In 1986 I bought one brand new. I was 16 yrs old and had the best time of my life on it! There wasn't any other 3 wheeler like the Tecate!!! F%$ Yeah!!!
Some epic trails in BRF area. Key to going fast on the 2S trikes was staying in the gas, bars locked, slide'r through the corner. Kawi always had the most top end weighted power band, from the Invader 440 sleds of the '70s to their 250 SX bikes of the '80s, that was their game- and the crank or rods usually paid the bill.
Those trails are sweet and that bike is in fantastic shape. They are going on 4 decades and most were trashed right from day one. Thanks for the vid and wonderful sounds!
I can’t believe you found a 86 in like 86 garage kept shape it’s like showroom new that’s a gem 💎 one of a kind that’s $10,000 easy if not more hats off to you guy wow !!
Once you master the twist throttle, you will never want to go back to a thumb throttle. I had a twist on my 85 250r. Give it more time. Just recently found your channel and really enjoy watching you rip on some classics trikes with your son. I ride with my 13 yo son also but we ride the Glamis sand dunes. I have a built Raptor 734 and he rides a KTM 525 quad. Both have twist throttles 👍🏻
I think twist would work ok in dunes. But we have woods trails and I don't want to end up head first into a tree! Lol. I just don't like it yet at all. But that's just me. Thanks for watching.
I have an '85 200X Honda that I switched over to a twist throttle 2 months after I bought it and I bought it new. I grew up riding dirt bikes and could never get used to the thumb throttle. Matter of fact I hated so much that I put it on an anvil and took a sledge hammer to it. I live in Kentucky and almost all my riding was in the woods and never once felt limited by a twist. That Tecate is a beautiful machine and great looking trails.
@@DirtyBob200X Thumb throttles are not a preference, they are a safety feature. Yes that is correct, they are for safety. Honda did so much testing that they basically proved how much safer a thumb throttle is, that most places passed laws requiring them on ATVs, which is why ATVs have thumb throttles. Not only are they a safety feature, but they are also safer and easier for people with hand problems like arthritis. Knowing the actual data, and how thumb throttles provide much faster reaction time, I would never operate an ATV without a thumb throttle. To me a thumb throttle on an ATV is just as important as a helmet.
I would change the twist throttle to a push lever style and just put the original piece up to go with the bike if you pass it on. I would also get the best handling front tire or all tires for the trail. That could make a huge difference too and just put the other stuff up in safe keeping for later. I haven't seen all your videos so I might be making suggestions that you have already done. Either way, those Tecates are awesome old-school machines and rare. Very cool! Sometimes sounds like a bumble bee flying. Or just angry at other times. A pure ripper for sure. And a Legendary wheeler. Hope you are enjoying the weather, take care!
Watching this video for the first time, but when you pulled into the gas station at Hatfield, my first thought was that’s got to be during the week because that’s the emptiest I’ve ever seen that place.
Just watched your video again and I noticed something about the rear tires. They look exactly like what I have on my ATC 200X, they are a directional tire and those look to be mounted backwards.
Awesome machine.. That's the one 3 wheeler I've always wanted, and have never seen available where I live. Seen a couple 85's but the 86 is a much better bike. As far as the twist throttle goes, I think that'd all personal preference. 90% of my riding experience has been on dirtbikes through my life. I've had enough 3 wheelers, and quads to be comfortable with q thumb throttle, but much rather have a twist throttle. I've had a couple 3 wheelers with twist throttles, and much rather have that.
I started racing on an 85 Tecate 3 as teen. My dad traded it off for a Tecate-4. I was so pissed, I KNEW quads would not become a thing. Twist throttles are great, if you break or just hurt your hand, you can duct tape hand around it and still race. Not the one I raced, but I have an 87 Tecate-4 now, lots of spare stuff, if i had a rolling chassis I could almost build another one. I'd be open to trading it for an 86 or 87 Tecate 3. Got green and white plastic, extra engine, etc. Heck I might throw in a Honda Rancher, that thing scares me, it too top heavy.
