1985 Honda ATC250R Transformed into a Fire-Breathing ATC363R
Motorcycles & ATVs
ATVs and UTVs
By 1988 the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC - opens in new window or tab.) deemed three-wheel ATVs dangerous, and manufacturers were banned from selling them to the public. Yet, 35 years later, you can still buy a virtually brand-new Honda All-Terrain Cycle (ATC). Consider this gem - opens in new window or tab., recently offered on eBay.
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This fully restored and modified specimen began as a 1985 Honda ATC250R, one of Big Red’s most coveted and capable three-wheel ATVs. With the help of Eddie Sanders Racing (ESR) and Selvy’s Performance, it transformed into a fire-breathing ATC363R. From there, it was fully restored from the ground up.
Nothing Like the Real Thing
The 1985 Honda ATC250R was the prime of its time, among the most advanced three-wheelers Honda would produce. The rapidly progressing platform entered its third generation wholly redesigned with breakthrough technology. The 1985 ATC could find better grip and sharper handling through smaller-diameter tires.
Design upgrades of the 1985 Honda ATC250R included:
- Liquid cooling
- Six-speed transmission
- Revised Pro-Link and Showa suspension
- Lower-profile tires
- Improved ergonomics
- Longer, wider stance
The previous generation was the first to feature a full articulating Pro-Link swingarm housing - opens in new window or tab. and link-mounted Showa single-shock - opens in new window or tab. rear suspension, but the ‘85 featured fully-revised Showa suspension components specific to the All-Terrain Cycle. Based on the engine from Honda’s championship-proven CR250R dirt bike, the ATC250R had the power and the speed to win races.
Paired with a longer and broader wheel stance, the third-gen ATC handled like nothing before. The popular three-wheeler became an accomplished motocross, desert, and flat-track racer.
It also became a popular platform for engine modifications—including big-bore versions like this one—even de-sleeving and de-boring down to 200cc models for racing in the smaller-displacement division. Due to its versatility, excellent ergonomics, and all-around performance, many three-wheel and ATV enthusiasts name it one of the best-ever production models from Honda.
It’s not uncommon to find the 1985 to 1986 Honda ATC250R selling for north of $10,000. And a build such as this one is a unicorn, indeed.
Building on a Premium Base
If you are familiar with Eddie Sanders, you’re aware that he knows his way around a two-stroke engine. Just look (or better yet, listen) to Mike Alessi’s Two-Stroke Motocross World Championship-winning 325cc race weapon for evidence of that. The ESR race dome and Factory Connection - opens in new window or tab. intake on this ATC363R are fed by a Sudco Performance Keihin carburetor. The polish on the power comes from Selvy’s Performance sonic exhaust. The full system not only boosts power output but adds a sharp look to the package.
You’ll find a number of aftermarket bits and bobs throughout this pristine ATC363R build. But this far-from-stock ATC retains the classic Honda 1980s race look with glowing red bodywork in the classic brick hue, adorned with blue accents and white/black trim with splashes of eye-catching chrome. In its day, the OEM wheels were gold, but the slick look of the black powder-coated wheels is hard to fault.
Aftermarket features include:
- 363cc ESR-tuned two-stroke engine
- ESR race dome and engine accessories
- Selvy’s Performance exhaust
- Selvy’s quick change covers
- Black powder-coated OEM wheels
Whether you want to ride this resto modded ATC250R, race it, or simply park it in your living room and stare at it, this beauty will provide hours of enjoyment.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.