Honda introduced the ATC250ES “Big Red" in 1981. It was Honda's first utility-focused three-wheeler. The Big Red was designed for work, and farmers and ranchers found it indispensable. Soon, weekend warriors discovered the fun of the all-terrain cycle - opens in new window or tab.. They also found its limitations, sometimes tragically. After numerous injuries, including among young children, sales of new three-wheelers were banned in the US beginning in 1988. That makes any all-original Big Red a coveted machine. Ride with caution. This museum-quality 1987 Honda ATC250ES recently listed on eBay is the last of its kind.
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The Three-Wheeler Heyday
Three-wheelers became hugely popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Manufacturers like Honda, Kawasaki - opens in new window or tab., Suzuki - opens in new window or tab., and Yamaha - opens in new window or tab. built all-terrain trikes, offering an easy-to-ride alternative to dirt bikes - opens in new window or tab.. But these ATVs had a serious flaw: They were prone to tipping over in hard cornering. Riders, including young children, got badly hurt. Lawsuits followed.
The injuries and deaths caught the attention of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC - opens in new window or tab.), which began an investigation. Eventually, the CPSC and ATV manufacturers came to an agreement. Beginning in January 1988, OEMs permanently halted the sale of three-wheelers in the US, shifting to four-wheeled ATVs. No liability was assumed.
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Recreational Workhorse
The 1987 Big Red ATC250ES had a solid reputation for durability. Handling has been described as a mixed bag. Unlike earlier three-wheelers, the Big Red has front and rear suspension. A wide stance makes it less prone to rollovers, but it's still a three-wheeler and should be operated with caution.
Farmers and ranchers loved Honda ATCs for hauling supplies and checking on livestock. Hunters and anglers appreciated the Big Red's ability to navigate to remote locations. A trike could go places trucks couldn’t reach, and factory-installed ATV racks - opens in new window or tab. made carrying gear easy.
The Big Red may not have been the fastest with its 246-cc air-cooled four-stroke single, but it was dependable and fun. Electric start and a reverse gear made it user-friendly. Families used Big Red to explore the outdoors. Many lifelong gearheads learned to ride on trikes like this.
Showroom-Quality Snapshot of an Era
The 1987 Big Red ATC250ES in this listing looks to be immaculate. With original plastics, decals, and even tires, this Big Red appears to have come straight from the dealership floor. The engine cases are unblemished, the racks are in mint condition, and the entire machine appears spotless.
Honda's Big Red is a slice of powersports history from an era that came to a sudden end. With Honda's reputation for quality and durability, it's no wonder these three-wheelers are a favorite among riders and collectors alike. With fewer than 5,000 units produced in 1987, this is a rare opportunity to purchase a showroom-quality machine from a bygone period in ATV history.
This story was originally published on Aug. 9, 2024.
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