@@TheMapleDude1 dude I went to buy a truck from a guy that also had 85 Tecate for sale. He let me ride it around and jump it. Said for 600 more its yours. i kick myself now.
We had an 86 tecate, let a buddy give it a try on the sidewalk he hit the gas and literally jumped up the side of my aunts Nissan and landed on the cars roof. That bike was insane!!
@@TheMapleDude1 yeah man that bike was nuts , we all hand Hondas 250rs and fourtraxs 250r the Kawasaki was my uncle’s and every body was scared of it good times!!! Be safe
It's exhaust note seems different from crossers at idle it's more throaty than a kx250 of that era but then that tinnyness comes in...I can see your struggling with the twist throttle I suppose 30 of the thumbs then this really different...would like to see you wearing body armour,boots and maybe a neck brace, that's the dad coming out in me🤗👍👍.... Great bike trike,trails are friggin awesome...
So here's a "back in the day" story. I grew up in the northwest of California. mendocino county. Before the Commiefornia department of State Parks stole the privately owned beaches and the access to, we used to rip our 3 wheels like crazy! no harm done to the environment! after the next high tide of the ocean and the usual wind, all tracks we left were gone. Now, not only are we shunned and refused access to ride, people can't even use driftwood for a fire. Can't dipnet for nightfish either. we used to drive our trucks half way across the beach to fish. no big deal! California sure has turned into a boring shithole. I'm joining the crowd of the people that are leaving and will never look back.
Yeah that's unfortunate. I think CA is still a really cool place outside of those large urban areas and the people outside of those areas a great people and it's sad that they are being imposed upon by the liberal government that keeps getting elected.
My boss is looking for a 86 Tecate so if anyone knows where one if for sale please reply. I think he wants to spend around $8000 for a fairly nice one...is that about what they are worth?
Awesome fun. My brother got one about 20 years ago and things were so sic. He had wide rear axle which makes alot easier to go hard. Don't know why they ever stopped making them. Blaming crashes on 3 wheeler's is bullshit. You crash any bike you ride. I liked twist throttle better than thumb just because I'm used of two wheels but think they did it as bikes went so much bigger than other makes so you wouldn't slip off grip by not holding with thumb when power kicks in. I found not having guards behind pegs meant easy to get foot and leg caught under wheel. Wish he never sold.
The danger is kind of part of the fun. They don't make em like this anymore. You had one back in the hey day. I never did so just now getting to relive that Era!
I've just seen one on eBay UK for sale in Alicante Spain 87 and it's in amazing condition if your interested in buying this kind of bike have a look it's on eBay UK 👍..that's what put me on here,if I had the money to pick it up in Spain I'd definitely try and buy..seems like a genuine seller👍👍👍.oh yes it's a 9 day auction and it's starting on at £1000.
I tried a thumb throttle on my trail bike(pretty much a modded mini bike to be honest) and I just didn't like it and it hurt my thumb. Never rode on 3 wheels but Inwould think it came to preference and what one is used to not skill. Awesome ride, that is my dream bike. Wanted one since they were new.
@@TheMapleDude1I wanted to like it because I can see how it could be better for throttle control. I might just be used to the way my bike handles woth the twist throttle and it hurt my thumb
I'm not a fan of idiots in UTV's either. We have people come up to Utah from Las Vegas in particular and often drive like there is no one else on the trail, my family and I have nearly been hit by them flying around blind corners multiple times. That Tecate 3 is gorgeous man.
Somehow my dad modified his twist throttle (at the carb end) so that it wouldn't be so jumpy right off idle. Unfortunately I can't remember how he did it, but I know it was much easier to ride after that.
Twist throttles are not really good for ATV’s the reason is on dirt bikes, your holding it with your legs. Quads and three wheelers have lower seat heights. And when you modify PJ carbs work better and accept the Honda cable and thumb throttle. It’s what I used for the KXT500 I made myself.
That back axle. Two chain drives? A bike-trike build? Back axle. Power transfer. Skillful driving. There is skill in vehicle selection. Maintaining. Build. You vehicle. Price. Man? I not even rolling a skateboard! But hiring taxis. Pretty scary actually. Because, in the hands of random drivers. Loosing traction.
