1988 Honda TRX250X Manual

The 1988 Honda TRX250X is a sport ATV featuring a 246cc air-cooled four-stroke engine, 5-speed manual transmission with reverse, front and rear suspension, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, and electric start. Below are key sections for safety, features, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Pre-Ride Inspection 3. Operation Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Instruments 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Maintenance 8. Safety Precautions 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 246cc OHC engine, manual clutch, front and rear suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, electric start with backup recoil.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	246cc air-cooled four-stroke OHC
Transmission	5-speed manual with reverse
Starting System	Electric with auxiliary recoil
Suspension Front	Independent double wishbone
Suspension Rear	Swingarm with single shock
Brakes Front/Rear	Hydraulic disc
Fuel Capacity	2.6 gallons
Dry Weight	324 lbs
Ground Clearance	6.3 inches
Tire Size Front	22x7-10
Tire Size Rear	22x10-9

Pre-Ride Inspection

Always perform pre-ride inspection before operation.

Check engine oil level: Ensure proper level on dipstick.
Inspect tires: Check pressure and condition.
Test brakes: Verify proper front and rear brake operation.
Check fuel level: Fill with unleaded gasoline if needed.
Inspect controls: Verify throttle, clutch, and brake lever operation.

WARNING! Never operate ATV without proper inspection. Failure to inspect may result in accident or injury.

Operation Instructions

Starting and operating procedures for safe use.

Starting engine: Turn key to ON, shift to neutral, pull choke (cold engine), press start button.
Shifting gears: Use clutch lever to shift through 5 forward gears and reverse.
Braking: Apply both front and rear brakes for maximum stopping power.
Turning: Lean body into turns and reduce speed appropriately.

CAUTION! Always wear proper safety gear including helmet, eye protection, gloves, and boots.

Specifications

Engine: 246cc air-cooled four-stroke OHC
Bore x Stroke: 66.0mm x 72.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Carburetor: 26mm piston valve
Ignition: CDI
Transmission: 5-speed with reverse
Drive System: Shaft drive
Suspension Travel Front: 6.7 inches
Suspension Travel Rear: 6.9 inches
Brakes: Dual hydraulic disc
Dimensions (LxWxH): 68.3" x 42.5" x 41.3"
Wheelbase: 46.1 inches

Controls and Instruments

Main controls: Handlebar controls, instrument panel, foot controls.

Handlebar Left: Clutch lever, headlight dimmer switch, turn signal switch, horn button.

Handlebar Right: Front brake lever, throttle, engine stop switch, start button.

Instrument Panel: Speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, neutral/reverse indicator lights, fuel gauge.

Foot Controls: Gear shift lever, rear brake pedal.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Item	Every 100 mi	Every 500 mi	Every 1000 mi
Engine oil	Inspect	Change	-
Oil filter	-	Replace	-
Air filter	Clean	-	Replace
Spark plug	-	Inspect	Replace
Brake fluid	Inspect	-	Replace
Drive shaft oil	-	-	Change

Engine Maintenance

Engine service procedures and specifications.

Oil change: Drain plug removal, refill with 10W-40 motorcycle oil (1.9 quarts).
Valve clearance: Intake 0.004 in, exhaust 0.005 in (cold engine).
Spark plug: NGK DR8ES-L, gap 0.028-0.031 in.
Carburetor adjustment: Pilot screw 2-1/8 turns out.
Idle speed: 1400 ± 100 rpm.

WARNING! Engine must be cool before performing maintenance to prevent burns.

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety guidelines for ATV operation.

Always wear DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots.
Never carry passengers - designed for operator only.
Never operate on public roads.
Avoid paved surfaces - reduced traction and control.
Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Supervise riders under 16 years old.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage procedures for extended periods.

Fuel system: Add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes.
Battery: Remove and store in cool, dry place; charge monthly.
Tires: Inflate to recommended pressure and elevate off ground.
Cleaning: Wash thoroughly and apply wax to plastic components.
Storage location: Cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.

CAUTION! Store with ethanol-free fuel if possible to prevent fuel system damage.

Regulatory Information

Manufactured by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for 1988 model year. Copyright © 1988 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. For technical assistance, contact Honda Customer Service at 1-800-426-7701 or visit authorized Honda dealership.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, compression	Check fuel level, spark plug, choke operation, battery charge.
Poor performance	Air filter, carburetor	Clean air filter, check carburetor settings, fuel quality.
Hard shifting	Clutch adjustment	Adjust clutch cable free play to 10-20mm.
Brakes dragging	Caliper, fluid	Check caliper operation, brake fluid level and condition.
Electrical issues	Battery, connections	Check battery voltage, clean connections, test fuses.

Service: Contact authorized Honda dealer for major repairs.

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