1988 Honda Fourtrax 250 Manual

The 1988 Honda Fourtrax 250 is a reliable all-terrain vehicle featuring a 246cc four-stroke engine, shaft drive system, electric start, front and rear suspension, dual-range transmission, and durable construction. This manual covers safety guidelines, maintenance procedures, specifications, troubleshooting, and operational instructions for proper use and care of your ATV.

1. Safety Information 2. Vehicle Specifications 3. Controls and Features 4. Operation Instructions 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Maintenance 7. Transmission and Drive System 8. Brake System 9. Electrical System 10. Troubleshooting

Safety Information

Always wear proper safety gear including helmet, eye protection, gloves, and protective clothing when operating the Fourtrax 250.

Safety Item	Description
Helmet	DOT-approved helmet required for all riders
Eye Protection	Goggles or face shield to protect from debris
Protective Clothing	Long sleeves, pants, and over-the-ankle boots
Operating Area	Use only in approved off-road areas
Passenger Policy	No passengers - designed for single rider only
Age Requirements	Operators must be 16 years or older

Vehicle Specifications

Complete technical specifications for the 1988 Honda Fourtrax 250.

Engine Type: 246cc air-cooled four-stroke single cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 74.0mm x 57.8mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Carburetor: 26mm piston valve
Ignition System: CDI electronic ignition
Starting System: Electric starter with auxiliary recoil
Transmission: 5-speed with reverse
Drive System: Shaft drive
Suspension Front: Independent double wishbone
Suspension Rear: Swingarm with dual shocks
Brakes Front: Dual hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Sealed mechanical drum
Tires Front: 22 x 7-10
Tires Rear: 22 x 10-9
Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons
Dry Weight: 386 lbs

Controls and Features

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operating the vehicle.

Control	Function
Throttle lever	Right handlebar - controls engine speed
Front brake lever	Right handlebar - operates front disc brakes
Rear brake pedal	Right foot pedal - operates rear drum brake
Shift lever	Left foot pedal - selects gears (N-1-2-3-4-5-R)
Choke knob	Left side of handlebar - for cold starting
Light switch	Right handlebar - controls headlight
Start button	Right handlebar - electric starter
Key switch	Ignition and electrical system control
Fuel valve	Under left side panel - ON/OFF/RESERVE

Operation Instructions

Proper starting and operating procedures for your Fourtrax 250.

Pre-ride Inspection: Check tires, controls, lights, oil level, and fuel
Starting Procedure: Turn fuel valve ON, set choke for cold engine, turn key ON, pull brake lever, press start button
Warm-up: Allow engine to warm for 2-3 minutes before riding
Shifting: Come to complete stop before shifting into or out of reverse
Braking: Use both front and rear brakes together for maximum stopping power
Storage: Add fuel stabilizer if storing for more than 30 days

WARNING! Never operate without proper safety gear. Avoid paved surfaces - tires not designed for pavement.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long service life and reliable operation.

Service Item	Every 100 mi	Every 500 mi	Every 1000 mi
Engine oil change	✓	✓	✓
Oil filter replacement		✓	✓
Air filter cleaning	✓	✓	✓
Spark plug inspection	✓	✓	✓
Brake inspection	✓	✓	✓
Drive shaft oil change			✓
Valve clearance check			✓
Wheel bearing inspection			✓

Engine Maintenance

Proper engine care procedures for optimal performance.

Oil Change: Use SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil, capacity 2.0 quarts with filter change
Oil Filter: Replace with genuine Honda filter (part #15412-MN1-671)
Air Filter: Clean foam element in solvent, re-oil with foam filter oil
Spark Plug: NGK DR8ES-L, gap 0.028-0.031 inches
Valve Clearance: Intake 0.002", Exhaust 0.003" (cold engine)
Carburetor: Clean jets and passages every 6 months or 500 miles

CAUTION! Always use motorcycle-specific oil - automotive oil can damage wet clutch.

Transmission and Drive System

Maintenance procedures for transmission and final drive.

Transmission Oil: SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil, capacity 1.2 quarts
Drive Shaft Oil: SAE 80W-90 gear oil, check level monthly
Shifting Issues: Adjust clutch cable if difficult shifting occurs
Clutch Adjustment: Free play at lever should be 10-20mm

Brake System

Brake maintenance and service procedures.

Component	Service Procedure	Interval
Front brake pads	Replace when worn to 1mm thickness	As needed
Front brake fluid	DOT 4 fluid, change every 2 years	24 months
Rear brake shoes	Replace when worn to service limit	As needed
Brake adjustment	Adjust rear brake pedal free play	Monthly

Electrical System

Electrical component specifications and maintenance.

Battery: 12V 8Ah, maintain fluid level, keep terminals clean
Charging System: AC generator, output 14V 15A at 5000 RPM
Headlight: 12V 30/30W halogen
Fuse: Main fuse 20A, located near battery

Troubleshooting

Common problems and solutions for the Fourtrax 250.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel valve OFF, choke not set, dead battery	Check fuel valve, set choke properly, charge battery
Hard starting when warm	Fouled spark plug, rich fuel mixture	Replace spark plug, check carburetor settings
Poor performance	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter	Clean air filter, replace fuel filter
Electrical failure	Blown fuse, loose connections	Check main fuse, inspect wiring connections
Brakes dragging	Stuck caliper, misadjusted rear brake	Clean front caliper, adjust rear brake
Transmission noise	Low oil level, worn gears	Check oil level, inspect transmission

Service Assistance: Contact authorized Honda dealer for complex repairs

Parts Information: Use genuine Honda parts for best performance and reliability