@@TheMapleDude1 thanks. It must take a lot of skill to ride a trike. My friend had an accident on his unfortunately. At least you have access to a motor vehicle there and, I was thinking. Not many folks will want to steal it! Because it's likely that they will crash. Or there is something better to steal. It's interesting. That you focus on the back axle that kind of appears to have missing parts!
@@TheMapleDude1 How many motorcycles have a thumb throttle zero why because thumb throttle sux. So why in the h*** ATC's and ATV's did it I don't know But it's definitely not the same I feel perfectly in control With either
@@TheMapleDude1 if you have the cash should get a Honda 4-trx 250r. honda 4trax 250r may not be faster than a banshee but 4-trax 250r is faster in the trails then a banshee and Suzuki LT250R. 4-trax 250r have way better suspension but if you can find a good deal you should get 4-trax 250r
Dude, after you take off on the tecate, the clutch isn't needed until you decide to stop. You're going to foul the plug. It has the powe r to not need a push throttle. It's a 3 wheel bike not an atv
Dude…you are literally riding the holy grail of all atv’s. Bravo.
Thanks brother
In 1986 I bought one brand new. I was 16 yrs old and had the best time of my life on it! There wasn't any other 3 wheeler like the Tecate!!! F%$ Yeah!!!
Awesome man, I was just a little too young at that time. I had to settle for a Suzuki alt 125 3 wheeler!
@@TheMapleDude1 I wish I had never sold mine.
Your right I sold my and I would love to get another
Some epic trails in BRF area. Key to going fast on the 2S trikes was staying in the gas, bars locked, slide'r through the corner. Kawi always had the most top end weighted power band, from the Invader 440 sleds of the '70s to their 250 SX bikes of the '80s, that was their game- and the crank or rods usually paid the bill.
Those trails are sweet and that bike is in fantastic shape. They are going on 4 decades and most were trashed right from day one. Thanks for the vid and wonderful sounds!
I appreciate it thanks for watching!
I can’t believe you found a 86 in like 86 garage kept shape it’s like showroom new that’s a gem 💎 one of a kind that’s $10,000 easy if not more hats off to you guy wow !!
That is a killer 3 wheeler ! Beautiful machine.
Thanks man!
Owned sounds just like my ‘86 and it was hard raced!!!! Loved it!!
Whyd ya get rid of it?
That’s a awesome place looks like a weekend event camping fishing riding hit the bar wish NChad a place like that
We are fortunate to have some good riding places close by.
Once you master the twist throttle, you will never want to go back to a thumb throttle. I had a twist on my 85 250r. Give it more time. Just recently found your channel and really enjoy watching you rip on some classics trikes with your son. I ride with my 13 yo son also but we ride the Glamis sand dunes. I have a built Raptor 734 and he rides a KTM 525 quad. Both have twist throttles 👍🏻
I think twist would work ok in dunes. But we have woods trails and I don't want to end up head first into a tree! Lol. I just don't like it yet at all. But that's just me. Thanks for watching.
I have an '85 200X Honda that I switched over to a twist throttle 2 months after I bought it and I bought it new. I grew up riding dirt bikes and could never get used to the thumb throttle. Matter of fact I hated so much that I put it on an anvil and took a sledge hammer to it. I live in Kentucky and almost all my riding was in the woods and never once felt limited by a twist. That Tecate is a beautiful machine and great looking trails.
@@DirtyBob200X man I just can't do it. But if it's what you know I suppose it's different.
@@TheMapleDude1 It's all good, just whatever you get used to and prefer.
@@DirtyBob200X Thumb throttles are not a preference, they are a safety feature. Yes that is correct, they are for safety. Honda did so much testing that they basically proved how much safer a thumb throttle is, that most places passed laws requiring them on ATVs, which is why ATVs have thumb throttles. Not only are they a safety feature, but they are also safer and easier for people with hand problems like arthritis. Knowing the actual data, and how thumb throttles provide much faster reaction time, I would never operate an ATV without a thumb throttle. To me a thumb throttle on an ATV is just as important as a helmet.
