1987 Honda Big Red Owners Manual

The 1987 Honda Big Red is a rugged three-wheeled all-terrain vehicle featuring a 250cc four-stroke engine, shaft drive system, electric start with auxiliary recoil starter, front and rear suspension, dual-range transmission, reverse gear, front and rear racks, and full floorboards. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Controls and Instruments 4. Operation Procedures 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Specifications 7. Troubleshooting 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Warranty Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 250cc OHC engine, shaft drive, dual-range transmission, reverse gear, electric start, front and rear suspension systems.

Feature	Description
Engine	246cc air-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder
Transmission	5-speed with reverse and dual-range sub-transmission
Drive System	Shaft drive with limited-slip differential
Starting System	Electric starter with auxiliary recoil backup
Suspension	Telescopic front fork with dual rear shocks
Brakes	Drum brakes front and rear
Fuel Capacity	3.7 gallons (14 liters)
Load Capacity	330 lbs (150 kg) including rider
Tires	25x12-9 front, 25x12-9 rear
Dimensions	76.8" L x 44.1" W x 42.1" H

Safety Information

Always wear proper safety gear and follow safe operating procedures.

Always wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing.
Never carry passengers - designed for single rider only.
Avoid paved surfaces - not designed for street use.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts while operating.
Do not operate on public roads or where prohibited by law.

WARNING! Three-wheeled vehicles require special skills and training. Always operate with caution and never exceed your ability level.

Controls and Instruments

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Control	Function
Ignition Switch	Main power and electric start
Throttle Lever	Right handlebar - controls engine speed
Brake Lever	Left handlebar - front brake
Brake Pedal	Right foot - rear brake
Gear Shift Lever	Left foot - 5-speed transmission
Range Selector	Left handlebar - HIGH/LOW range
Reverse Lever	Left handlebar - engage reverse gear
Choke Lever	Left handlebar - cold starting aid
Fuel Valve	Under seat - ON/OFF/RESERVE positions

Operation Procedures

Follow proper starting and operating sequence.

Pre-ride inspection: Check tires, controls, fuel, oil level.
Starting: Turn fuel valve ON, set choke for cold engine, turn ignition key to START.
Warm-up: Allow engine to warm for 2-3 minutes before riding.
Shifting: Use clutch for smooth gear changes. Low range for heavy loads/steep hills.
Reverse: Come to complete stop, pull reverse lever, shift to reverse position.
Stopping: Apply both brakes evenly, shift to neutral, turn off ignition.

CAUTION! Always operate in well-ventilated areas. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in enclosed spaces.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long service life and safe operation.

Before Each Ride: Check tire pressure, controls, fuel level
Monthly: Check battery fluid, clean air filter, inspect brakes
Every 3 Months/500 Miles: Change engine oil, check drive shaft
Every 6 Months/1000 Miles: Replace spark plug, adjust valves
Annually: Change final drive oil, inspect suspension
As Needed: Replace brake pads, tires, drive chain

Specifications

Engine Type: 246cc air-cooled 4-stroke OHC
Bore x Stroke: 74.0mm x 57.8mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Carburetor: 26mm constant velocity
Ignition: CDI electronic ignition
Transmission: 5-speed with reverse and dual-range
Final Drive: Shaft drive
Suspension Travel: Front 5.9", Rear 4.3"
Ground Clearance: 6.7 inches
Dry Weight: 413 lbs (187 kg)
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline, 86 octane or higher
Oil Capacity: 1.9 quarts (1.8 liters)

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel valve off, choke position, spark plug	Check fuel valve, proper choke setting, inspect spark plug
Poor performance	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter	Clean/replace air filter, check fuel flow
Hard shifting	Low oil level, clutch adjustment	Check transmission oil, adjust clutch cable
Electrical issues	Battery connections, fuse	Check battery terminals, inspect main fuse
Overheating	Low coolant, dirty fins	Check oil level, clean cylinder fins
Brake problems	Worn pads, air in lines	Inspect brake pads, bleed brake system

Emergency: Always carry basic tools and first aid kit when riding.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents damage during extended non-use.

Clean thoroughly and apply protective coating to metal surfaces.
Change oil and filter before storage.
Add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes.
Inflate tires to maximum pressure and elevate off ground.
Disconnect battery and store in cool, dry place.
Cover with breathable fabric to prevent moisture buildup.

CAUTION! Store in well-ventilated area away from open flames or heat sources.

Warranty Information

Honda Limited Warranty: 6 months from date of purchase. Covers defects in materials and workmanship. Normal maintenance items and wear parts excluded. Keep original sales receipt for warranty claims.

For service assistance, contact authorized Honda dealers or American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Customer Relations at 1-800-999-1009.