1986 ATC 250R Manual

The 1986 Honda ATC 250R is a high-performance three-wheel all-terrain vehicle featuring a 246cc two-stroke engine, 5-speed transmission with manual clutch, front and rear suspension, front disc brake, rear drum brake, and rugged off-road capabilities. Below are key sections for safety, features, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Controls and Instruments 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Operation 7. Transmission and Clutch 8. Brake System 9. Suspension and Tires 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 246cc two-stroke engine, 5-speed manual transmission, front disc brake, rear drum brake, front suspension, rear swingarm suspension.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	246cc air-cooled two-stroke single
Transmission	5-speed manual with wet multi-plate clutch
Starting System	Kick starter
Front Brake	Hydraulic disc
Rear Brake	Mechanical drum
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Swingarm with dual shocks
Fuel Capacity	2.6 gallons (9.8 liters)
Dry Weight	314 lbs (142 kg)
Tire Size	Front: 22x11-8, Rear: 22x11-8

Safety Information

Always wear proper safety gear and follow operating guidelines.

Wear helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots, and protective clothing.
Never carry passengers - designed for single rider only.
Inspect vehicle before each use for proper operation.
Operate only in approved areas and obey local regulations.

WARNING! Three-wheel vehicles require skill to operate safely. Practice in open areas before attempting challenging terrain.

Controls and Instruments

Handlebar controls: Throttle, front brake lever, clutch lever, kill switch, choke lever.

Instrument Panel: Neutral indicator light, high beam indicator.

Left Handlebar: Clutch lever, choke knob, lighting switch. Right Handlebar: Throttle, front brake lever, engine stop switch, starter button. Foot Controls: Gear shift lever, rear brake pedal.

Specifications

Engine: 246cc two-stroke single cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 66.4mm x 72.0mm
Compression Ratio: 7.4:1
Carburetor: 34mm piston valve
Ignition: CDI
Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: #520 chain
Suspension Travel: Front: 6.7 in, Rear: 6.3 in
Ground Clearance: 6.7 inches
Fuel: Premium unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Service	Frequency
Engine oil change	Every 6 months or 500 miles
Air filter cleaning	Every 3 months or 250 miles
Spark plug replacement	Every 12 months or 1,000 miles
Chain adjustment	Every 200 miles
Brake inspection	Monthly
Tire pressure check	Before each ride
Suspension inspection	Every 6 months

Engine Operation

Starting procedure and basic operation guidelines.

Check fuel level and oil mixture (20:1 ratio recommended).
Turn fuel valve to ON position.
Pull choke knob for cold starts.
Shift to neutral (green light should illuminate).
Kick start firmly through full stroke.
Allow engine to warm up before riding.

CAUTION! Always use proper fuel/oil mixture to prevent engine damage.

Transmission and Clutch

5-speed transmission operation and clutch adjustment.

Clutch lever should have 10-20mm free play at lever end.
Shift pattern: 1-N-2-3-4-5 (down for first, up for higher gears).
Always pull clutch lever completely when shifting.
Avoid excessive clutch slipping to prevent overheating.

Tip: Proper clutch adjustment ensures smooth shifting and longer clutch life.

Brake System

Front disc brake and rear drum brake maintenance.

Front brake: Check fluid level in reservoir monthly.
Rear brake: Adjust free play at pedal and cable.
Inspect brake pads/shoes for wear regularly.
Bleed hydraulic system if brake feels spongy.

WARNING! Test brakes before each ride. Replace worn components immediately.

Suspension and Tires

Front fork and rear shock maintenance, tire care.

Check tire pressure: Front 3.5 psi, Rear 3.5 psi (adjust for terrain). Inspect tires for cuts, punctures, or excessive wear. Adjust rear shock preload for rider weight and load. Check fork oil seals for leaks regularly.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, compression	Check fuel mixture, spark plug, compression
Poor performance	Carburetor, air filter	Clean carburetor, replace air filter
Hard shifting	Clutch adjustment, oil	Adjust clutch, change transmission oil
Brakes weak	Pads, fluid, adjustment	Replace pads, bleed system, adjust cables
Overheating	Fuel mixture, cooling	Check fuel/oil ratio, clean cooling fins

Service: Consult authorized Honda dealer for major repairs.

Parts: Use genuine Honda parts for optimal performance and reliability.