Awesome trike man, I'm a Yamaha guy but have always loved the Tecate trike and quad. Have fun rippin on that beauty!
Thanks it's a beast.
I would change the twist throttle to a push lever style and just put the original piece up to go with the bike if you pass it on. I would also get the best handling front tire or all tires for the trail. That could make a huge difference too and just put the other stuff up in safe keeping for later. I haven't seen all your videos so I might be making suggestions that you have already done. Either way, those Tecates are awesome old-school machines and rare. Very cool! Sometimes sounds like a bumble bee flying. Or just angry at other times. A pure ripper for sure. And a Legendary wheeler. Hope you are enjoying the weather, take care!
Hey mam thanks for the suggestion. I did just that. I just hate a twist throttle on an atv.
Best and fastest three wheeler ever made. Hope to find one for sale one day
Check out our other videos where we race it.
Next to the 250r best overall machine 😊
Trails you have in America are just amazing....
We do have some nice ones. Where are you?
That’s a sweet 3 wheeler !
☝
Awesome. Truly loved it. That tank can be polished so you get the oxidation off. Beautiful machine.
Yeah it needs to be done for sure.
I love these old T3's... So much, I started building and selling replacement CDI's for them :)
Nice where can I get one if I need it?
@RubberSalt
I have the same question.
It sounds good and is idle right and its fast 💯 you ride good to bro 💪💯
Thanks
@TheMapleDude1 your always welcome
Watching this video for the first time, but when you pulled into the gas station at Hatfield, my first thought was that’s got to be during the week because that’s the emptiest I’ve ever seen that place.
I believe that was a weekend.
I became jealous of you today haha sick trike!
I totally understand my man.
had a red one back in 84 , fastest 3 wheeler around WFO
Nice!!!
Is this street legal?
Can I buy this to use for doordash and UberEats deliveries?
I NEED HELP
I like the idea.
Just watched your video again and I noticed something about the rear tires. They look exactly like what I have on my ATC 200X, they are a directional tire and those look to be mounted backwards.
Yeah they could have been. They were Hoosier tires. I got rid of them for a better trail riding tire.
@@TheMapleDude1 My tires are new made by Sun F, don't have much time on them yet but I think they will be okay. Glad you found a good set of tires.
100% correct backwards on the tires = questionable feel
Awesome machine.. That's the one 3 wheeler I've always wanted, and have never seen available where I live. Seen a couple 85's but the 86 is a much better bike. As far as the twist throttle goes, I think that'd all personal preference. 90% of my riding experience has been on dirtbikes through my life. I've had enough 3 wheelers, and quads to be comfortable with q thumb throttle, but much rather have a twist throttle. I've had a couple 3 wheelers with twist throttles, and much rather have that.
Man I hear you but I just cannot do a twist on an atv.
I started racing on an 85 Tecate 3 as teen. My dad traded it off for a Tecate-4. I was so pissed, I KNEW quads would not become a thing. Twist throttles are great, if you break or just hurt your hand, you can duct tape hand around it and still race. Not the one I raced, but I have an 87 Tecate-4 now, lots of spare stuff, if i had a rolling chassis I could almost build another one. I'd be open to trading it for an 86 or 87 Tecate 3. Got green and white plastic, extra engine, etc. Heck I might throw in a Honda Rancher, that thing scares me, it too top heavy.
Honestly the 85 Tecates were soo ugly but that made them super cool too. I want one!
@@TheMapleDude1 dude I went to buy a truck from a guy that also had 85 Tecate for sale. He let me ride it around and jump it. Said for 600 more its yours. i kick myself now.
So beautiful 💚
It's a looker!
We had an 86 tecate, let a buddy give it a try on the sidewalk he hit the gas and literally jumped up the side of my aunts Nissan and landed on the cars roof. That bike was insane!!
I love that story cause I had a crazy situation when I first got on this one.
