The seller refers to this one as an “awesome ATC,” and I agree. The first-generation Honda Odyssey is easy to tell from the later models, as it was only available in yellow, and the roll bar was just in the back, not continued over to the front, as seen here. That being said, you now know that this 1983 Honda FL250 Odyssey isn’t a first-gen model. This second-generation red-only FL250 Odyssey can be found here on Facebook Marketplace in Luxemburg, WI, and they’re asking $2,750. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Lothar… of the Hill People for the tip!
What I wouldn’t give for a nice, big garage like this with room for four+ vehicles. Dang, what have I done with my life? We’ve only seen three Honda Odyssey ATVs here on Barn Finds over the years, so they must not come up for sale too often. Only one was a similar second-generation FL250 (1981 through 1984), and two were the later and more powerful FL350 models. Given how nice this example looks compared to the other, dusty, not-perfect FL250 we saw almost a decade ago here, this is an absolute steal.
Honda made the FL-series Odyssey ATVs beginning in 1977, and it’s hard to believe they were made at the same time as the ever-contentious three-wheeled ATCs. With a full roll cage and harness safety belt system, I don’t know how this one could be any safer than it is, or was for the time. Some general rider common sense should also play a role in using these things safely. Don’t set up a plywood ramp and jump this over 17 of your friends lying on the sidewalk, that’s just common sense, isn’t it? Maybe not, since humans are still involved.
The engine is Honda’s 248-cc two-stroke single-cylinder with around 15 horsepower. It sends that power through a V-belt torque-converter-type “transmission” to the rear wheels, and the seller says it runs great, has a newly reupholstered seat, and new motor mounts. At $2,750, this is a steal in today’s dollars. How much would you charge to deliver this, Lothar?! Have any of you owned a Honda Odyssey ATV?
Yarr, matey, tis’ no ATC,( All Terrain Cycle) that was the Honda 3 wheelers, and became the standard term for these types of vehicles, but more accurately, an ATV. More of just a fun ride, and horribly inept for any kind of rough going, and I bet just as many scary stories with these as the 3 wheelers. My nephew got a Farm &Barn Chinese knockoff of one of these, only 2 passenger, side by side for his son. On the maiden voyage, they took off with gust. Time went by, no return,,finally, they both came walking up tears and bloody, took a turn too fast, rolled the thing, and it’s been sitting in my brothers barn ever since. I suspect the same type of story here.
Thanks for catching that, Howard!
This rings me back.. A neighbor kid older than me had one of these. I don’t remember what year it was but it looked a lot like this one. Of course, he never offered anyone else to ride it though. Bu it was always fun to watch him run it. We had trails at the end of our street which is ultimately where he ran it. Kind of forgotten about these until now. Thanks for the memories Scotty. Great write up and finding this rare Honda Lothar.
Classic find, Lothar and great step back into the time that Honda again made fun to play in the dirt. Ahead of their time in many respects but they set idea in place. Polaris went so far as to offer 3 similar type models, the Ace 325 with 32 HP (good for 50MPH!), the Ace 570 and the scary fast Ace 900, all unfortunately discontinued now.
It’d be an interesting tossup between buying this at their asking price and finding an Ace 325 as they usually go for just a little more (avg price $3100)-but anyone that knows a Honda 250 Odyssey will probably have some good offroad tales of old to tell.
Although I’ve never driven one, I would imagine the limited suspension up front and no suspension in the rear, [other than the tires] would make this a pretty gut jarring ride, especially when compared to a modern ATV with travel more like a Baja race car.
Wonder why Honda never forayed into the 4wd suv/truck market. (Ridgeline, while nice, doesn’t count). I mean two speed transfer case, rugged 4wd vehicle.
LS swap.