1988 Honda TRX300 Manual

The 1988 Honda TRX300 is a four-wheel ATV featuring a 282cc four-stroke engine, 5-speed transmission with reverse, shaft drive, front and rear suspension, electric start, dual-range sub-transmission, 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. Pre-Ride Inspection 3. Operation Controls 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Basic Maintenance Procedures 7. Storage Preparation 8. Safety Information 9. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 282cc OHC four-stroke engine, 5-speed transmission with reverse, shaft drive system, dual-range sub-transmission, front and rear suspension, electric start with backup recoil.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	282cc air-cooled four-stroke OHC
Transmission	5-speed with reverse
Drive System	Shaft drive
Starting System	Electric with auxiliary recoil
Suspension	Front: Double wishbone, Rear: Swingarm
Brakes	Front: Drum, Rear: Drum
Fuel Capacity	3.4 gallons
Tires	Front: 22x7-10, Rear: 22x10-10
Dry Weight	397 lbs
Load Capacity	330 lbs (including rider)

Pre-Ride Inspection

Always perform pre-ride inspection before operation.

Check engine oil level: Ensure proper level using dipstick.
Inspect tires: Check pressure and condition for damage.
Test brakes: Verify proper front and rear brake operation.
Check fuel: Ensure adequate fuel level.
Inspect controls: Test throttle, brakes, and steering.
Check lights: Verify headlight and taillight operation.

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

Operation Controls

Main controls: Handlebar controls, shift lever, brake levers, throttle, ignition switch.

Handlebar Controls: Right handlebar: Throttle, front brake lever. Left handlebar: Rear brake lever, light switch, choke, engine stop switch.

Shift Pattern: 1-N-2-3-4-5-R (Reverse). Dual-range selector: High/Low range for varying terrain. Ignition: Key start with positions OFF/ON/START. Parking brake: Lever on left side.

Specifications

Engine: 282cc 4-stroke OHC, air-cooled
Bore x Stroke: 74.0mm x 65.5mm
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Carburetor: 26mm piston valve
Ignition: CDI
Transmission: 5-speed with reverse
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension Travel: Front: 5.1 in, Rear: 5.9 in
Ground Clearance: 6.7 inches
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline, 86 octane or higher
Oil Capacity: 2.1 quarts with filter change

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Item	Every 100 mi	Every 500 mi	Every 1000 mi
Engine oil	Check	Change	-
Oil filter	-	Replace	-
Air filter	Clean	-	Replace
Spark plug	Check	-	Replace
Brake pads	Inspect	-	Replace if worn
Drive shaft	-	Lubricate	-
Wheel bearings	-	Inspect	Repack

Basic Maintenance Procedures

Engine Oil Change: Warm engine, drain oil, replace filter, refill with 10W-40 motorcycle oil.

Air Filter: Remove side cover, clean foam element in solvent, re-oil with air filter oil.
Spark Plug: Remove and inspect, gap to 0.6-0.7mm, replace if electrodes are worn.
Brake Adjustment: Adjust brake lever free play to 10-20mm.
Tire Pressure: Maintain 3.5 psi front, 3.5 psi rear for normal riding.
Drive Shaft: Grease splines every 500 miles or after water submersion.

CAUTION! Always use genuine Honda parts and recommended lubricants.

Storage Preparation

Proper storage prevents damage during extended non-use.

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.
Engine: Change oil and filter before storage.
Exterior: Clean thoroughly and apply protectant to plastic surfaces.
Storage Location: Store in dry, covered area away from moisture.

Safety Information

Always wear helmet, eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots.

WARNING! Never operate on paved roads or public streets. Avoid excessive speed. Never carry passengers. Never operate under influence of alcohol or drugs. Always inspect ATV before riding. Ride only in designated areas. This ATV is for operators 16 years and older.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, compression	Check fuel level, spark plug, choke operation, battery charge
Hard starting	Carburetor, valves	Clean carburetor, check valve clearance, inspect air filter
Poor performance	Fuel/Air mixture	Check air filter, clean carburetor, verify spark plug condition
Transmission issues	Linkage, fluid	Adjust shift linkage, check transmission oil level
Electrical problems	Battery, connections	Test battery voltage, check all electrical connections
Overheating	Cooling, oil	Check oil level, clean cooling fins, verify proper jetting

Service: Contact authorized Honda dealer for complex repairs. Use only genuine Honda parts.