@@TheMapleDude1 yeah man that bike was nuts , we all hand Hondas 250rs and fourtraxs 250r the Kawasaki was my uncle’s and every body was scared of it good times!!! Be safe
It's exhaust note seems different from crossers at idle it's more throaty than a kx250 of that era but then that tinnyness comes in...I can see your struggling with the twist throttle I suppose 30 of the thumbs then this really different...would like to see you wearing body armour,boots and maybe a neck brace, that's the dad coming out in me🤗👍👍.... Great bike trike,trails are friggin awesome...
I hear you I do want to get more riding gear. Thanks for watching!
So here's a "back in the day" story. I grew up in the northwest of California. mendocino county. Before the Commiefornia department of State Parks stole the privately owned beaches and the access to, we used to rip our 3 wheels like crazy! no harm done to the environment! after the next high tide of the ocean and the usual wind, all tracks we left were gone. Now, not only are we shunned and refused access to ride, people can't even use driftwood for a fire. Can't dipnet for nightfish either. we used to drive our trucks half way across the beach to fish. no big deal! California sure has turned into a boring shithole. I'm joining the crowd of the people that are leaving and will never look back.
Yeah that's unfortunate. I think CA is still a really cool place outside of those large urban areas and the people outside of those areas a great people and it's sad that they are being imposed upon by the liberal government that keeps getting elected.
Saw a really clean one for sale the other day for 4k. Still regret not getting it
Ya shoulda grabbed it!
My boss is looking for a 86 Tecate so if anyone knows where one if for sale please reply. I think he wants to spend around $8000 for a fairly nice one...is that about what they are worth?
They are at least that much and way more.
@@TheMapleDude1 He bought a ATC250R last night on eBay $10,000..from a Texas seller...he already has the Tri-Z, now he really wants the Tecate
Awesome fun. My brother got one about 20 years ago and things were so sic. He had wide rear axle which makes alot easier to go hard. Don't know why they ever stopped making them. Blaming crashes on 3 wheeler's is bullshit. You crash any bike you ride. I liked twist throttle better than thumb just because I'm used of two wheels but think they did it as bikes went so much bigger than other makes so you wouldn't slip off grip by not holding with thumb when power kicks in. I found not having guards behind pegs meant easy to get foot and leg caught under wheel. Wish he never sold.
The danger is kind of part of the fun. They don't make em like this anymore. You had one back in the hey day. I never did so just now getting to relive that Era!
Yeah buddy🤘 all i can find is 84 models which im happy with but i want a 86!
Best of luck.
we have just found a 1987 one Spain, in very good condition, vids coming soon
Cool
I've just seen one on eBay UK for sale in Alicante Spain 87 and it's in amazing condition if your interested in buying this kind of bike have a look it's on eBay UK 👍..that's what put me on here,if I had the money to pick it up in Spain I'd definitely try and buy..seems like a genuine seller👍👍👍.oh yes it's a 9 day auction and it's starting on at £1000.
@@briandoyle6188 that is our one, if you are interested we can talk direct, episode 2 of the rebuild is now live on UA-cam @zentecgarage
@@briandoyle6188 i think I is ours
@@briandoyle6188 we are selling it
I tried a thumb throttle on my trail bike(pretty much a modded mini bike to be honest) and I just didn't like it and it hurt my thumb.
Never rode on 3 wheels but Inwould think it came to preference and what one is used to not skill.
Awesome ride, that is my dream bike.
Wanted one since they were new.
I think you're right it's preference. I just do not like twist throttle I can't ride them.
@@TheMapleDude1I wanted to like it because I can see how it could be better for throttle
control.
I might just be used to the way my bike handles woth the twist throttle and it hurt my thumb
Was the twist throttle stock? I don’t think so but maybe on the Kawi’s it was? Btw, how do you find these deals?! Love all your videos.
Yes that was stock, and I don't like it. But thanks for watching!
Really nice bike I don’t know if you’re not revving high or it’s the bike. Sounds like it’s breaking up on top. Tecates usually sing till the top 🎶
Thanks. It may have needed some tuning at the time of the video.
what would an 84' Tecate 250 in really condition sell for these days?
