Most of us know that nostalgia is an incredibly powerful drug. It makes all the sense in the world, doesn't it? I mean, if you had the opportunity, why wouldn't you want to go back to some of the happiest times of your life and relive them all over again?
Very, very few people would say no if given that chance. Certain sights, sounds, and smells can take us back almost instantly. Whether it's your grandma's secret cookie recipe from the holidays that you remember her always making (or maybe even helped her make), or the particular brand of Super Mario Brothers game you remember fighting over with your cousin, it's an instant time machine that's arguably even faster than Doc Brown's DeLorean.
You can tell a lot about which generation's turn it is to sidle up to the nostalgia counter if you watch vintage vehicle prices. If you're the type of person to pay attention to cars or powersports vehicles, then you probably have one or more examples that immediately come(s) to mind. And honestly, ATVs and trikes are no exception.
Take, for example, this insane example of a 1986 Honda ATC 250 R. The popular Honda ATC line still has plenty of fans, even 40 years (give or take) on. One recent example even went for an astonishing US $200,000 because it was still in its original crate.
Gisclair's shop, D&A Restorations, is based in Louisiana and specializes in all things ATV and ATC restoration and repair. This unique machine was just one of a recent batch of goodies he and his team recently picked up in New York.
A crated find is a crated find, so we can't show you the specific trike in question. However, we can tell you a little more about the 1986 Honda ATC 250 R. In fact, here's a really great video that goes into some of the minute changes between the 1985 and 1986 models, as well as how they differ from first-gen ATCs.
While quite a few of the differences are cosmetic, two changes that could definitely change the riding experience (arguably for the better) are a little extra seat padding on the '86, as well as an improved kicker to start the thing up. Apparently that was an issue on the '85, but Honda iterated and made it a little better the next year.
If you bought it new, how much would a 1986 Honda ATC 250 R have set you back? Probably less than US $2,500, depending on where you got it. From new toy money to new house money in 40 years is kind of a big jump, isn't it? Thanks, nostalgia.
