Elan took some work, it’s fine now.

quote:

Originally posted by H&K-Guy:

quote:

Originally posted by az4783054:
Thank you. It would only be used on our acreage to haul tools around with chainsaw on the front to add weight on front wheel.

That being the case, try to find the back rack that attaches behind the seat. It is very useful for hauling tools and chainsaws. We even used it to tow sections of logs. A very handy addition.

H&K-Guy

The one I'm looking at has racks on the front and back.

quote:

Originally posted by Gene Hillman:
I had the 185 which was very similar. Honda builds good stuff but in the case of a 1984 model, previous ownership and maintenance is everything. That thing is 35 years old. What accurate information do you have on previous owners and it's care? Engine, transmission and tire repair/replacement can get expensive on older machines if needed.

It's from an estate, used by the original owner for annual hunting. Clear AZ title, expired AZ registration, new seat, new battery, new tires. It appears to be well cared for but I have not seen it in person yet.

quote:

Originally posted by az4783054:

quote:

Originally posted by H&K-Guy:

quote:

Originally posted by az4783054:
Thank you. It would only be used on our acreage to haul tools around with chainsaw on the front to add weight on front wheel.

That being the case, try to find the back rack that attaches behind the seat. It is very useful for hauling tools and chainsaws. We even used it to tow sections of logs. A very handy addition.

H&K-Guy

The one I'm looking at has racks on the front and back.

Awesome! Spring forth and Godspeed!

Despite my earnest efforts, mine simply refused to die. Enjoy.

H&K-Guy

That one does look like it’s in exceptional condition. Longer storage with ethanol fuel can muck things up though.

Seller says it starts easy and runs good. He coated the tank with a sealer for rust. It has electric start/pull start and is shaft drive which was a surprise to me, but less maintenance than a chain.

NADA says value in 'excellent' condition is about $1800. Seller says he's open to negotiation.

Used to hunt with a guy that has one of those. The 3-wheelers are fine if you use common sense. That one looks to be in real good condition compared to most. Might as well get it. Be sure and use a motorcycle wet clutch type oil (MA) approved in it.

Well cared for????? The thing looks like it came out of a museum in time. It's mint.

Jump on that. Doesn't look like it has many hours at all!!

I would jump all over that. Like already said that machine looks like new. That’s rare. I had a 1981 110. Loved it. And it was the most reliable vehicle I’ve had. And was a ton of fun. One day I want to buy a 1985 Honda ATC 250R. Talk about a blast.

That’s a Big Red, if the pic is one your buying. It has shaft drive, front and rear suspension, electric start and reverse gear. And the front/rear racks were standard. When it launched it was sold as a work horse for farms, ranches and hunters. The brother of my best friend at the time had one. Never any issues and he rode hard and didn’t take care of it.

Buy it and enjoy it. Keep fluids changed and take care of it and it will outlast you. There many manufacturers still making parts. Still a huge following for 3-wheelers. Especially on the west coast. You can buy one all day but most are rarely as nice looking as this one.

I hate when people give the 3-wheeler a bad rap. It’s like saying guns are bad. It’s how you ride it, not the machine. Just like a bad driver of an automobile.

And they were never outlawed as many seem to believe. The manufacturers decided to halt production due to numerous law suits and the way the media pushed the public into believing it was a “death machine”.