Around $5k
I'm not a fan of idiots in UTV's either. We have people come up to Utah from Las Vegas in particular and often drive like there is no one else on the trail, my family and I have nearly been hit by them flying around blind corners multiple times. That Tecate 3 is gorgeous man.
Yeah thanks man. I agree you nearly get killed now with those things!
how much distance do you do with a one tank?
To be honest I don't know.
These almost never come up for sale anymore. I’ve been hunting one for over a decade.
Very hard to find. I got lucky.
Okay, Maple Dude, you own all of my favorite toys. Which is the one you most love riding? Hope all is well!
Too be honest the best all around riding 3 wheeler is the Tri Z in my opinion.
Somehow my dad modified his twist throttle (at the carb end) so that it wouldn't be so jumpy right off idle. Unfortunately I can't remember how he did it, but I know it was much easier to ride after that.
Interesting. We did end up getting an old Tecate 4 thumb throttle for it. Now we can ride it much easier!
@@TheMapleDude1 That's great! It's a mean machine and looks the part!
Twist throttles are not really good for ATV’s the reason is on dirt bikes, your holding it with your legs. Quads and three wheelers have lower seat heights. And when you modify PJ carbs work better and accept the Honda cable and thumb throttle. It’s what I used for the KXT500 I made myself.
Totally agree twist makes atv riding unbearable.
Guy looks like Jeff Stanton team Honda 1989 to 1994
Last time I seen one of these was in 89. A friend of my dad's got hurt on it. That's a dangerous machine, not for a kid
He doesn't trail ride it.
That back axle. Two chain drives? A bike-trike build?
Back axle. Power transfer. Skillful driving.
There is skill in vehicle selection. Maintaining. Build. You vehicle.
Price. Man? I not even rolling a skateboard! But hiring taxis.
Pretty scary actually. Because, in the hands of random drivers. Loosing traction.
Interesting ideas there.
@@TheMapleDude1 thanks. It must take a lot of skill to ride a trike.
My friend had an accident on his unfortunately.
At least you have access to a motor vehicle there and, I was thinking. Not many folks will want to steal it!
Because it's likely that they will crash. Or there is something better to steal. It's interesting. That you focus on the back axle that kind of appears to have missing parts!
Twist throttle all the way
To each his own, but I hate it.
@@TheMapleDude1 How many motorcycles have a thumb throttle zero why because thumb throttle sux. So why in the h*** ATC's and ATV's did it I don't know But it's definitely not the same I feel perfectly in control With either
you probably can get thumb throttle for it
Yep I did get one.
@@TheMapleDude1 if you have the cash should get a Honda 4-trx 250r. honda 4trax 250r may not be faster than a banshee but 4-trax 250r is faster in the trails then a banshee and Suzuki LT250R. 4-trax 250r have way better suspension but if you can find a good deal you should get 4-trax 250r
@@funtyes1970 that's what I heard. I do want to find one someday.
Bet you got to hold on that’s a beast baddest 3 wheeler they made Kawasaki went a little extra over Honda I bet it beats the shit out of you
Yes it's hard to handle. Vibrates a lot more than a honda too.
Id change it to thumb throttle
We did
Bud light drinkers aren't the most skilled people 😂
Right on!
I would lose that twist throttle. Put a thumb throttle on it.
Yep we did that. Much better.
Dude, after you take off on the tecate, the clutch isn't needed until you decide to stop. You're going to foul the plug. It has the powe r to not need a push throttle. It's a 3 wheel bike not an atv
Never fouled it, but ok my guy.
Once you get use to the twist throttle you will never want the thumb throttle again
I actually found a thumb for it and installed it.
He needs to run better fuel sounds like detonation up top. 87 ethanol will kill a small engine
I run non Ethonal 93 my friend
Nice machine but the 250r is a far better machine in general
I don't disagree with you. I have one. But the tecate turms more heads easily.
Trails out there are just dirt roads
No, not all are.
I hate twist throttle on atv
Me too.
**** sxs
👎to sxs
Twist throttle is the dumbest move on an atc
100% agree
That’s a sweet 3 wheeler !
Yeah it is.