What are the differences between the Honda 250r 86-87 and 88-89 models? The more info the better. Thanks!

 

gear ratio's are taller in the 86-87 and shorter in the 88's-89's in the upper gears. They fixed the weak clutch rod bearing in the 86-87. Those are the main thing changed if i can remember right

 

Are there any frame, swingarm, etc. differences?

 

oh you want everything...im sorry, i thought you meant just motor wise. I know ill miss a lot of things, but the radiators are different, the 88-89 use a different top spicket then the 86-87. I think the 86 goes out of the frame down tube and the 88 has a 90 degree off the radiator and tucks under the down tube. The swingarms are a lot different. The 86 uses a steel swingarm and the 88 uses a -1 aluminum swingarm. The back motor mount on the 86 uses a bracket that the swingarm connects to and bolts to the upper and lower rear motor mount. Seat latches are different, the 88 seat is different as well as the seat pan. Differences in plastic, plastic design, and plastic color. I know i missed a lot, but those are some of the basics.

 

In your opinion, which of the two models are better? Why do you think this?

 

88-89 because of the motor is stronger, better built and has the shorter gear ratio which i like. The swingarm is lighter in the is a better overall design. I like the 87 plastic the most though.

 

1988 and 1989 had the swingarms with 4 pinch bolts instead of 2, but the a-arms went to the non-removable ball joint style. 1986 and 1987 had the removable ball joint a-arms on the upper side only and the 1987 was interchangeable in the newer frames. The 1986 had bigger mounting brackets and the a-arms would not work on anything other than a 1986. The 1986 models had a longer swingarm on them (1" longer) The 1986 and 1987 had the rear mount that went through the motor and between the swingarm the 1988 and 1989 did not.

The 1989 model had a threaded water pump impeller, the rest did not.

The cylinder was changed after 1986 to make use of a longer (+5mm) connecting rod. The 1987 cylinder features a bridged intake port, revised exhaust port timing and a greater arc to the main transfers. The 1988/89 cylinders feature improved arc to the rear transfer ports as well. Over the years the heads dome (radius) was smaller as the squish area was made wider. The squish area was still too loose to be of much help. The carburetor mounting boot received an update to the O-ring style after 1986 too. All of the years except 1989 recommended the BR8ES plug - 1989 recommened spark plug was BR7ES.

1988 & 1989 had a spacer behind the kickstarter to keep the gear in place.

1989 had a needle bearing pressure plate as an update.

I would have to say 1989 was the best year if you go by all of the updates they had on them.

 

In addition to the above,
88-89 Models had lighter Aluminum Wheels. late,zubbeyboy

 

I also forgot the rear shock linkage is all the same except for the "dogbone" it is shorter on the 1988-89 models.

 

All years had aluminum wheels, it's just that the 86-87 were gold anodized.
I think the 86 is the only year with a bridged exhust port.
All years, in stock trim, had same wheelbase, length and width.
All years were 246cc stock engine, 36-38 hp at flywheel.